*Families with small children please use caution at this location. The beach area is on the other side of the river and there are currents. If you are looking for a place to swim with small children I recommend Blackwater River State Park or Krul Lake Recreation Area.

Fillingim Landing Map

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Fillingim Landing Photos

Fillingim Landing Launch

Fillingim Landing Launch

Fillingim Landing

Fillingim Landing Hiking Trail

Fillingim Landing Picnic Area

Ready to explore the lower sections of Blackwater River? A good location to launch a boat, kayak or stand up paddleboard (SUP) is the Oyster Pile Boat Ramp  located in Bagdad, FL  (right outside Milton). The boat ramp gives you access to the tributaries just off the Blackwater River. Although you can take larger boats out here to explore and catch fish, this area is great place to explore on a kayak or SUP.

The park includes a boat launch, picnic tables, and a portable bathroom. If you are looking for a new place to explore, this is a perfect destination.

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Kayaking with daughter on Bayou Texar

Ready to explore the rivers and bayous of northwest Florida? Northwest Florida has an abundance of areas to launch kayaks. Florida’s diverse landscape has many rivers, bayous and beaches to explore. We are here to help you discover some of the many kayak locations northwest Florida has to offer.

Kayaking is fun for our whole family. We have taken our kids kayaking on rivers, bayous, and beaches. Each place offers different scenery to enjoy.  As we go, we have written about many of the areas we have put our kayak in. We will continue to expand this list of locations and provide details about these different kayak locations. If you would like to add to this list let us know.

Have Questions About Kayaking In Northwest Florida?

• Don’t have your own kayak? Get in touch with us and we’ll connect you with an outfitter.
• I have my own kayak, but I’m not sure where to go. Connect with us and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Bays & Bayous in Northwest Florida

(Click on the markers below or follow the links below the map)

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• Big Lagoon State Park – SW Pensacola / Perdido area – This state park located just outside of Pensacola has a nice kayak launch. This is a favorite. You’ll see many birds in this area. The park also rents kayaks.
• Johnson Beach – Perdido Key
• Simpson River – NE Pensacola / Pace
• Swamphouse Marina – NE Pensacola (Escambia River)
• Bayview Park – SE Pensacola – Located on Bayou Texar
• Bayou Texar – SE Pensacola – Located on Bayou Texar – Public boat launch
• 17th Avenue Boat Launch – SE Pensacola – Pensacola Bay/Bayou Texar
• Linear Park – SW Pensacola – Bayou Grande
• Navy Point – SW Pensacola – Bayou Grande
• Gibb’s Point – SW Pensacola – Bayou Grande
• Dickson Park – SW Pensacola – Bayou Grande
• Big Lagoon State Park – SW Pensacola / Perdido
• Thompson Bayou at UWF – NE Pensacola
• Woodland Park – Gulf Breeze
• Shoreline Park – Gulf Breeze
• Deadman’s Island – Gulf Breeze

Rivers in Northwest Florida

We all know Florida for it’s fantastic beaches. Yet the beaches are not the only access to water in the Sunshine State. Northwest Florida has many rivers such as Blackwater River, Juniper Creek, Cold Water Creek, Perdido River, and Yellow River.

Perdido River Kayak Launching areas

• Fillingim Landing
• The Pipes
• Ruby’s Fish Camp – Florida/Alabama Line – Perdido River
• Perdido River Map – [external PDF]

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Blackwater River Kayak Launch

• Deaton Bridge Road / Blackwater River State Park (East of Milton/Pensacola)
• Bryant Bridge Road
• Blackwater River [external map]
• Carpenter Park
• Oyster Pile Boat Launch

View Kayaking Northwest Florida – Rivers (Blackwater) in a larger map

Other River Maps

• Coldwater Creek [external map]
• Econfina Creek Canoe Trail [external map - Panama city Area]
• Shoal River [external map - Crestview area]
• Juniper Creek [external map - Milton area]

Northwest Florida Kayaking Articles:

• Blackwater River Family Kayak Trip
• A Cooler Side To Your Florida Vacation
• Becks Fish Camp and Wildlife Refuge
• Exploring Holmes Creek
• Explore Florida’s Blackwater River State Park, Forest and Recreation Areas

Simpson River public launch is located off highway 90 between Pensacola and Pace. The park has a fishing pier and a small boat launch.  This is a nice place for kayaking. There are many inlets to explore in this area.

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Dickson Park is located in Pensacola on Bayou Grande. The facilities include a boat ramp, playground, two picnic pavilions, and dog park.

Address:  3151 Fenceline Road

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• Park one car at the Blackwater River State Park on Deaton Bridge Road ($4.00 parking)
• Drive other car north and take a right at street after the Blackwater River campground. (Small one lane boat landing road)
• Option 1
  Follow road to boat launch. Put in at launch. This is your shortest run.
• Option 2
  Take the dirt road (when the paved road turns south) to the last point listed on the map. Grassy parking area and easy river access.

The second option is about 1.85 miles long.