Big Lagoon

History & Nature Big Lagoon State Park 12301 Gulf Beach Hwy. Pensacola, FL 32507 850-492-1595 Big Lagoon State Park derives its name from the bordering body of water along its southern shore. Natural communities, ranging from tidal salt marshes to pine flatwoods, attract a wide variety of birds, especially during spring and fall migrations. A variety of plant communities occur in the park. Look for sandpine scrub on the sandy relic dunes. Dwarfed, twisted and gnarled vegetation provides evidence of the harsh environment that exists here to protect the inland habitats from heavy storms and high winds. Slash pines grow throughout the dune “swales” but also grow in wet or water-logged soil among impenetrable thickets. The sandy beaches and salt marshes of the area add variety to the scenery. Valued as wetlands, marshes attract and provide important habitat for many birds and animals. Foxes, raccoons, deer and opossums are often observed in the park. Great blue herons, king rails and other waterfowl are daily visitors. Upland portions of the park provide refuge for cardinals, towhees, brown thrashes and nuthatches. FloridaStateParks.org/BigLagoon Park Guidelines • • • • • • • • • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. An entrance fee is required. All plants, animals and park property are protected. Collection, destruction or disturbances prohibited. Fishing, boating, swimming and fires are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. Become a volunteer. Inquire at the ranger station. Join Friends of Big Lagoon or Pensacola State Parks. Visit www.pensacolastateparks.org. For camping information, contact Reserve America at 800-326-3521 or 866-I CAMP FL or TDD 888-433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica.com. Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact staff at any ranger station or call 850-245-3076 (Voice) or 711 (Florida Relay Service). Visit us online at FloridaStateParks.org Follow us on social media BIG LAGOON STATE PARK 704 Upland acres separate the mainland from Perdido Key and the Gulf of Mexico EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES Since opening in 1978, Big Lagoon State Park has attracted recreational enthusiasts from around the world. With 678 upland acres located along the Intracoastal Waterway the park offers visitors many opportunities to enjoy natural Florida. Come for the afternoon, the weekend or longer. Big Lagoon State Park CR-293 Narrow beaches, shallow bays, open woodlands and 5 miles of hiking and nature trails offer opportunities for nature study. The observation tower at East Beach provides an incredible view of the park, Gulf Islands National Seashore and Perdido Key. As a gateway site for the Great Florida Birding Trail, the tower overlooks areas popular to nesting shorebirds, wintering ducks and numerous marsh birds. Road N 2 -29 CR wy each H ulf B 292A G CR- W l Sand Pine Trai The park beckons visitors with opportunities for camping, swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing and hiking. Fishing can bring in catches of redfish, bluefish, flounder and sea trout. Crabbing and fishing for mullet in the lagoon are also popular. There are four sheltered picnic areas along the shores. The Governor’s Pavilion accommodates larger groups. Swimming and beach activities are popular attractions at Big Lagoon. A boat ramp and dock provide easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. The park offers 75 campsites equipped with water, electricity, fire ring and picnic table. A dump station is also provided. Guided walks, campfire programs and recreational skills programs are offered seasonally and upon special request for groups. Bauer E S Ranger Station Group Camp Grand Lagoon Long Pond Estuary Trail East Beach West Beach Governor’s Pavilion Observation Platform Big Lagoon Amphitheater Pavilion Boat Ramp Picnicking Boating Playground Camping Restrooms Canoeing Showers Fishing Swimming Hiking Wildlife Viewing Parking Intracoastal Waterway Observation Tower Directions From I-10 exit 7, go south on Pine Forest Rd; right on Blue Angel Pkwy (SR173); right on Sorrento Rd (SR292); left on Bauer Rd (CR293); park entrance is at the end of Bauer. P00210 08/18