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Access Site FL

Rickey Avenue Public Boat Ramp

Dons Bayou

Source: florida_fish_and_wildlife_conservation_commission Updated 1 year ago

City: Fort Walton Beach, FL
County: Okaloosa
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 30.44835000, -86.60112000
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
**Location & Access**
Located in Fort Walton Beach along Dons Bayou in Okaloosa County, Rickey Avenue Public Boat Ramp provides public access to Dons Bayou and connects to the broader Choctawhatchee Bay system. The ramp offers a convenient launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and small to medium-sized boats exploring this coastal bayou system.

**What to Know**
This is a modest access point with **limited parking**, so plan accordingly, especially during peak season or weekends. The ramp serves as an entry point to tidal bayou waters, making it suitable for paddlers interested in exploring calm to moderate waters, coastal scenery, and local wildlife. Given its location on Dons Bayou near the Fort Walton Beach area, expect saltwater or brackish conditions typical of Gulf Coast bayou systems.

**Planning Tips**
Check current conditions before launching, as bayou water levels and tidal flows can vary. Given the limited parking situation, arriving early is advisable. The area's proximity to larger bay systems means paddlers have options to explore beyond the immediate bayou depending on skill level and vessel type.