We arrived at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park early and set up in a large, secluded site (all the sites are).
The campground is small, just 42 sites, located on Rocky Bayou with access to the Choctawhatchee Bay.
The campground is small, just 42 sites, located on Rocky Bayou with access to the Choctawhatchee Bay.
The campground full of trees and surrounded by water.
There are picnic tables, a pavilion, and a playground.
Park History Lesson: The park was given to the War Department in
1940. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor,
Lt Colonel James Doolittle spent time preparing his squadron for the first
bombing of Japan. They say remnants of the
test bombs are thought to still be in the park.
A concrete bomb that is believed to be one of those dropped by the
squadron is still on site.
I don’t normally do those trails by myself due to creatures
in the woods and the marshes but wanted to see the bomb, so I hiked it.
When I got down to the location, I was disappointed as I could not see it – a restricted area. Bummer.
The park is also used for training purposes for the EOD (Explosive Disposal Ordnance) unit from Eglin Air Force Base We woke up Saturday to the lyrics on "We will rock you" resonating throughout the campground on Saturday morning. It was their monthly drill. The airmen run the park trails, go in at the day use canoe launch for a 5 mile swim and then do the bike. If you look closely, we can see them on the swim.
When I got down to the location, I was disappointed as I could not see it – a restricted area. Bummer.
The park is also used for training purposes for the EOD (Explosive Disposal Ordnance) unit from Eglin Air Force Base We woke up Saturday to the lyrics on "We will rock you" resonating throughout the campground on Saturday morning. It was their monthly drill. The airmen run the park trails, go in at the day use canoe launch for a 5 mile swim and then do the bike. If you look closely, we can see them on the swim.
There are several hiking trails throughout the campground and park. One of the trails leads through Puddin Head Lake, which is being restored.
I walked one other trail, which is a short cut over to the Day Use Park, situated right on the bayou.
Day Use Park
The park faces the water with lots of picnic areas.
Canoe Rentals
Walkways down to the Bayou
A wide boat ramp
There is even a fitness trail.
Seen in the campground
Happy Camper
I’m sure this old girl has stories to tell
My brother?
Nature at its best at this park and, once again, we were not
disappointed in the Florida State Parks.
Next Adventure
Alabama Gulf Shores
Next Adventure
Alabama Gulf Shores
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