Size
9,911 acres
Location
West-central Sumter County, west of Wildwood
About the Property
Acquired to preserve Lake Panasoffkee’s vast floodplain forest, the land also preserves pine flatwoods, freshwater marshes and oak scrub forest. As the land continues to rise, pines and scrub oaks of upland sandhills replace the wetland forest trees. Lake Panasoffkee is undergoing a comprehensive restoration effort to enhance both the water quality of the lake and recreational opportunities.
Access and Parking
- Located on south side of SR 44, two miles west of I-75.
- Property closed to general public during hunts.
Hours of Operation
Daily from sunrise to sunset, except during hunts.
Restrooms and Water
Restrooms adjacent to picnic pavilion. Non-potable water available.
Recreational Opportunities
Bicycling
- 8 miles of marked trails. Riders must stay on trails.
- Always wear helmet. Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear helmets.
Bird Watching
- Site 54 on western section of Great Florida Birding Trail.
- Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for more information.
Boating and Paddling
- Explore Shady Brook, Big Jones and Little Jones creeks by small boat during high-water conditions. Access from Lake Panasoffkee.
- Outlet channel to Lake Panasoffkee generally not navigable except in high-water conditions.
Camping
- Separate areas available for equestrian and group primitive camping.
- Campgrounds equipped with fire rings, grills and picnic tables.
- Non-potable well water available at equestrian campground.
- Maximum occupancy — 40 campers.
- 8 horse stalls with water; free to campers on first-come, first-served basis.
- Vehicles allowed in campgrounds with valid camping permit
Equestrian Use
- 18 miles of shared-use trails marked for horseback riding.
- Trails marked with white diamonds.
- Riders must stay on marked trails.
- Horse-drawn buggy riding allowed on marked trails. Permit required.
- Each rider must carry proof of current negative Coggins test.
Fishing
- Little Jones Creek and two borrow pits on eastern side of property.
- Access from Jones Creek Trail and Borrow Pit Trail, respectively.
- Lake Panasoffkee inaccessible from property due to thick marsh vegetation.
- Contact FWC for license requirements.
Hiking
18 miles of shared-use trails.
Hunting
View regulations summary for this property- Special opportunity hunts conducted for archery, hog-still, hog-dog and turkey. Also a small game season.
- Contact FWC for information regarding license requirements , permits and rules.
- Hunters may enter the property by vehicle as specified in FWC’s regulations summary for this property.
Picnic Facilities
Large pavilion with picnic tables and grills located in day-use area. Pavilion may be reserved for group use upon request.
Nearby Recreation Lands
- Flying Eagle
- Gum Slough
- Half Moon Wildlife Management Area
- Jumper Creek Wildlife Management Area
- Panasoffkee Outlet
For More Information
Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
