Enjoy Big Lagoon State Park, which is one of Florida’s best water parks. This park is part of our recommended Gulf Coast Camping Trip.
Please note: This post was written before Hurricane Sally hit, and since much of Big Lagoon is closed. The campground, boat ramp, and a portion of the trails are open, but the park is closed beyond the main boat ramp. There is no timeline on when the amphitheater, kayak launch, back boardwalk, lookout tower, trails, bathrooms, and parking areas will reopen.
On a recent trip to Florida, we visited Big Lagoon State Park. This 678-acre park is located southwest of Pensacola in the Florida Panhandle along the Intracoastal Waterway.
The park offers camping, swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, and hiking.
The park is largely sandy shrubland but includes tidal marsh and flatwoods.
It is the gateway to the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Big Lagoon State Park Campground
The park has a modern campground with 75 campsites. Each site has electricity, water, a fire ring, and a picnic table.
Most of the sites have a clothesline. While the shrubbery is low, the park has done a good job of separating the sites.
Four restrooms with showers are scattered throughout the campground.
The facilities at the park are excellent. There is a boat launch, numerous picnic shelters, a grand pavilion, an amphitheater, and an observation tower.
The observation tower is located at the end of the Big Lagoon State Park Road at East Beach.
Here is a view of the park from the tower.
It provides a view of the entire state park Gulf Islands National Seashore and Perdido Key.
The Governor’s Pavilion is an amazing shelter. This receivable pavilion includes a large grill area a stone fireplace electricity in running water along with numerous picnic tables and restrooms. It will accommodate groups of up to 250 people.
Perdido Key Hiking
The park has five miles of hiking and nature trails. A few of the trails have a boardwalk or paved path.
Our visit was short so we did not do any of trails.
You can get details of hiking in Big Lagoon State Park at Florida Hikes.
The park is home to many birds and animals, such as fox, deer, herons, and king rails. We saw many herons and an armadillo.
We recommend Big Lagoon State Park in Perdido Key.
You can get more information on the park at Florida State Parks.
Enjoy Gulf Camping at:
Anthony slater
Thursday 14th of April 2022
Are used to be a camp host a Big Lagoon state park what an awesome opportunity and the staff is awesome good place to recommend to stay
Anthony slater
Thursday 14th of April 2022
Are used to be a campus at Big Lagoon state park what a wonderful part to recommend to stay at love the staff and all the amenities
RyanS
Friday 25th of March 2022
This article is very misleading. Since hurricane Sally, the park has had most of it's attractions closed. The park is closed beyond the main boat ramp. Right now the only thing open is the campground, boat ramp, and portion of the trails. The amphitheater, kayak launch, back boardwalk, lookout tower, all trails, several bathrooms and parking areas, etc, are still closed. There is no timeline on when these areas may reopen.
Diana Hansen
Friday 25th of March 2022
Ryan, This post was written before Sally. I will add the information you shared to the post.