Big Lagoon State Recreation Area
12301 Gulf Beach Highway
Pensacola, Fl 32507

Phone: 850-492-1595
Campground Website

This Florida State Park is located southwest of Pensacola on the intracostal waterway. Across the lagoon is part of the Gulf Island National Seashore and the Gulf of Mexico. This area was hit hard by the hurricanes in 2004 and some unrepaired damage remains.

The park structures have been rebuilt and are first class. The waterfront included several new restroom buildings, pavillions, a playground and a boat ramp. The intracoastal waterway runs through the lagoon.

The park has some nice hiking trails that go through the pine forests and run adjacent to a small tidel marsh. There is also a nice boardwalk and observation tower on the lagoon.

A large percentage of the parks trees in the campground area had been damaged by hurricanes or insects. Our campsite was poorly maintained. It was unlevel with washouts and sandy spots. Many of the campsites were small and even some of the tenters seemed cramped for space. The restrooms were new and clean.

Nearby Tarklin Bayou State Preserve is worth a visit. It has an outstanding boardwalk and some extensive hiking trails. The park is home to carnevorous pitcher plants which can be viewed from the boardwalk. The boardwalk ends at the bayou. It is handicap accessible and great for strollers.

Nearby attractions include the National Navy Aviation Museum, Gulf Island National Seashore, Blackwater River State Park and historic Pensacola.

We stayed at this park in April 2008 .