Big Lagoon

Big Lagoon SP https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/big-lagoon-state-park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Lagoon_State_Park Big Lagoon State Park is located on the northwestern Florida coast, approximately 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Pensacola on Gulf Beach Highway. It encompasses the northern boundary of Big Lagoon as it snakes toward Pensacola Bay to the east. Wild Grande Lagoon and its minor tributaries lay within the boundaries of the park, as does the alligator-inhabited Long Pond, a man-made freshwater pond. The park is a 'gateway site' for the Great Florida Birding Trail. It features nine distinct natural communities including estuarine tidal marsh, mesic flatwoods, wet flatwoods, and is dominated by scrubby flatwoods. The park features a number of threatened and endangered species such as the large-leaved jointweed, gopher tortoise, migratory shorebirds such as snowy plover, least tern among some twenty other listed species.

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 

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c