Manager's Message

Victor Tyrone, Park Manager

Highlands Hammock, the Florida Forest Service, Archbold Biological Station and other government agencies are hosting an educational day for visitors to learn about Florida fire ecology and observe a ‘live’ prescribed burn carried out by agency staff. Prescribed burns will continue into the winter, weather conditions permitting. Referred to as the land manager’s Rx, prescribed burning is fire which is intentionally applied to achieve resource management goals. The benefits include fuel load reductions which minimize wildfire risk, thus protecting homes near wildlands. Benefits for wildlife include new plant growth for deer and other herbivores. Visitors need not be alarmed if they observe residual smoke or pockets of flame in blackened areas after burns. 

The family campground has been undergoing a major renovation and is currently closed. All of the facilities located within the campground including the restrooms, playground, dump station and recreation hall will remain closed until work is completed. The campground is expected to reopen in January 2026.  The Primitive Wilderness campground is also closed. Camping is only available at the Youth Camp and Group camps for established groups such as scouts.

For questions regarding the campground closures and general information, please call the Ranger Station at 863-386-6094.   

The Hammock Inn concession and park tram tours will resume daily operation in mid-November.  Firewood, ice, bike rentals and gift items may be purchased at the Hammock Inn in addition to tram tickets.  For more information, call the Hammock Inn at 863-402-0061. For information about upcoming events including the Fire Fest, Music in the Park concerts and other special events, please visit our Events page.