Big Lagoon State Park
Located on the western end of the Florida panhandle in Pensacola, Big Lagoon State Park offers a beautiful opportunity for RV camping. The state park is named for the body of water that borders it to the south. At this park, you can experience pine forest, salt marsh, and tidal basin environments all in the same day. You can also find many different ways to explore nature on foot and on water.
Photo credit visitpensacola.com
The Campground
The campground at Big Lagoon caters to RV camping. There are 67 RV campsites with water and power hookups. Three of the campsites are wheelchair accessible. In the main camping area, there are four restroom facilities with showers. For your convenience, there is also a dumping station provided at the campground. You can purchase supplies from several nearby retailers. There are four picnic shelters in the park if you are looking to gather a larger group together.
Photo credit floridastateparks.org
Hiking Adventures
The state park has over five miles of hiking trails of varying lengths. The area is mostly flat which makes for easy hiking. Some of the trails include boardwalks that take you through the salt marsh areas. The park is a gateway for the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. If you enjoy birdwatching, this park is a great place to see a variety of birds. Great heron and other marsh birds can be found throughout the year. Several species of northern duck winter in the area. Along the pine trails, you can see many different kinds of songbirds. On the eastern end of the park, the observation tower provides an excellent viewing location for birders.
Paddling Adventures
This park is also one of the ends of the Florida Circumnavigation Paddling Trail. The trail is over 1,500 miles long following the coast including the Florida Keys to the south. However, you do not need to take on such a daring adventure to enjoy the water. The park will rent canoes and kayaks on a daily basis giving you the opportunity to explore the main lagoon, Grand Lagoon or Long Pond.
Photo credit floridastateparks.org
Other Water Adventures
The park has two beaches for swimming and other beach activities. There are also three designated fishing areas on the lagoon coast where you can catch redfish, bluefish and sea trout. There is a boat ramp if you have a boat and want to go a bit further out into the lagoon.
Stargazing Adventures
For the past few years, the state park has partnered with the Escambia Amateur Astronomer’s Association to give campers an opportunity to explore the skies. Because of its location on the coast, there is less light pollution giving you a clear view of the stars. On weekends when the moon is about three-quarters full, astronomers bring their equipment to let you explore. On a clear night, you will be able to see thousands of stars, the planets and even the rings around Saturn.
Further Adventures
While you are at this state park, you have several other options for adventure a short distance away. On the other side of the lagoon is Perdido Key with its own state park and beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. You are also only a few minutes from Pensacola where you will find museums, lighthouses, golf courses, restaurants, and shopping. RV camping at Big Lagoon State Park will give you and your family many opportunities for fun and adventure.
For more information go to the Big Lagoon State Park page or call 850.492.1595.
