Recreation
Recreation Notice
As of February 25, 2025, there is a temporary burn ban in effect on District lands in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Highlands counties. This includes the CREW property in Collier County and certain properties along the Kissimmee River. The ban includes the building or maintaining of fires for recreational purposes.
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 June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 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.
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 licenses, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Information on Hunting in the STAs
Closures and Notices
- Posted January 2, 2025: Starting January 9, 2025 portions of the Shingle Creek Trail will be temporarily closed due to construction activities. Please see the map here for more information.
- Posted July 24, 2024: A portion of the Powerline Grade in the Dupuis Management Area is temporarily closed for maintenance activities.
- Ongoing: The SFWMD (with support of DB Environmental Laboratories, Inc.) is conducting a pilot study through July 2025, to assess the efficacy of installing temporary turbidity controls to improve water clarity at two study areas along the northwest shoreline of Lake Okeechobee. In coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard, navigational warnings (e.g., caution buoys, temporary signs) were installed. For more information, click HERE.
- 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: The SW levee and the NW levee at the A1 FEB in Palm Beach County are currently closed. The SW levee will be closed until end of 2025. Visitors can view this map of A-1 FEB to avoid areas with construction activities. Please check back for updates.
Recreation Sites
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