(See Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve for overall information.)
Size
37,350 acres
Access and Parking
- From US 301 in Dade City, follow River Road east five miles. Parking for river access and hiking trail on left; equestrians and bicyclists park at main gate.
- Additional parking off SR 471 at Cumpressco and McNeil roads; do not block gates.
Hours of Operation
- Daily from sunrise to sunset, except during hunts.
- Property closed to general public during hunts, except Florida Trail hikers.
Restrooms and Water
No restrooms or water available at entrances.
Recreational Opportunities
Bicycling
46 miles of marked shared trails.
Bird Watching
- Site 64 on western section of Great Florida Birding Trail.
- Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for more information.
Camping
- Separate primitive camping areas available (see map)
- Equestrian campsite has portable toilet, water and 10 picnic tables and fire rings.
- McNeil group campsite — vehicle accessible; limit of 10 campers; portable toilet.
- Free permit required to camp in all areas.
- Vehicles allowed in group and equestrian campgrounds with permit.
Equestrian Use
- 60 miles of service roads; trails marked with white diamonds.
- Well water for horses at barn by main entrance and equestrian campsite.
- Horse-drawn buggy riding allowed on marked trails. Permit required.
- Each rider must carry proof of current negative Coggins test.
Fishing
- Along Withlacoochee River; access best from River Road.
- Vehicle access from McNeil Road (SR 471) available by permit.
- Access to other fishing by foot only.
- Fishing and frogging allowed year-round.
- Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for license requirements.
Hiking
- 13 miles of Florida National Scenic Trail maintained by Florida Trail Association.
- 60 miles of additional marked trails.
- 1.5-mile side trail connects to Withlacoochee River Park.
- Orange blazes denote through trail. Blue blazes denote side trails. Double blazes denote sharp turn in trail.
- Be prepared for wet hiking. Some parts of trail are inundated in all but driest years.
- During hunts, hikers encouraged to wear 500 square inches of blaze orange clothing above waist.
- For more information, contact Florida Trail Association at 1-877-445-3352 (FL only), (352) 378-8823.
Hunting
View regulations summary for this property- Special opportunity hunts conducted for archery, general gun, hog-still, hog-dog and turkey. Also a small game season.
- Contact FWC for information regarding license requirements and permits.
- FWC rules and regulations must be observed throughout year.
- Access during hunts limited to hikers on Florida National Scenic Trail.
Paddling
- Withlacoochee River offers remote wilderness experience.
- Canoe launches located at River Road and Withlacoochee River Park. SR 471 is a more challenging access point.
- Check water levels — travel is very difficult during periods of low water. Aquatic vegetation may impede travel in some areas.
- River campsite at Low Bluff. Primitive camping. Permit required.
For More Information
Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
