Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park

About Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park

Rocky Bayou, the main feature of the park, is located at the back of Choctawhatchee Bay and is popular for boating and fishing. A two-lane boat ramp makes it the starting point for the bay, where freshwater and saltwater fish can be found. The property now preserves beautiful old, long, green pine trees that are over 300 years old and once dominated the Florida area. Fred Gannon and his wife Mary Ann were instrumental in transforming the site from a bomb training ground into a picturesque state park after World War II.

Puddin Head Lake in the center of the park is a great spot for freshwater fishing and canoeing, and a well-shaded campground is available for full camping. Other fun activities include hiking, biking, picnicking and wildlife watching, as well as fishing, boating, kayaking and other activities.

The Sand Pine Trail follows the east bank of Puddin Head Lake, and the Red Cedar Trail is located on the west bank, east of the lake and west of its entrance. The seven - and - a - half acre lake is a great place for fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and other recreational activities.

Next to the Sandpine Trail is the Rocky Bayou Trail, and a circular trail runs along the scenic Bayou coast.

The park's coastline is home to the most fragile ecosystem known as the estuary of seagrass, a rare community designated a water reserve by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Park Service.

Dolphins and otters are often seen here, and birds abound, and the hiking trails are a popular spot for birdwatchers, with occasional sightings of bald eagles.

The park is an excellent facility for campers, and if you are a tent camper or camper enthusiast, you have 42 spacious, clean and shady pitches that meet your needs. Each pitch has its own bathroom, shower and shower cabin, a modern, heated and air conditioned bath house offers you all the comfort you need. Some have a view of the water, others have a view of the water and some even of waterfalls.

This area is located in a picnic pavilion overlooking the Bayou, where boaters can park their vehicles, boats and trailers and take advantage of the convenient double-take-off facilities. The overnight mooring is not allowed, but there is a park and the boater has to pay entrance fees to enter the park.

Bring your own canoe or kayak to explore the beautiful waters of Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park and its surroundings. Boaters can park their vehicles, boats and trailers there and use the practical facilities for double and excursions. The overnight mooring is not allowed, but there is a park and the boater has to pay entrance fees to enter the park.

The water is designated a water conservation area by the rare community and is one of the few in the state of Louisiana.

Dolphins and otters are often seen here, and birds abound, and the hiking trails are a popular spot for birdwatchers, with occasional sightings of bald eagles. Enjoy scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, and a day trip to Grand Isle National Wildlife Refuge.

A popular time for a leisurely ride (approx.) The park is open during the summer months. The park, which is fed by freshwater lakes, and the freshwater streams that flow into the tidal-influenced Rocky Bayou, offer many types of fishing. Saltwater fish can be caught, while freshwater fishing is also possible where Rocky Creek flows out of the bay. More common fish are mullet, trout and flounder, but also sea and freshwater trout and whitefish are popular.

For safety reasons, persons under 16 years of age are legally obliged to wear a properly seated bicycle helmet. To preserve the natural areas of the park, bicycles are restricted to the roadway and are not allowed on the paths or parking lots.

Pets are allowed in designated all-day campsites, but must be kept on a leash that is at least 1.20 m long in one hand. Pet owners are obliged to collect their animals at least 30 minutes before the start of the activities at the entrance of the park. Pets are not allowed on the paths, in the car parks or on any other designated day - at the campsite. Pets are not allowed on public land such as roads, pavements and paths.

In some areas of Florida State Park, farm animals are welcome, but not farm animals. There are no courtesy cushions in the park and no pets - free areas such as picnic areas, picnic tables or picnic benches.

Quiet time must be observed from 23: 00 to 08: 30, and pets must observe this time. No animal may be left tied up or unattended for more than 30 minutes, no longer than 2 hours and no less than 5 minutes at any time of day.

Florida law requires that all pets be vaccinated against rabies, and their owners must collect their pets and vaccinate them against the disease.

Animals that are noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive must not stay in the park and must be locked up.

Animals may not be kept on the grounds of the park and any violation of this rule may result in campers being asked to remove the animal from the park or leave the campsite.

The park is approximately three miles to the left (see parking sign on the right) and you will need to take Interstate 10 to reach Highway 20 to enter the park.