Recreation

Hiking, fishing, camping, bird-watching, horseback riding, nature study, cycling, hunting, geocaching, stargazing – what's your pleasure?

The South Florida Water Management District is the steward for more than 1 million acres of public land. Over the years, we've taken great strides to expand public recreational opportunities on land purchased with public dollars – and it keeps getting better.

Each year we take steps to enhance and expand recreational use of all District-owned property throughout our 16-county region. Activities at each location are compatible with natural resources protection and intended land use priorities.

We invite you to explore recreational opportunities on your public lands. Our colorful, 117-page recreation guide is packed with information. You'll find a comprehensive listing of lands available for public use and access – as well as maps, descriptions, suggested outings, driving directions and contact information for each location.

• 2009 SFWMD Recreational Guide    
  [download and print PDF]    
   
• Recreation Sites Interactive Map    
   
• Geocaching    
   
• Volunteering   
   
• SFWMD Public Recreation Use Rule for District-owned Lands (40E-7) [PDF]    
   
• Questions & Answers – What You Need to Know about Visiting Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) [PDF]    
   

SFWMD Recreational Public Forum

The SFWMD Recreational Public Forum is held three times a year. Meetings are open to the public. Visit SFWMD.gov/Meetings for the most up-to-date information.

Special Use Licenses - Camping

Special Use Licenses can be obtained at no cost. A Special Use License or ‘SUL’ allows the public to engage in various recreational activities including camping, equestrian camping, camping with a RV or Travel Trailer and more on South Florida Water Management District property.

Special Use Licenses for June 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 are now open.

The District will issue Special Use Licenses on a first-come, first-served basis when the area and facilities can accommodate the requested use and such use is consistent with the protection of natural resources.

Click Here To Get Started!

Prescribed Burn Notification

Sign up to receive email and text message notifications for prescribed burns happening in your area.     

Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Most recreational activities on District lands are managed by agencies such as the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission or other state, federal, county or city governments in partnership with the South Florida Water Management District. Most licenses for hunting or fishing must be obtained from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

To obtain hunting and fishing licenses, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Information on Hunting in the STAs

Closures and Notices

• Posted October 2, 2024: Portions of Cypress Creek will be closed to the public on Thursday, October 3, 2024, due to essential resource management activities. For affected areas, view the map here.
   
• Posted September 23, 2024: Public access to the road and trail at Gate #9 at Hungryland is temporarily closed until construction activities are completed.
   
• Posted August 9, 2024: The CREW Bird Rookery tram trail is closed at the end of the boardwalk due to resource protection measures.
   
• Posted July 24, 2024: A portion of the Powerline Grade in the Dupuis Management Area is temporarily closed for maintenance activities.
   
• Posted July 19, 2024: The CREW Cypress Dome campsite is temporarily closed to the public due to wet conditions.
   
• Ongoing: SFWMD (with support of DB Environmental Laboratories, Inc.) is conducting a pilot study, planned from June 2024 through December 2024, to assess the efficacy of installing temporary turbidity controls can improve water clarity at two study areas along the northwest shoreline of Lake Okeechobee. In coordination with USCG, navigational warnings (e.g., caution buoys, temporary signs) will be installed, as deemed necessary. For more information, click HERE.
   
• Ongoing: The public access gate and bridge along US 27 to STA 2 and the L-6 Levee (Sportsman’s Crossover Boat Ramp) is temporarily closed to all public access due to construction activities.
   
• Ongoing: The SW levee and the NW levee at the A1 FEB in Palm Beach County are currently closed. The SW levee is scheduled to be open by the end of 2024. Please check back for updates.