Just stopped by here today as a quick little side-trip from Miramar Beach. A Bayou by the way is a body of brackish water (freshwater/salt water) mix. We went to the day-use area which features one .75 mile trail into the woods, as well as a pathway along one side of Bayou. The trail was nice, flat and full of shade. I learned a lot about the local plants. Bayou/Lake very scenic. the bathroom also was maintained and clean. A great little side trip! read more

Gorgeous park! It is a WWII gunnery which is why we wanted to come. I was hoping for some history stops in the park but I didn't see anything. The day area restrooms were closed but there was one for guests to use at the ranger station. They were also renovating the camp sites so all of the trails in the back of the park were closed. The one open trail was only .75 miles so we did a few laps and walked along the bayou for some steps. I would like to return when the trails are open and see the rest of the park. read more

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This place is amazing!! Great for kids and adults or any family function.. great hiking trails read more

Rocky Bayou State Park - Parks Near Me - Niceville, Florida

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Well maintained park with entrance fee. Dogs are allowed. No glass, fireworks or alcohol. Camping areas, picnic tables, trails, canoe and kayak rentals, boat launch, grills, restrooms. There are a set of restroom by the boat launch and by the big picnic area The parking area for two of the trails is across from camp space 26 and 27. Sandy trails with lots of tree roots. The red cedar trail is between the boat launch and picnic area. I imagine in the summer, no breeze can get through the thick vegetation and insects are probably bad. It was nice when I was here the end of May. read more

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If you have a dog, all I can say is this is definitely a must visit. The trails were easy, but very shaded and well enough marked that it was simple to follow. We did all three trails for about 2.75 miles and it was 100% one of the highlights of our trip. read more

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My father contracted Vibrio Vulnificus bacteria in the water at Rocky Bayou on 7/5/19 and DIED from it two days later 7/7/19. The water at Rocky Bayou is brackish. It is the back of the bay where fresh water comes in and makes it the perfect breeding ground in warm weather for this bacteria also known as flesh eating bacteria. The park itself is wonderful and naturally occurring bacteria is not the fault of the park but since it is not part of the bacteria testing you do see posted there, there should be a sign near the swimming area warning that you should not swim with an open wound or a compromised immune system because the probability of contracting the bacteria is high for those individuals. DO NOT SWIM IN THIS WATER IN THE SUMMER WITH AN OPEN WOUND AND ABSOLUTELY NOT IF YOU ARE IMMUNE COMPROMISED. If you are healthy with no open wounds you are not at risk. The pictures are the day my family spent at Rocky Bayou State Park on Friday. The flesh eating bacteria that had begun to take over on Saturday. My Dad died on Sunday. read more

Rocky Bayou State Park - This is the flesh eating bacteria that had started to take over my Dad's body the day after swimming at Rocky Bayou. He died the next day. - Parks Near Me - Niceville, Florida

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I'm an annual pass holder for the State Parks in Florida and I haven't been here in over 10 years. Why I don't know, it's great! I came here to walk the nature trails with my dog, yes they are pet friendly. There are bags available if you forgot yours and a water spicket where you can give the doggie some much needed water :) I drove through the park as well and the campsites are very nice, I believe there are over 40, some with great views of the water. Also available are boat ramps, childrens play area and what appeared from the exterior to be a very nice bathroom/shower facility. For day use they are open 8am until sunset, great place for family fun. read more

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This was our second time to camp here. This time we camped for a week on Site 35. It was next to the bath house and across the street from the bayou The park was extremely well maintained. The bath house was immaculate. The crew cleaned them daily at 9:00 a.m. and typically took an entire hour cleaning them. The rangers at check in were very friendly and attentive to our needs. We had kayaks with us so they told us the best places in the camping area to put them in. Thanks for making our stay so homey and enjoyable. Will see you again soon. read more

This place is awesome in many ways. I find peace each time I grab a moment to enjoy! Very recommended! read more

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This was our first time staying here. We have a PopUp camper and use the electricity and water hookups. We loved our visit here. The sites are large and most are private (vegetation between them). The staff is nice. The nature trails were excellent. The only drawback is the bath house. There is only one for 42 sites. It is clean, but mornings tend to be crowded. If you plan ahead, it isn't a problem. Just try to use them off-peak times and you will be fine. With so much use some things tend to need work. The hand dryer in the ladies room went out often, the exhaust fans also needed attention often, etc. Nothing terrible, but just the amount of traffic adding up. Compared to Henderson Beach State Park, this is also nice. Rocky Bayou is MUCH quieter, much more spread out, has plenty of hiking trails and other recreational activities, and you can actually get in here with a reservation less than a year in advance. Henderson Beach has a better ratio (less sites per facility) for bath houses (also more modern) , more sites, and a great beach. However, it has lots of noise (98 runs right at the fence), no trails, and you need to reserve almost a year in advance for holiday weekends. Rocky Bayou is also cheaper per night. Both parks are nice. Just have fun at either! read more

best hiking i've found in niceville. they allow dogs and it's a by car fee. great trails to hike or bike and a beach access area for the dogs to swim (on leash) with docks too. great find! read more

We stayed for just a night and wished we could have stayed more! I was confused looking for it, because the surrounding area screamed anything but woods and camping. Once I saw the map, I understood. It was so peaceful in the park. Almost as if they had a forcefield around the park keeping the hustle of the urban setting just outside away. Clean bathrooms and super friendly and accommodating workers! read more

Love this place! Quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Clean bathrooms and good pressure, hot showers. Staff here is very friendly and helpful. Located on the bay with nice walking trails, good piers for fishing, boat launches, covered pavilions for picnics. Also, the camping sites are larger than most and most have trees between sights giving a reasonable amount of privacy. It is conveniently located about 2 miles from grocery stores. I would give this place 5 stars except they have no sewers. Other than that it is perfect! read more

We stayed here for six nights in July 2016! Sites are spacious with a few concrete sites for handicapped campers! 30/50 amp and water, no sewer sites but a dump station on site. One bathhouse for 42 sites, no real issues for us and we never had to wait. Camp hosts weren't very friendly but did a good job cleaning up. Even a few of the Rangers weren't overly friendly like at most State Parks we have been too. We were on site 37 and couldn't get tv OTA or dish satellite to work. Lots of trees on sites! CANOE AND KAYAK RENTALS too! Boat ramp and a great bayou to jet ski, tube, or ski on! Close to Midbay bridge "toll" to Destin. Lots of traffic especially in Destin! read more

Just moved to the area and looking for places to be outside. This is a great place to unwind with a hike, go canoeing or kayaking, grab your boat and launch it, or even go camping (tent or RV). The Rangers and Volunteers are very friendly and they even have a small shop for your camping or fishing needs. You can even rent a canoe or a kayak! read more

Love the campground, it's secluded, roomy and level. The sites have 50 amp electric and water hook-ups.

We camped here for 3 nights in February, 2015, and loved it! There are only 42 sites in a single loop and all are very spacious and well screened by vegetation. Those adjacent to the bay have a lovely view and they are all close to level. Most of the camp sites are white sand while some are gravel and some cement, all with water and electric. The bathrooms/showers are clean and pleasant. They also have 2 coin operated laundry washers and 2 dryers, each $2 a load with detergent available at the entrance station. A nice touch is a counter and large sink at the bath house for those without dishwashing facilities in their campers. Kayak and canoe rentals and 3 nice if somewhat short nature trails (1 is an hour and 2 are a half hour each). And everyone is helpful and friendly. But you should definitely have a reservation! read more