Big Lagoon State Park features 678 upland acres along Escambia's Intracoastal Waterway

Brandon Girod, Pensacola News Journal
·2 min read

Big Lagoon State Park is one Escambia County’s three state parks. It’s a coastal park that sits along the northern shoreline of Big Lagoon and separates the mainland from Perdido Key and the Gulf of Mexico.

The park opened in 1978 and spans 678 upland acres along the Intracoastal Waterway. Visitors are attracted to the park’s many opportunities to enjoy nature while spotting local wildlife and camping.

Here’s what to know about Big Lagoon State Park.

Things to do at Big Lagoon State Park

Here is a list of things to do during your visit to Big Lagoon State Park:

  • Bicycling: There is a 2.5-mile long paved path to walk or bike on the main park drive

  • Birding

  • Boating: The park features a two-lane boat ramp.

  • Camping

  • Fishing

  • Geo-seeking

  • Hiking: The park has 5 miles of hiking and nature trails.

  • Paddling: There is a hand kayak launch, but the park does not offer rental equipment

  • Picnicking

  • Stargazing: Join the Escambia Amateur Astronomy Association for stargazing events.

  • Swimming

  • Wildlife viewing

Camping in Big Lagoon State Park

Camping is a big draw at all of the Pensacola area state parks. Surrounded by pine flats, there are 75 campsites in designated areas equipped with 30/50 amp electric, water, a picnic table and a fire ring. Pets are welcome. Primitive group and youth camp is another option for groups between 11 and 40 people.

RVs can be no larger than 40 feet. Visit the Florida State Parks reservation website or call 1-800-326-3521 to make reservations.

Big Lagoon State Park campground map

Big Lagoon State Park map.
Big Lagoon State Park map.

Big Lagoon State Park hours

Big Lagoon State Park is open every day from 8 a.m. until sunset.

If you’re camping and won’t be arriving to the park until after sunset, you can call the park at 850-492-1595 before it closes for instructions and the gate combination.

Big Lagoon State Park fees

Here are the fees for visiting Big Lagoon State Park:

Regular admission

  • $6 per vehicle (two to eight people)

  • $4 for single-occupant vehicles

  • $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers inside the vehicle with annual individual entrance pass holders

Boating

  • $10 for one person with a boat

  • $12 for two to eight people with a boat

Camping

$20 per night plus tax, a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee for RVs, cabins, bungalows, boats and yurt units.

Picnic Pavilion

  • $150 per day plus tax

Amphitheater

  • $150 per day plus tax

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Visiting Big Lagoon State Park? Here's everything you should know