Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
The park is open 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year and is one of the best spots for paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, biking and canoeing.
Paddleboard Rocky Bayou
Go north to experience wildlife, calm water, and a gorgeous shoreline!
Kids of all ages will love exploring and paddling the bayou at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park. You can rent your paddleboards at the ranger station where you pay for entry. The cost is $20/2 hours and includes a paddleboard, paddle and a life jacket. The paddleboards are conveniently located down by the water near a sandy beach where you can launch. The boards can run out if the park is busy, so your best bet is to head to Rocky Bayou in the morning.
Your family will love searching for hermit crabs along the shore and watching mullet jumping out of the water. Make sure to paddleboard under the bridge and along the shoreline to look for wildlife.
Rocky Bayou is an aquatic preserve designated in 1970 and is a nesting site for osprey and bald eagles, so make sure to bring your binoculars!
Local Scout Tip
After paddleboarding, enjoy the playground, picnic areas and hiking trails throughout Rocky Bayou State Park.
What kids are saying
Where to Go
LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Located at the Bluewater Bay Marina, LJ Schooners has a beach for kids, perfectly shaded outdoor seating and offers hook and cook for after your fishing trip.
Where to Stay
Best Western Niceville-Eglin AFB Hotel
Best Western Niceville offers great accomodations and breakfast, only a short distance from Turkey Creek.
Comfort Suites Niceville Near Eglin Air Force Base
Conveniently located near Eglin Airforce base, Comfort Suites Niceville offers complimentary breakfast and rooms/suites with tubs, perfect for small kids.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Niceville-Eglin Area
Holiday Inn Express Niceville is complete with complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool and large suites–perfect for families.
Food + Drink
LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Located at the Bluewater Bay Marina, LJ Schooners has a beach for kids, perfectly shaded outdoor seating and offers hook and cook for after your fishing trip.
With waterfront dining on the Boggy Bayou and live music in the summer, Boathouse Landing is a local Valparaiso favorite.
