Walk In the Water Campground is located on the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, (Polk County) on the Walk In the Water tract, approximately 44 miles SE of Lakeland, FL. It features eight primitive campsites that all require an advanced reservation. There is a picnic table and a fire ring at each site. There is no water or electricity available. There are two port-a-pots and a dumpster at the campground.
Some recreational activities that can be enjoyed here are: hiking, bicycling, picnicking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Hikers can take advantage of the two hiking trails on the Walk In the Water tract, which include Big Bay Trail, Scrub Jay Loop Trail, and two designated horseback riding/equestrian trails (Red and Blue).
Speaking of Scrub-jays….The trail leading from the entrance at King Trail Gate is an excellent place to see Florida scrub-jays, and some visitors may be fortunate enough to see short-tailed hawks. The area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Purchased under Florida’s Conservation and Recreation Lands program, Walk-in-the-Water protects fast-disappearing scrub and sandhill communities, which are home to many rare plants and animals. One such plant is the endangered scrub plum, one of the first scrub plants to bloom in the year, flowering in January or February before its leaves open.
And if you are wondering…YES! Yes, you can bring your fur baby along for the adventure. Dogs are allowed. Make sure to have your leash because there is an on-leash rule that applies.
Author: Renada Hill – student – Valencia State College
Photo Credit: Dan Kon wa