Oak Creek has many old-growth oaks, some as large as nearly five feet in diameter, along the eastern edge of the Kissimmee River floodplain. Enjoy the shade while you look toward the water's edge. On a spring day, you'll delight in watching butterflies flit about from wildflower to wildflower.
The dominant feature of the property is the creek, with a floodplain that spreads out to join the restored Kissimmee River. Hiking is best during the drier winter months. You'll pass through several bay heads where 20- to 30-foot bay trees grow in the margin of the creek. Use the walkthrough gate at the parking area to get to the picnic tables. Primitive camping is available, and sites have fire rings and picnic tables.
You are permitted to fish in the restored portion of the Kissimmee River. The best access is by airboat, canoe or kayak from the Oak Creek Boat Launch at the north entrance.
The Oak Creek Boat Launch also provides access to Starvation Slough and No Name Slough. If you walk far enough west into the floodplain anywhere along the No Name Slough, you will see the filled portion of the canal. You may ride a horse at both sloughs. An old woods road winds for about three miles through the hammock from the parking area at the north entrance to Oak Creek through Starvation Slough. Riders may take this road though Starvation Slough then continue across the old S-65B tie-back levee along fire breaks into No Name, which continues north for about two miles. Stargazers may also find that Starvation Slough is a good place to set up their telescopes and scan the night sky without interference from bright urban lights.
For More Information:
Send an email to recreation@sfwmd.gov to learn more.
Activities by Site:
- No Name Slough: airboating, bicycling, boating, canoeing, equestrian trails, fishing, hiking, hunting, kayaking
- Oak Creek: airboating, boating, boat ramp, camping (tent), canoeing, fishing, hiking, hunting, kayaking, picnicking
- Starvation Slough: airboating, bicycling, boating, camping (tent), canoeing, equestrian trails, fishing, hiking, kayaking, picnicking, stargazing, wildflower viewing
Hunting
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manages hunting on SFWMD lands.
Please visit www.myfwc.com regarding current hunt dates, regulations and directions to check stations to ensure the most accurate and latest information.
Florida's Wildlife Management Areas - Hunting Brochures
Directions
There are two entrances to Oak Creek (access to Starvation and No Name is from Oak Creek), both on Micco Bluff Road approximately 1.5 miles apart:
- North entrance, Oak Creek Trailhead and Boat Launch: Access by foot or shallow-drift boat (airboat, canoe or kayak). Parking by boat launch and walk-through gate.
- South entrance: South of the creek, includes parking and informational kiosk. Walk one mile to picnic area and primitive campsite from parking area.
Micco Bluff Road is off Highway 98 in Ft. Basinger, approximately 28 miles southeast of Sebring, and about 25 miles north of Okeechobee. Turn north on NW 203rd Avenue next to the white block Basinger Community Center. Go to the stop sign and make a left turn onto Micco Bluff Road (160th Street). Veer right at NW 285th Street. The south entrance is 7.5 miles from Highway 98 and the north entrance is about nine miles from Highway 98. Both entrances are on the left.