Park Summary for Print - Fort Cooper State Park

This is a partial reproduction of the Fort wall. The wall is made of pine tree logs that stand about twelve feet tall and have points on the top.

Welcome to Fort Cooper State Park

The sparkling waters of Lake Holathlikaha were a welcome sight to sick and wounded soldiers during the Second Seminole War. In 1836, the First Georgia Battalion of Volunteers built a stockade for the soldiers resting here, enabling the Volunteers to hold their own through several skirmishes with the Seminole Indians. The park´s diverse natural areas provide a refuge for many plants and animals, including threatened and endangered species. Fishing in Lake Holathlikaha is a popular activity; swimming is available only when the lake level is high enough. Private boats are not allowed on the lake, but paddleboat and canoe rentals are available. Nearly five miles of self-guided trails offer some of the best bird and wildlife viewing in Citrus County. Park visitors also can enjoy the picnic facilities, a recreation hall, and primitive group campground. Located off U.S. 41 on South Old Floral City Road, two miles south of Inverness.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Fort Cooper State Park, please call 352-726-0315.

Hours of Operation

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

Driving Directions

Fort Cooper State Park is located just off US 41, on South Old Floral City Road, two miles south of Inverness.

Park Fees

Admission Fee - $2.00 per vehicle (limit 8 people per vehicle).

Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicles with a holder of an Annual Individual Entrance permit - Admission Fee $1.00 per person.

Primitive Tent Camping Fee - $4.00/person per day. Call the park at
(352) 726-0315 for reservations.

Organized Youth and Adult Group Camping - $1.00 per youth, $2.00 per adult/chaperon.

Picnic Pavilion Fee - $30.00 plus tax per day.

Recreation Hall Fee - Without kitchen use, $50.00 plus tax per day.
With kitchen use, $75.00 plus tax per day.

Paddle Boat and Canoe Rental Fee - $5.00 per hour.

Activities at Fort Cooper State Park

	Birding Part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, Fort Cooper State Park provides an excellent opportunity for bird watching enthusiasts.
	Canoeing Due to low lake water levels, canoes and paddleboats are not allowed on Lake Holathlikaha. Rentals have been discontinued. Contact the park for water conditions, 352-726-0315. Enjoy Lake Holathilikaha and all it's natural beauty by canoe or paddle boat. Canoes and paddleboats are available for rent at the park. Private boats are not allowed.
	Fishing Due to low lake water levels, canoes and paddleboats are not allowed on Lake Holathlikaha. Rentals have been discontinued. Contact the park for water conditions, 352-726-0315. Lake Holathlikaha offers fresh water fishing. While private boats are not permitted, canoes and paddleboats may be rented. Contact the park for rental details. A fishing license is required. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Nature Trails Nearly five miles of self-guided nature trails give visitors a glimpse of the area's wildlife. The trails offer some of Citrus counties best birding.
	Pavilion Nestled under large shade trees is a pavilion that will accommodate between 60 to 70 people. Great for large outdoor parties! A covered BBQ pit is located nearby. See our home page for rental pricing.
	Pets Pets are welcome in the park as long as they are on a six foot leash. They are permitted in the picnic area, hiking trails and playground but are not allowed on the beach area, in the water, in the paddleboats and canoes or in our primitive campground.
	Picnicking The hardwood hammock, along Lake Holathlikaha, is an excellent picnic area complete with grills, tables, and pavilions. The beach area accommodates volleyball, horseshoe, and playground activities.
	Playground Nestled among large oaks and overlooking Lake Holathlikaha, a playground is available for children.
	Primitive Camping Primitive tent camping is available at the southern end of Lake Holathalikaha. Call the park at (352)726-0315 for reservations.
	Recreation Hall Set within the park, this is an ideal setting for a small wedding, family reunion, birthday party, baby shower or a fun business meeting. A rustic building that has air conditioning, heat and a fireplace, the Recreation Hall can accommodate 50 to 60 people and comes equipped with folding tables and chairs. The small kitchen can be rented in addition. The kitchen comes equipped with a stove, refrigerator, and microwave. Please see our home page for rental pricing
	Sunbathing Sunbath along the edges of Lake Holathlikaha while enjoying the beautiful view.
	Swimming Due to low lake water conditions, our swimming area is closed at this time. Contact the park for water conditions, 352-726-0315. With higher water levels, Lake Holathlikaha offers excellent fresh water swimming. Contact the park for lake conditions.
	Wildlife Viewing Wildlife at Fort Cooper State Park is abundant. Sightings of deer, turkey, opossum, bobcat, birds, and many other species is very common.
	Youth Camping Primitive tent camping is available at the southern end of Lake Holathlikaha. Call the park at (352)726-0315 for reservations.

Special Events for Fort Cooper State Park

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

Fort Cooper State Park Ranger Programs

NATURE WALKS
Ongoing Ranger quided nature walks are available by request.
Call 352-726-0315 for more details.
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Wednesdays and Fridays. Tired of making laps around your neighborhood or just looking for a nice place to take a walk and maybe get a little exercise. Then come join a Ranger for a moderate paced walk along the scenic nature trails in the park. The walks will be held on Wednesdays and Fridays starting at 9:30 AM (weather permitting). Regular park entrance fee of $2.00 per vehicle and pre-registration for walk is required. You'll have a nice place to walk with scenic views, chance to meet new people and support your state park. It is recommended that participants wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring insect repellant and water.
Call 352-726-0315 for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Cooper State Park

Question: Do you have a campground for motor homes?
Answer: No. The park has only a primitive tent camping area.

Question: How do I get to the rails to trails from Fort Cooper State Park?
Answer: Access to the Withlacoochee State Trail from Fort Cooper State Park may be gained from Old Floral City Road just north of the park and Fort Cooper Road just to the south.

Question: Can I use my private boat in the lake at Fort Cooper?
Answer: No. Private boats sometimes carry exotic weeds when they are moved from lake to lake. Because of this, the park will not allow any private boats within Lake Holathlikaha.

Question: Are there alligators in the lake?
Answer: Yes. Some days you may see alligators; other days, you may see none, but they are there.

Question: Are there sharks in the lake?
Answer: No. Lake Holathlikaha is a fresh water lake and has no sharks.

Question: Can I let my dog swim in the lake?
Answer: No. Dogs are not permitted in Lake Holathlikaha. There are many alligators within the lake. It would not be safe for your pet to swim in the lake.

Question: Can I use a metal detector at the park?
Answer: No. Metal detectors are prohibited in Fort Cooper State Park.

Question: Is there a museum in the park?
Answer: Not at this time.

Fort Cooper State Park History

The park is named after Major Mark Anthony Cooper.

In April 1836, during the Second Seminole War, Major Cooper was ordered to remain behind to protect the sick and wounded as General Winfield Scott marched south to present day Tampa. Major Cooper was left in the command of five companies of the First Georgia Battalion of Volunteers and a small artillery company. A field fortification was built on the western bluff of Lake Holathlikaha. Major Cooper was to hold this position as he waited for reinforcements.

Seminole War Chief Osceola and his Indian warriors encamped themselves across the lake from Fort Cooper. There were several skirmishes with the Seminoles, but the volunteers held their own. On April 18, General Scott returned with supplies and reinforcements, leading the men of Fort Cooper from their frontier sanctuary and into new battles.

The fort site was well chosen. The western bluff offered the strategic advantage of being nestled in the fringe of a hardwood hammock, while having access to a wagon road that was under the cover of longleaf yellow pine.

Fort Cooper State Park Volunteer Information

Volunteers can do many things -- greet visitors, conduct tours, help rangers remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of a beach, waterway or trail.