Rocky Bayou Aquatic Preserve

Signs of early human occupancy can be seen from shell mounds found along the shoreline. These shell mounds are small hills, usually in coastal locations, composed entirely of shells (clams, oysters and whelks) discarded by generations of Native Americans. They support an assemblage of plant species and help archaeologists better understand archaic people's social structure, technology, food ways and other cultural aspects.

The Rocky Bayou shoreline was a highly active site for gunnery and bombing practice during World War II. During this time, Eglin Air Force Base became an important military installation for America. The area appealed to the United States military because of its placement on the gulf and its vast number of surrounding resources. In 1940, Eglin was selected as a prime location for aircraft armament and expanded its boundaries into Choctawhatchee National Forest. Throughout World War II, Eglin served as a major training base for the Army Air Corps.

Rocky Bayou Aquatic Preserve is in the Gulf Coastal Plain region, within the Gulf Coastal Lowlands subsection. The area consists primarily of sand, with significant amounts of clay, silt and gravel. Rocky Bayou itself features steep banks with slopes that extend to depths of 16 feet. Another distinctive geological feature of this aquatic preserve is the low bluffs along the shoreline of the bayou. Some of these bluffs, which reach heights of 20 feet, are being undercut and eroded by wave action. This process continues to move the shoreline of the bayou back into Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park’s recreation area. The park maintains access stairs to minimize foot traffic and prevent erosion of the bluffs.

Rocky Bayou is a fresh to brackish water system supporting a large variety of fish and shellfish, including the federally endangered Okaloosa darter. The aquatic preserve receives freshwater input from two creeks — Rocky Creek and Turkey Creek — and several smaller steephead streams. Steepheads are highly distinctive geographic features found in the Florida Panhandle, formed when groundwater emerges on a sloping surface through porous sand at the head of a stream or catchment. Because steepheads are a local topographic feature, they represent isolated environments where rare endemic species exist. One steephead stream drains into the southwest portion of the aquatic preserve, while another drains into the aquatic preserve from the southeast side. One of the steephead streams was impounded to create Puddin Head Lake, which is on the property of the state park.

The diverse habitats within Rocky Bayou Aquatic Preserve serve as a refuge for a wide variety of fauna and flora. Two species listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, and species listed as threatened, endangered or of special concern in Florida, are found or are likely to be found in the aquatic preserve: the threatened Okaloosa darter and the threatened Gulf sturgeon.

Several designated species, such as osprey and bald eagles, are known to nest within the aquatic preserve, specifically birds of prey. Osprey, in particular, are often sighted by campers, kayakers and locals.

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Types
Aquatic preserves, floodplain marsh/salt marsh, seagrass bed, unconsolidated substrate, salt marsh, estuary

Late winter- to early spring when native plants are blooming, wildlife is abundant and temperatures are cool and comfortable.

Yes. Aquatic preserves often are adjacent to other conservation areas that may have nesting birds or other easily disturbed wildlife. Please do not let your pet run free in areas not designated for pets, and please pick up after your pet to avoid hazardous pathogens in our coastal waters.

Follow current FWC saltwater fishing regulations.

Follow current FWC boating regulations.

Seagrass is protected within aquatic preserves; avoid shallow waters and raise motor if over seagrass. Damage to seagrass can result in a fine up to $1,000. 

Call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

ADA accommodations are specific to each access point and the managing entity for that site. 

There are no fees required by the preserve, but specific access points may charge access fees to those sites.