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A Guide to Big Lagoon State Park

Tucked away in Northwest Florida lies Big Lagoon State Park. It's located near Perdido Key and serves as the gateway to the Great Florida Birding Trail, as well as the start of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. There are plenty of activities to do, nature to experience, and wildlife waiting for you to explore.

Camping

At Big Lagoon State Park, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. First off, it’s an excellent location for camping. At the campground the sites are very woodsy, which provides partial shade for some of the day. There are 75 campsites equipped with electric, water hookups, a picnic table, and a fire ring. For RV camping, Big Lagoon can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet long. Pets are allowed here, and there are also three full-service restrooms throughout the campground.

Camping at Big Lagoon is a great way to spend quality time with the whole family and experience the beauty of nature. With it being so close to protected waterways and trails, it makes for the perfect opportunity to camp - RV style or in tents.

Activities

Big Lagoon is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream! Activities at Big Lagoon include kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, boating, and bike riding, just to name a few.

For those wanting to grab the paddles and hit the water, you’ll find a hand launch area perfect for that. It’s located right by the observation tower. Big Lagoon is perfect for paddling with its calm and protected waters. If you didn’t bring your own equipment, not to worry! Big Lagoon offers rentals for kayaking to make it easy for you. Don’t forget, Big Lagoon is the start (or finish) for the Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail around the state of Florida. The total journey is 1,515 miles long!

Fishing is also another popular activity here. Fishing is year-round and areas range from shallow grass beds, to larger channels with calm waters. Crabbing is also a hit here; blue crabs tend to hide in the grass areas and near docks.

The biking route throughout the State Park is a scenic way to take it all in and get your exercise in. The path takes you through water views and greenery. Feel free to take a pit stop along the way to see if you can spot any wildlife. This route is shared by automobiles, but the slow speed limit makes it a safe and enjoyable place to bike.

Wildlife and Birding

Big Lagoon is home to many different wildlife species. It makes for a popular spot for birders, as it is the Gateway to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. The park enjoys visits from over 23 species of migratory birds, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.

Birding trail

Spring and fall migrations are prime time for viewing the different birds at Big Lagoon. Typically birds are flying through the area since those are peak migration periods. Pro Tip: bring binoculars and your camera with you when you visit!

Trails + Observation Tower

If you’re looking to go hiking, there’s no shortage of options at Big Lagoon. There are a few different types of hikes you can enjoy here. The longest hike you’ll find is the Sand Pine Loop at 3.1 miles long. It’s a mixture of sand and boardwalk trails and will take you around a loop of Big Lagoon.

Secondly, if you’d like to hike to the Observation Tower, it’s a short boardwalk trail. You can park at the parking lot right near it, and it’s a 0.3-mile walk on the boardwalk - easy peasy and my personal favorite to get those scenic views and breeze in your hair. Climb three stories up and you can look out at Big Lagoon or check out the Intracoastal, looking toward Perdido Key.

Get a visual tour of the Observation Tower

Facility Rentals

What you might not realize is that Big Lagoon is a unique space to host your next event. It’s a popular spot for reunions, gatherings, picnics, weddings, and birthdays. You can rent the Governor’s Pavilion or the Amphitheater at Big Lagoon State Park. Be sure to book early; reservations can be made 11 months in advance.

Aside from those larger gathering areas, you’ll also find a few smaller pavilions as well (pictured here). These are perfect for a picnic lunch or if you need a spot to relax and have a seat in the shade.

Hannah Pinson

Author

Hannah Pinson

Website Associate, Visit Pensacola

Hannah is the Website Associate at Visit Pensacola. She has lived in Pensacola for close to ten years and grew up in the Florida panhandle. When she's not at work, you can probably find her at the beach going for a sunset swim, walking on the Pensacola Beach Pier, or snorkeling on a sunny day. Hannah is passionate about all things digital and loves content creation as well as taking photos and videos. Whether it be grabbing a bite to eat in Downtown Pensacola, shopping, or going for a swim in the Gulf, Hannah is definitely a Pensa-local.
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