Park Summary for Print - Colt Creek State Park

One of Colt Creek's three beautiful fishing lakes.

Welcome to Colt Creek State Park

Purchased from the Overstreet Family in May of 2006, this 5067 acre park nestled within the Green Swamp Wilderness Area and named after one of the tributaries that flows through the property was opened to the public on January 20, 2007. For over 60 years this property was managed as a cattle ranch by the Overstreet family. Past activities on the land also included lime rock mining, timber harvesting, citrus production and turpentining. Comprised mainly of Pine Flatwoods, Cypress Domes and open pasture land, this piece of still pristine wilderness is home to many animal species including the American Bald Eagle, Sherman’s Fox Squirrel, Gopher Tortoise, White-Tail Deer, Wild Turkey and Bobcat. The park is currently equipped with a lime rock entrance road, grass parking area, wheel chair accessible restroom, informational kiosk, picnic pavilion and several picnic tables and grills. Visitors are invited to fish, picnic, and hike or ride their horses on over 12 miles of trails and enjoy nature study at its finest. Be sure to check out our activities page for more information.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Colt Creek State Park, please call (863) 815-6761.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

The park is located 16 miles north of Lakeland just south of the Withlacoochee River off of State Road 471. From I-4 take exit # 32 and proceed north on US 98 approximately 13 miles, turn right onto State Road 471. From I-75 take exit # 301 and proceed east on State Road 50 for approximately 13 miles, turn right onto State Road 471. The entrance to the park is 3.8 miles north of US 98 and 17 miles south of State Road 50.

Park Fees

Day Use Entrance Fee: $2.00 per vehicle/up to 8 people and $1.00 per person for individuals who walk or bike in.

Primitive Youth Camp Fee is $2.00 per Adult and $1.00 per Child per night (please see our Activities page for more information).

Activities at Colt Creek State Park

	Bicycling Bicycling is currently permitted only on unmarked dirt (service) roads. Single track bike trails are in the development stage. Due to the soft sand, mountain bikes are recommended.
	Fishing Freshwater bank fishing is available at three different lakes in the park. The lakes range in size from 2 – 25 acres and vary in depth from 12 – 70 feet. The lakes were dug in the 1990’s as part of a lime rock mining operation. Freshwater species such as Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Bream, Shell Cracker and Catfish can be caught. Largemouth Bass must be released unharmed but angler’s are permitted to keep up to six catfish and twelve pan fish (bluegill, bream, shell cracker) per person per day. Canoes, Kayaks and small Jon Boats can be carried down to the water and hand launched. Gas powered motors are Not-Permitted but electric trolling motors can be used. A Freshwater fishing license is required for persons over the age of 15. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Hiking/Nature Trails Visitors can hike or horseback ride on over 12 miles of marked trails that meander through and around several of the parks natural communities including Pine Flatwoods, Cypress Domes and Hardwood Hammocks. A portion of the trail skirts the edge of pastureland which also provides a scenic vista. Visitors can sometimes get a glimpse of white-tail deer, bobcat, fox squirrel and bald eagles. Be sure to prepare for Florida’s ever-changing climate and dress appropriately with proper hiking shoes and don’t forget sunscreen, hat, water and insect repellant. Be sure to pick up a trail map when you enter the park and please stay on the marked trails.
	Horse Trail Visitors can hike or horseback ride on over 12 miles of marked trails that meander through and around several of the parks natural communities including Pine Flatwoods, Cypress Domes and Hardwood Hammocks. A portion of the trail skirts the edge of pastureland which also provides a scenic vista. Visitors can sometimes get a glimpse of white-tail deer, bobcat, fox squirrel and bald eagles. Be sure to prepare for Florida’s ever-changing climate and dress appropriately with proper hiking shoes and don’t forget sunscreen, hat, water and insect repellant. Be sure to pick up a trail map when you enter the park and please stay on the marked trails.
	Wildlife Viewing Beginning in January 2007 and ending in December 2007 a monthly survey of birds and butterflies was conducted by both the Lake Region Audubon Society and the North American Butterfly Association. At the end of the year long survey, volunteers documented approximately 149 species of birds and 79 species of butterflies. So be sure to bring your binoculars along and pick up a checklist of birds and butterflies at the information kiosk (also available for downloading). You never know what you might see at Colt Creek State Park.
	Youth Camping Primitive youth camping is available at the park for organized youth groups such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Indian Guides, Church Youth Groups and others. There are two sites available both of which can accommodate up to 20 people. The camp is nestled in an oak hammock with a fair amount of shade and is designed for tents only with the exception of one small supply trailer per group. Pets other than service animals are not permitted. The primitive camp has no running water or electricity so please pack accordingly. Each of the sites offers two picnic tables, campfire ring with benches, lantern holders and there is one port-o-let (toilet) between them. The cost to camp is $2.00 per Adult per night and $1.00 per Child under the age of 18 per night. One adult chaperone 21 years of age or older is required per 10 children. Reservations are required and can be made up to 11 months in advance by calling the park office at (863) 815-6761.

Special Events for Colt Creek State Park

There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.

Colt Creek State Park Ranger Programs

THE WILDSIDE OF COLT CREEK TRAM TOUR
Ist Saturday each month 8:30am - 11:00am Led by park staff and volunteers, this program is fun for all ages, regardless of your knowledge of plants, birds or other wildlife. Participants should be capable of walking for short distances and riding in a tram (it gets a little bumpy and dusty). If you need assistance to participate in this event please let us know in advance.
Call for more details.