(See Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve for overall information.)
Size
67,670 acres
Access and Parking
- From SR 471: Main Gate, Florida National Scenic Trail
- From Rock Ridge Road: Hampton Gate, Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Main Grade,
- Several additional walk-thru gates as shown on map.
Hours of Operation
Daily from sunrise to sunset, except during hunts.
Restrooms and Water
- No restrooms or water available at entrances.
- Portable toilets and non-potable water sources available at some camping areas.
Recreational Opportunities
Bicycling
- Over 71 miles of unpaved service roads.
- Bicycling allowed only on marked trails.
- Most roads not shaded. Road surfaces mostly limerock, but be prepared for sand, water, mud, tall grass and washboard conditions.
- Always wear helmet. Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear helmets.
Camping
- Separate camping areas available (see map):
1 - Gator Creek — Group Camp
2 - Trial Ford
3 - Tilman
4 - Mott Prairie
5 - Hampton Equestrian - Primitive camping. Electricity and water typically not provided.
- Equestrian site has non-potable water, portable toilets and picnic shelters.
- Free permit required to camp.
Equestrian Use
- Riders required to stay on marked or designated shared-use trails.
- Equestrian campsite available by permit.
- Each rider must carry proof of current negative Coggins test.
Fishing
- Fishing and frogging allowed throughout year.
- Vehicle access from SR 471 is permitted on weekends in May and June.
- Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for license requirements.
Hiking
- 13 miles of Florida Trail are part of Florida National Scenic Trail. This trail continues through Green Swamp-West Tract and up to the Richloam Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest.
- 13.9-mile overnight loop and a 7.7-mile day loop.
- Orange blazes denote through trail. Blue blazes denote side trails. White blazes denote overnight loop. Double blazes denote a sharp turn in trail.
- Trail traverses mostly pine flatwoods and river swamp.
- Be prepared for wet hiking. Some parts of trail are inundated in all but driest years.
- Sign in at registration station at either Rock Ridge or SR 471 trailheads.
- During hunting season, hikers encouraged to wear 500 square inches of blaze orange clothing above the waist.
- For more information, contact Florida Trail Association at 1-877-445-3352 (FL only) or (352) 378-8823.
Hunting
View regulations summary for this property- Archery, general gun, small game and spring turkey hunts.
- FWC rules and regulations must be observed throughout year.
- Contact FWC for information regarding license requirements and permits.
- Hunters enter property by vehicle during hunting season on Main Grade at either SR 471 or Rock Ridge gates. All visitors must register at FWC check station.
- Drive only on designated roads and park only in designated parking areas.
- Vehicles allowed in group campground with valid camping permit.
For More Information
Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
