State Forest Recreation

Outdoor recreational opportunities on Florida's state forests are as diverse as the forests themselves. Most recreational opportunities in Florida's state forests are passive in nature. Using old roadbeds and fire lanes as trails, people can physically brush up against Florida's natural and untamed resources.

Whether it's by bicycle, horse or foot, visitors to state forests in Florida can experience first-hand the same outdoor elements that early settlers and inhabitants once experienced. In addition to providing outdoor recreation, state forest trails serve as outdoor classrooms where people of all ages can explore and learn.

Florida's state forests offer a variety of camping options throughout the state. Developed campsites for tents and RVs have electricity, water, fire rings and picnic tables, along with centralized restrooms with showers. Primitive campsites and group camps offer an assortment of amenities depending on their location, while primitive camp zones provide a backcountry experience in remote settings with no amenities. For more information or to make a reservation, visit FloridaStateForests.ReserveAmerica.com or call 877-879-3859.

State forests are open to public access. Some forest roads may require a State Forest Use Authorization for vehicle access. In addition, any group activity requires a State Forest Use Authorization and possibly a fee. These authorizations may be obtained in advance by contacting the state forest you plan to visit.

The Florida Forest Service invites you to participate in Florida’s State Forest Photo Contest. Submit your photograph(s) taken at one of Florida’s state forests for a chance to be a quarterly winner. The quarterly winners will then be judged for the Photo of the Year. Quarterly and annual winners will have their entries featured in Florida Forest Service publications. 

Geocaching on state forests utilizes GPS devices to play an outdoor treasure hunting game.

Become a Trailwalker. We've got your trails cut out for you.

Explore the forests on horseback as a Trailtrotter. 

10 Things to Do on Florida State Forests

Find 10 inspiring options for outdoor activities in Florida’s state forests.

These state forests are part of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail:

• Blackwater River
• Etoniah Creek
• Little Big Econ
• Pine Log
• Seminole
• Twin Rivers
• Withlacoochee

Find Florida Trail activities in your area, hiking maps and more at Florida Trail Association.

The T. Mark Schmidt Off-Highway Vehicle Safety and Recreation Act promotes the development of an OHV recreational system.
Learn more about OHV recreation at Florida's state forests:

• Florida Off-Highway Vehicle Safety and Recreation
• OHV Recreation on State Forests
• Blackwater State Forest: Clear Creek OHV Riding Area 
• Tate's Hell State Forest: OHV Trail System
• Withlacoochee State Forest: Croom Motorcycle Area

These state forests are part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail:

Planning a road trip to a state forest? Go off the beaten path by taking a Florida Scenic Highway.

Many state forests are open to regulated hunting and fishing under the direction of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Hunting requires a license and permit and is allowed only in designated Wildlife Management Areas during appropriate seasons. Fishing also requires a valid license.

• FWC Freshwater Fishing Rules and Requirements
• FWC Hunting Rules and Requirements

We encourage non-hunting recreationists to check the Wildlife Management Area regulations and season dates before visiting. Have a question about recreation on state forests?