Officially Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park this gem of a park lies just outside of Niceville in the western part of the Florida panhandle. The park is worthy of a week stay if you are a fisherman, kayaker, hiker, biker. In addition, it is close to Henderson Beach State Park (you can use your campground pass for a day visit), not far to Eglin AFB museum, within a day trip to the Pensacola NAS museum, and other beach state parks. A lot to do in a small radius.
All 42 sites are fully shaded, level, sand/gravel and are corralled. Most are separated by shrubs and/or ample space. Ours, #33, was huge and faced the bayou. Each has 50/30/20amp electric, and water. There are no pull through sites, but all are pretty spacious. The bath house looks to be pretty new and is very clean. The whole park is clean and well maintained. The staff is great.
Across from our site was a free area with a pavilion and picnic tables. This is for the campers. There is a large separate day area a short walk/ride from the campground.
The loop road is paved and maneuvering is easy. Including the loop road, there is about 3 miles of paved road for biking. Some slight elevation change heading to the day park area.
Walk across the loop road and free area in front of our site, a wood and sand stairway leads down to the bayou. Caution, Florida, gators.
Walk across the loop road and free area in front of our site, a wood and sand stairway leads down to the bayou. Caution, Florida, gators.
The bayou.
Driftwood along the bayou trail shore.
Seeking sunlight this pine is growing virtually horizontal out of the shore.
The park has three hike/bike trails. Two are about a half mile. The third, a little over a mile and has elevation changes.
The entrance and exit of the half mile Rocky Bayou Nature Trail.
Along this trail there was an abundance of lichen. My dad used a lot of this for making scenery in his model train days.
A section of one of the trails. Most of the way is shady and less roots.
Red Cedar along the Red Cedar trail. Is anybody in there? Always wonder if things like this are some critter's home.
Another one of those neat root formations along the way.
Pretty white shrub flower on the shortcut trail to the day use area.
Closer look at the bloom. Not sure what it is.
Puddin' Head Lake and ravine. There is an ongoing project to restore the lake to improve the quality of the nearby bay.
One of many American White lilies growing in the lake.
The entrance and exit of the half mile Rocky Bayou Nature Trail.
Along this trail there was an abundance of lichen. My dad used a lot of this for making scenery in his model train days.
A section of one of the trails. Most of the way is shady and less roots.
Red Cedar along the Red Cedar trail. Is anybody in there? Always wonder if things like this are some critter's home.
Another one of those neat root formations along the way.
Closer look at the bloom. Not sure what it is.
Puddin' Head Lake and ravine. There is an ongoing project to restore the lake to improve the quality of the nearby bay.
The day use area is huge. All shaded it has pavilions, picnic tables, an exercise trail with stations along the way for to exercise different muscle groups, fishing and a canoe launch. Family friendly.
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