Recreation

Temporary Burn Ban on District Lands

The SFWMD has issued a temporary burn ban on SFWMD lands in Collier and Hendry Counties due to dry conditions and the imminent danger of wildfires in the region.

Read Emergency Order 2023-016

The temporary burn ban includes the building and maintaining of fires for recreational purposes in fireplaces and fire rings on SFWMD lands. Follow warning signs, area closures and any directions from your County Emergency Operations Center.
Collier County Emergency Operations Center
Hendry County Emergency Operations Center

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.

SFWMD Recreational Public Forum

The SFWMD Recreational Forums are held quarterly. For further details click on the schedule below. Meetings are open to the public.

Special Use Licenses - Camping

Special Use License
In certain instances, a no-cost Special Use License, issued by the South Florida Water Management District, may be required for vehicle access to SFWMD lands with locked gates or for some activities, such as camping or horseback riding.

To apply for a Special Use License online, click here for the application form.
Special Use License FAQs
(NOTE: A user name and password will be required to apply for a license. Directions on how to register are posted in the link above.)

Prescribed Burn Notification

Hunting & 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 license, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Closures and Notices

Posted 03/08/2023: The public access gate at along US 27 to STA 2 and the L-6 levee (Sportsman’s Crossover Boat Ramp) will be temporarily closed due to extensive construction activities from March 8, 2023 through July 26, 2023.
Ongoing: A portion of the 8.5 SMA L357W levee located in Miami-Dade County is closed to the public until December 2024. For more information, click HERE.
Ongoing: Due to construction that is taking place for the C-139 Flow Equalization Basin project, the public access route to Stormwater Treatment Area 5 has been rerouted from Deer Fence Rd. to Blumberg Rd. Directions to Blumber Road public access.