Explore your public lands
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
- CERP Master Recreation Plan
- 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 new 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
- A portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail has been temporarily closed just south of the S-65A navigation lock on the Kissimmee River. This part of the trail is currently impassable due to a breach in the eastern levee near the lock. More information will be posted here as it becomes available.
- UPDATED June 26, 2017: The temporary ban on all open fires and campfires has been lifted for SFWMD lands in all 16 counties.
- The S-65C boat ramp and camping area is closed permanently due to ongoing construction of the Kissimmee River Restoration Project. Boating access to the Kissimmee River is available at the Istokpoga Canal Boat Ramp Area and the S-65D Lock Boat Ramp. Camping is available in a variety of areas along the Kissimmee River, including the Istokpoga Canal Boat Ramp Area and Hickory Hammock Management Area.
- Please excuse the temporary inconvenience while improvements are being made to the DuPuis Equestrian Campground and equestrian facilities. During this time, the campground and equestrian center will remain open. If you have any further questions, please call Kim Willis at (561) 924-5310, ext. 3333.
