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 January 1, 2024 to May 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 license, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Closures and Notices

• Posted 3/29/24: Public access is temporarily closed on the Nubbin Slough Levee Trail for natural resource protection. There are many other recreational sites in the area. Please visit SFWMD.gov/Recreation for a list of nearby recreational sites and activities.
   
• Ongoing: The public access gate and bridge along US 27 to STA 2 and the L-6 Levee (Sportsman’s Crossover Boat Ramp) is open Saturdays and Sundays and closed Monday thru Friday due to construction activities.
   
• 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. 
   
• 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.