Big Lagoon State Recreation Area is located approximately 10 miles southwest of Pensacola. The park, which opened in 1978, consists of 698 acres bounded by the waters of Big Lagoon (from which it's name is derived), and the Intracoastal Waterway. The park is one of the last resting places for many migrants as they begin their long flights across the Gulf of Mexico. This accounts for the large number of species that occur here.

The Perdido Pitcher Plant Prairie was recently acquired through the CARL program by the State of Florida. Big Lagoon State Park has been designated the steward of the site, which is located approximately 4 miles north of the park.