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Find yourself in a Florida State Forest, where space, solitude, and self-reliance are the norm. State forests represent the best nature has to offer - unlimited opportunities to relax, explore, and enjoy the wonders of the natural world on almost a million acres of forest lands . . . Florida State Forests are open every day of the year.
The Florida Forest Service administers an active outdoor recreation program, which offers recreational activities such as camping, swimming, hiking, biking, picnicking, horseback riding, fishing, and nature study. See our At-a-Glance guide to recreation on Florida's state forests.
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Outdoor Recreation
Recreation Activities Abound
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Ensure these outstanding recreational opportunities remain available and that the facilities you need to enjoy the forests are provided. Join other forest supporters in promoting these activities by becoming a member of FFSF.
Recreational opportunities in Florida’s state forests are as diverse as the forests themselves. From camping along sylvan streams to hiking meandering trails throughout Florida’s wilderness, there is something for everyone. Whether it’s by bicycle, horse or foot, visitors can experience first-hand the same outdoor elements that early settlers and inhabitants once experienced. To get a copy of the Recreation Guide to Florida State Forests in a PDF document (5MB) click [here].
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There are two designated Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) areas on Florida
state forests that offer many miles of trails to explore: Croom
Motorcycle Area at Withlacoochee State Forest, and the OHV trail system
at Tate’s Hell State Forest.
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Many state forests are open to regulated hunting and fishing under the direction of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) . Hunting requires a license and permit and is allowed only in designated Wildlife Management Areas during appropriate seasons. Fishing also requires a valid license.
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New activities, such as the popular “Trailwalker” program,
which rewards hikers with merit badges and other bonuses, are drawing
more and more visitors every day. Our state forests, comprising more
than 1 million acres, provide unparalleled opportunities to experience
solitude and the beauty of natural spaces.
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Florida’s true wealth is based on its abundance of wildlife, diverse natural resources and unique cultural heritage. Many of our state forests are virtually undiscovered and as a result visitors encounter landscapes of great beauty and variety. There is no better way to view these sights then to be riding horseback along the lush trails in 18 Florida State Forests. To view The Real Florida Horse Trail Directory [click here]
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Geocaching is an outdoor form of recreation that people of all ages may enjoy. It can be enjoyed by an individual, a family, or a group. Through the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit people seek a hidden container, known as a cache. Within a cache there is usually a log book to confirm your find and sometimes there are even treasures in the cache that may be traded out for a treasure that you leave behind. The difficulty of the find can greatly depend on the type of cache. Some caches are simply camoflauged containers, while others may be highly disguised and hard to notice.
The Florida Forest Service allows geo-caching within Florida State Forests, at the discretion of the Center/District Manager. A member of the public who wishes to install a cache in a State Forest must submit a request to the State Forest.
Existing Caches with Permits.
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