Manager's Message

Greetings Everyone:

Be sure to check out our recent park improvements including trees and shrubs at the picnic area, four covered benches overlooking the lakes and six hitching posts and a water trough for horses. These fine improvements were made possible by three separate Eagle Scout Projects through the Boy Scouts of America. We commend them for their effort. Help support Scouting, it really does make a difference.

Thanks to our many volunteers we now have 12 miles of hike/horse trails with more planned for the future including bike trails. So come out and spend the day, whether it be fishing, hiking, picnicking or just enjoying being in the great outdoors, we know that you will have fun in “the Real Florida”.

For more information about the park please feel free to give us a call at (863) 815-6761.

We hope to see you out at the park real soon.

Updated 04/10/08
- Scott Spaulding, Park Manager

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).

Colt Creek State Park

16000 State Rd 471
Lakeland, Florida 33809
Phone: (863) 815-6761
Fax: Contact Park for More Information