Manager's Message
Victor Tyrone, Park Manager
After an unusually wet winter, dryer conditions will prevail until the beginning of the summer rainy season. Due to the current lack of rain and the potential for a prolonged spring drought, we are requesting all visitors be mindful of creating any fire that could ignite a wildfire. Visitors are requested to ‘field strip’ and properly dispose of cigarettes, carefully attend campfires, and refrain from driving or parking on dry vegetation.
Staff may conduct prescribed burns, weather conditions permitting, which may affect access to certain trails and roads. Prescribed fire is required to maintain a diversity of habitats which support a diversity of wildlife species, some of which are rare and endemic to the park. Visitor understanding of the park’s efforts to maintain Florida’s natural communities is a primary goal of the Florida Park Service and the Department of Environmental Protection.
As the campground remains busy on weekends and holidays, it is advisable for campers to secure reservations in advance and to comply with camper check-in time at 3 p.m. and camper check-out time at 1 p.m. On Friday and Saturday nights, the ranger station remains open until 9 p.m. Late-arriving campers are advised to call the ranger station and receive instructions prior to closing.
Firewood, ice, bike rentals, tram tickets and gift items are purchased at the Hammock Inn concession. Hammock Inn days and hours of operation change during the off-season months and the tram tours cease daily operation. For more information, call the Hammock Inn at 863-402-0061.
For information about upcoming events at our park and other Florida State Parks, please visit the Events page. For general information, call the ranger station at 863-386-6094.
Campers are advised that the family campground is scheduled to be closed from the beginning of January 2025 through late summer while undergoing improvements involving the reconfiguration of electric and plumbing infrastructure as well as campsites.