campsites

Halpatiokee Regional Park

Located in Stuart, Halpatiokee Regional Park is Martin County’s largest park. There are 65 acres surrounded by wetlands, with 4 miles along the South Fork of the St. Lucie River waiting to be explored. Discover the many species of native plants, including 13 threatened or endangered species, that thrive there.

Saunter through the scrub, pine flatwoods, and oak hammock. Plenty of gopher tortoises call Halpatiokee home. There are 8 miles of hiking and 8 miles of biking trails. Bring your canoe or kayak and paddle for 4.2 miles along the St. Lucie River. Look for otters, turtles, a variety of fish, and alligators. Spend a night or more at the riverside primitive campsite. Covered picnic areas and pavilions are the perfect places to enjoy a picnic lunch.

For more information: https://www.martin.fl.us/Halpatiokee

Photo Credit: Courtney Smith

Magnolia Park

Magnolia Park, located on the eastern shore of Lake Apopka, is an outdoor space with something for everyone. There is a playground for the kids, volleyball and basketball courts, a baseball field, a boat ramp, and picnic tables where you can enjoy your meal under ancient live oaks. Spend a few nights in your tent or RV at one of 18 campsites. Be sure to stop by the Ecotourism Center to learn about the history of Lake Apopka, the ongoing restoration work, and the Lake Apopka Loop Trail.

Wildlife peacefully coexists with human visitors at Magnolia Park. Look for ducks, wading birds, dragonflies, and alligators in the pond at the center of the park. A colorful array of beautiful native flowers bloom to the delight of butterflies and bees. Sandhill cranes, osprey, and a variety of birds and wildlife visit often. A flock of Peacocks calls Magnolia Park home.

For more information about Magnolia Park: https://www.orangecountyfl.net/CultureParks/Parks.aspx…

Photo credit: Dan Kon

m

a

Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area

Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA), located near Palmdale in Highlands County, is an 18,272-acre corridor along Fisheating Creek. Within the management area, a 40-mile stretch of the 52-mile-long creek is located. Fisheating Creek is now the only free-flowing water source feeding into Lake Okeechobee.

This WMA is a beautiful and unique place to spend the day or multiple days. It comprises several ecosystems, including marshes, cypress swamps, hardwood hammocks, longleaf pine, slash pine, and Florida scrub.

Be sure to bring a camera since the management area is along the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Canoe or kayak through hardwood hammocks and cypress swamps. Decaying plant matter creates tannin, which makes the water a brilliant tea color where sunlight touches it. The creek is teeming with bluefish, bass, and panfish. Wading birds, otters, and alligators enjoy the creek, too. Swallow-tailed kites raise their babies along the creek, and thousands of beautiful butterflies can be seen in the fall.

The 5-mile Fort Center Interpretive Nature Trail takes you through a hardwood hammock, wet prairie, and floodplain. There are covered rest areas with benches along the trail. You will learn about the history of the early Native Americans who made their homes here between 1000 and 500 BCE. See wildlife such as alligators, turtles, deer, wild hogs, turkeys, wading birds, raptors, and an occasional black bear as you hike the hardwood forests. You may even spot a federally endangered Florida panther if you are lucky!

Enjoy camping primitively at the Fisheating Creek Outpost, hook up your RV, and rent a canoe or kayak. Hike through cypress forests on the 2-mile Knobby Knee Trail. Take the 8-mile Burnt Bridge paddling tour or consider the 16-mile Ingram Crossing tour for an overnight canoe or kayak trip. Cool off in the designated swimming areas, cook over a campfire, or enjoy a picnic lunch.

Both the WMA and the Outpost are open 365 days, including holidays. Before planning your trip, be sure to check the calendars for both the WMA and the Outpost for activities, the best time to view your favorite wildlife and water levels. Hours vary at the Outpost office.

Let’s camp at Fisheating Creek! – Fisheating Creek Outpost

https://myfwc.com/recreation/lead/fisheating-creek

Photo Credit: Ileana Ramirez, Andy Waldo