Big Lagoon State Park derives its
name from a bordering body of water called Big Lagoon. This
coastal park which consists of 712 upland acres, was opened in
1978 and beckons visitors with all the recreational opportunities
expected at a Florida state park.
Accessibility
Located on the gulf coast of Florida, Big Lagoon offers a
variety of recreational activities for visitors of all abilities.
Boating, fishing, nature trails, camping or just enjoying a picnic
by the water are some of the favorite attractions for visitors to
the park. Natural environments and wildlife viewing are made
accessible through a network of boardwalk trails. Fish including
flounder, sea trout, redfish, mullet and bluefish inhabit the
lagoon seasonally.
The campground features an accessible campsite located
conveniently to the showerhouse, pay phone, playground and
boardwalk nature trail. A paved road provides access throughout
the campground and park.
Accessibility
Features:
Boardwalk trails
Ramps to buildings
Fishing dock
Picnicking (tables, grill, pavilion)
Camping
Overlooks
Restrooms
Parking
Beaches
The beaches, shallow bays, boardwalks, nature trails and open
woodlands offer ample opportunity for nature study. An observation
tower at the East Beach area provides a panoramic view of Big
Lagoon, the park and Gulf Islands National Seashore across the
Intracoastal Waterway.
Full Facility Camping
This 590-acre park has 30 campsites with electric and water
hookups available for reservation through Reserve America.
Fishing
Fishing brings in redfish, bluefish, flounder and sea trout
seasonally. Crabbing and cast netting for mullet in the lagoon are
also popular.
Nature Trails
Numerous interpretive exhibits are located throughout the park.
Guided walks, campfire programs and recreational skills programs
are offered seasonally and upon special request for groups.
Swimming
A variety of water sports attract visitors to the park. Swimming
and beach activities are enjoyed on the shore of Big Lagoon. When
swimming, stay alert; keep your safety and that of others in mind
by staying clear of boat traffic.
Resources
A variety of plant communities occur in the area. Look for
sandpine scrub on the sandy relic dunes. Vegetation - dwarfed,
twisted and gnarled - provides evidence of the harsh conditions on
the dunes which protect the mainland from storm winds. Slash pines
growing in " swales" (elongated troughs parallel to the dune
ridges) often grow in wet or even water-logged soil and become
impenetrable thickets. The sandy beaches and salt marshes
bordering Big Lagoon add variety to the scenery.
Valued as wetlands, the salt marshes attract and provide important
habitat for numerous birds and animals. Gray-foxes, raccoons,
skunks and opossums are often observed in the park. Great blue
herons and other waterfowl can be seen near Big Lagoon while
upland portions of the park provide refuge for cardinals, towhees,
brown thrashers and nuthatches.
