Think of Big Lagoon State Park as a gateway. It not only offers swimming, boating, fishing, camping, hiking and paddling, but adventurers also can begin or end a 1,515-mile sea kayaking journey on the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail around the entire state. The top half of a kayak embedded in sand marks the launch site along with a box containing a weathered log book.
The park is also a gateway for the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. The park is a stopover for more than 23 species of wood-warbler and a variety of ducks, sandpipers and black-bellied plovers. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair from the ranger station and roam the shore and extensive coastal forest, or climb the three-story observation tower for a bird’s-eye view.
Begin your outdoor adventure at Big Lagoon State Park!
Experiences
Amphitheater
The amphitheater is available for rent at this park. Rentals cover the cost of the facility ONLY, and does not cover park entrance fees. Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance by calling (850) 492-1595. The amphitheater features stadium-style bench seating, for up to 250 people. Electricity, water, attached restrooms and trash receptacles are included. The fee is $150.00 +tax per day (does not include park entrance fees).
Bicycling
Bicycling is popular along the 2.5-mile long paved main park drive. Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
Birding
Birding opportunities (sea birds, shore birds, and migratory birds) are available at the park.
Camping Full Facility
Camping is available in designated areas. Surrounded by beautiful pine flats, this campground has 75 sites, each equipped with 30/50amp electric, water, a picnic table, and a fire ring/ground grill. Three full-service restrooms and a dump station are available. Pets are welcome in the campground.
Maximum RV length = 40 ft.
Reservations: Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book Online or call (800) 326-3521 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or TDD (888) 433-0287.
Camping, Primitive Grp
A primitive group/youth camp is available. Minimum size of group: 11 persons. Maximum size of group: 40 persons. There's a limit of 10 vehicles in youth camp. Size of group and vehicles includes not only campers in the group/youth camp, but also day visitors with the group.
Reservations may be made ahead of time by calling (850) 492-1595. Youth group (more than 50% under 18 years of age) reservations may be made 60 days in advance. Adult group (less than 50% under 18 years of age) reservations may be made 30 days in advance.
Fees
$1/night per person under 18 years old
$5/night per person 18 years or older
Canoeing and Kayaking
A hand launch is available at this park.
Kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available from the Ranger Station.
Fishing
Fishing brings in redfish, bluefish, flounder and sea trout seasonally. Crabbing and castnetting for mullet in the lagoon are also popular.
All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Geo-Seeking
Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices. It's effectively an inexpensive, interactive, high-tech treasure hunt that's a great way to learn geography. Participants use location coordinates to find caches. Some caches are easy to find; others are more difficult. The biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place where you have never been. Geocaching should have minimal impact to the environment and conscientious land use ethics should be followed.
Operation Recreation GeoTour
Hiking
This park offers 5 miles of hiking and nature trails.
Pets
Pets are allowed in designated areas only. Escambia County prohibits pets on beaches and/or waterways.
Picnicking
Picnic tables, grills, and and covered shelters are all available.
Star Gazing
Star Gazing programs are offered throughout the year at the park. Please check out the events listing on this website for the next upcoming date, or call the Ranger Station at (850) 492-1595.
Swimming
Swimming is available in designated areas along the Intracoastal Waterway. There are no lifeguards on duty. Swimming is at your own risk.
Walking
The park offers 5 miles of hiking and nature trails for walking.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is possible at this park.
Amenities
Beaches
Small beach areas along the quiet waters of the Intracoastal Waterway (NOTE: NOT Gulf of Mexico beaches) are the perfect place to relax or play. Please use caution! Lifeguards are not provided.
Showers - Day Visitors
Public showers are available. Outdoor open showers are located at the various picnic areas in the park. Hot-water enclosed showers are located in the campground and are available for registered campers.
Boat Ramp
A two-lane boat ramp is available on the Intracoastal Waterway.
Canoe Kayak Launch
A hand launch is available at this park.
Picnic Pavilion
There are 15 family style pavilions that will seat from 10 to 150 people. There are grills and trash cans at each pavilion, and a restroom near by.
Playground
Playgrounds are available in the campground and at the West Beach Use Area in the park.
