Explore your public lands
Recreation
NOTICE
The majority of District-managed camping areas are now open as of June 5, 2020. The following camping areas remain closed:
- DuPuis Management Area
- Hickory Hammock
- Istokpoga Canal Boat Ramp Area,
- Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW)
The District is working to open the remaining campgrounds. All campers and all recreation area visitors must continue to practice social distancing and take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
FOR YOUR SAFETY:
- Practice Social Distancing – Keep a minimum of 6 feet apart from others
- Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people
- Sanitize your hands before and after touching items such as handles, gates, locks, and other common places
Status of SFWMD-Managed Lands
The South Florida Water Management District announced that it will reopen the remainder of closed District-managed lands beginning May 4, 2020 at noon. Visitors must practice social distancing, including limiting group sizes to 10 or less and staying six feet apart from other visitors.
As of May 4, 2020, the following District-managed lands have been reopened:
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park
Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW)
Everglades & Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area
Harold A. Campbell Public Use Area
Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area
Hungryland Wildlife and Environmental Area
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
Lake Kissimmee: Eastshore and Westshore
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]
Recreational Licenses and Permits
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.
(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.)
Related Links:
- SFWMD Public Recreation Use Rule for District-owned Lands (40E-7) [PDF]
- Directions to Pick Up or Order a Special Use License by Mail [PDF]
- Special Use License Form [PDF]
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 or fishing licenses, go to Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Closures and Notices
- Posted March 31, 2020: To help prevent the potential spread of COVID-19, the SFWMD will temporarily close public access for recreation to several District-managed properties. More >>
- Posted March 20,2020: Due to water levels falling below designated safety limits, four locks on the north shore of Lake Okeechobee will be closed, effective March 19, 2020. The hours for a fifth lock may be restricted, depending on water conditions. More >>
- Posted Feb. 27, 2020: Due to a falling culvert, there is a temporary closure point along the Allapattah Fox Brown Road equestrian trail. The closed section of the trail is scheduled to reopen once the culvert has been repaired. More >>
- Posted Jan. 15, 2020: The SFWMD is installing a temporary earthen test plug in the L-38W Canal, approximately 2.6 miles downstream of the S-150 structure and Palm Beach/Broward County line. Construction will last approximately two weeks and is expected to be completed by the end of January 2020. More >>
- Posted Jan. 6, 2020: As a result of construction, navigation is being restricted along approximately 10 miles of the lower Kissimmee River by The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District. Barriers have been placed at closed segments of the Kissimmee River, with construction expected to be completed within the next 12 months. More >>
- Stormwater Treatment Area 1 East (STA-1E) in western Palm Beach County will be temporarily closed to public access and recreation starting Monday, Nov. 4, 2019 due to ongoing environmental restoration construction work. STA-1E will be reopened to public access as soon as possible.
- Posted Aug. 22, 2019: Changes made at DuPuis Equestrian Campground Gate 3 in 2019: The DuPuis Equestrian Campground has been separated into two campgrounds; equestrian and non-equestrian. Anyone wishing to camp in the equestrian portion of the campground must have a minimum of one horse per Special Use License. All other campers may camp in the non-equestrian camping area. Similar to other District campgrounds, the main gate at the DuPuis Equestrian Campground will be locked at all times and require a Special Use License for day use, equestrian camping, and non-equestrian camping. Up to two dogs (pets) are permitted per Special Use License within the campground, otherwise pet rules remain the same within the rest of the area. more »
- News Release April 25, 2019: SFWMD Expanding Access at the A-1 Flow Equalization Basin for Public Recreation
- Effective June 25, 2018: Public access to the L-67A Levee and the banks of the C-304 Canal at the S-151 Structure will be temporarily closed for construction. The work is expected to be completed by May 2019. More »
