Colt Creek State Park

Colt Creek State Park is more than 5,000 acres of native Central Florida habitat, a place to explore the natural communities and wildlife that make our park special.

Comprised of large strands of vulnerable longleaf pine flatwoods, lakes and winding creeks, thick cypress domes and open vistas, Colt Creek State Park is home to many species of plant and animal. Some of our native residents include Bald Eagles, white-tailed deer, American alligators, otters and many birds and butterflies. Notably, we are home to threatened species such as the gopher tortoise and the Sherman’s fox squirrel.

Visitors can enjoy more than 15 miles of multi-use trails, shared by hikers, bicyclist and those riding horseback, that meander through the pine flatwoods and natural creeks and wetlands. Park lakes afford views of wading birds and alligators, as well as offers a place for anglers to cast their line from the lakes edge or from our 75 foot accessible dock. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent at the ranger station.

We offer several different kinds of camping experiences including primitive campsites, an equestrian campground and a group campground.

Pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis or may be reserved ahead of your special event. Our pavilions are perfect for family reunions, birthday parties, weddings, corporate events and many other events that bring people together in an open-aired environment. Access to restrooms, lakes and trails are close by to pavilions.

Experiences

Bicycling
There are over 12 miles of trails that are accessible for bikes. The trails are mostly hard packed and grass covered. Due to some areas of soft sand or muddy areas, mountain bikes are recommended.

Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.

Birding
In 2007, the Lake Region Audubon Society did a year-long survey identifying 150 species of birds. The following year, the park was designated on the Great Florida Birding Trail. Species such as eastern bluebird, bald eagle, black bellied whistling duck, meadow lark, swallow tail kite and a variety of wading birds and warblers make up a few that are on the list.

Camping
Colt Creek State Park has 27 full-facility campsites and 6 tent only sites nestled in the pine flatwoods. Each site has 30 and 50 amp hookups. Some sites can accommodate rigs up to 70'. The campground includes a dump station located at the  campground entrance and an accessible bathhouse.

Camping Equestrian
The equestrian campground is a primitive campground that has 10 sites that will accommodate horse trailers. We allow up to 8 people per site and reservations are recommended. Currently there are no amenities at the site except a port-o-let. Visitors are asked to pack all supplies in and out, and a dumpster is available at the ranger station to drop trash.

Camping Primitive
Two primitive camps are located at different locations along the Flatwoods trail. These camps are only accessible by foot, horseback or mountain bike. They are pack in/pack out tent camps and do not have water, electricity or restrooms. The nearest camp is two miles from the parking area where your vehicle will be left. Pets are permitted; see our Pet Policy for details.

Camping, Primitive Group
A primitive group camp is available for organized groups. The site can accommodate up to 60 people. The camp is nestled in an oak hammock with a fair amount of shade.

Pets are not permitted; see our Pet Policy for more information.
There is no running water or electricity.
Picnic tables and fire ring is available for use.
There is also a portable toilet.
An adult chaperone 21 years of age or older is required per 10 children.
Reservations are required and can be made up to 60 days in advance for youth groups and 30 days in advance for adult groups by calling the park directly. Payment is required at time of check-in.

Fishing
Freshwater bank fishing is available at three different lakes in the park and a fishing dock is at the Mac Lake day use area. The fishing dock is accessible by mobility assistance devices from the parking lot. The lakes range in size from 2 - 25 acres and vary in depth from 12-50 feet. The lakes were dug in the 1990s as part of a lime rock mining operation. Freshwater species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, bream, shell cracker and catfish can be caught. Canoes, kayaks and small jon boats can be carried down to the water and hand launched. Gas powered motors are prohibited but electric trolling motors can be used.

All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.  A fishing license may be required.  More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.

Geo-Seeking

Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced Geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures, or information in various places around the park.  Please check the Geocaching website for the most current and up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.

Operation Recreation GeoTour

Hiking
Visitors can hike or horseback ride on more than 12 miles of marked trails that meander through and around several of the park's natural communities, including pine flatwoods, cypress domes and hardwood hammocks. A portion of the trail skirts the edge of pastureland, providing a scenic vista. Visitors can sometimes get a glimpse of white-tailed deer, bobcat, fox squirrel and a variety of birds.

Be sure to prepare for Florida's ever changing climate and dress appropriately with proper hiking shoes. Don't forget sunscreen, hat, water and insect repellent. Be sure to pick up a trail map at any of the kiosks before taking to the trails and please stay on the marked trails.

Mac Lake nature trail is at our main day use area and consists of a 1/4 mile interpretive trail. This trail is accessible for mobility assistance devices.

Horseback Riding

Paddling
There are two lakes in the park in which you can launch your own canoe or kayak. Don't have your own? No worries.

Canoes and Kayaks can be rented from the ranger station and launched at Mac Lake. The first two hours are $8 then an additional $3 (plus tax) for every hour after.
Canoes and kayaks must be returned one hour before sunset.

Picnicking
Two picnic areas are available within the park. You can choose to find a vacant picnic table on the grounds, or if the pavilions are not rented you may utilize these as well. Whether you bring a packed lunch or cook on a grill nothing beats the taste of food when eaten in the great outdoors.

Please remember that it is not only against the law to feed the wildlife but it is unhealthy for them as well.

Wildlife Viewing
Located within the boundaries of the Green Swamp, the park has become a popular wildlife viewing area. Species such as white-tail deer, bobcat, turkey, fox squirrel, raccoon, alligator and wading birds make their home in the park and can sometimes be seen during the daylight hours.

Please remember that it is not only against the law to feed wildlife in the park, it is also unhealthy for them.

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Colt Creek State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all of our visitors.

These amenities include:
Mac Lake nature trail
Picnic pavilion and benches
Grills
Fishing pier

Boat Ramp
Located at Mac and Middle Lakes, the boat ramp is suitable for small boats such as canoes, kayaks, gheenoes and jon boats. Electric trolling motors can be used but gas powered motors are prohibited.

Campgrounds

Colt Creek State Park has 27 full-facility campsites and 6 tent only sites nestled in the pine flatwoods. Each site has 30 and 50 amp hookups. Some sites can accommodate rigs up to 70'. The campground includes a dump station located at the  campground entrance and an accessible bathhouse.

Campsites 2 and 6 are fully accessible and include a level concrete pad and are connected to the bathhouse by concrete walkway. Tent campsites 13 and 14 include accessibility features such as a level concrete pad with a gravel tent pad, and are connected to the parking area with a concrete walkway. Pets are welcome; please adhere to all rules regarding pets in the campground in accordance with our Pet Policy. Firewood is available for purchase at the ranger station.

Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through Reserve America. Book online or call 800-326-3521 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or TDD at 888-433-0287.

Equestrian Trail
Visitors can hike or horseback ride on more than 12 miles of marked trails that meander through and around several of the park's natural communities, including pine flatwoods, cypress domes and hardwood hammocks. A portion of the trail skirts the edge of pastureland, providing a scenic vista. Visitors can sometimes get a glimpse of white-tailed deer, bobcat, fox squirrel and a variety of birds.

Be sure to prepare for Florida's ever changing climate and dress appropriately with proper hiking shoes. Don't forget sunscreen, hat, water and insect repellent. Be sure to pick up a trail map at any of the kiosks before taking to the trails and please stay on the marked trails.

Proof of negative Coggins is required.

Pets
Pets are welcome in the park but must be well behaved and kept under the control of their owner with a leash no more than six feet in length. Please pick up after your pet and properly dispose of their droppings.

Pets are not permitted in the restrooms, pavilions, lakes or primitive camps.

Picnic Pavilion
Four picnic pavilions can be found throughout the park. Three of the pavilions around Mac Lake are available for rent but any of them can be used as first come first served when not rented. The pavilions are different sizes and depending on size are equipped with 4 to 18 picnic tables and accommodate 24 to 108 people. They are perfect for picnic, family reunions, meetings and all types of gatherings. Each pavilion is equipped with a charcoal grill for cooking in the great outdoors.

For visitor safety and protection of our wildlife, bouncehouses and the like are strongly discouraged.