Arbuckle Primitive Hike-in Campsites Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

Open — Open year-round for tent camping. All 8 hike-in primitive campsites require advance reservations via Reserve America up to 11 months ahead. Campsites may flood during wet periods; contact forest headquarters at (863) 589-0545 for current conditions.

About

Arbuckle Primitive Hike-in Campsites provide a true backcountry camping experience within Lake Wales Ridge State Forest's Arbuckle Tract in Polk County, approximately 44 miles southeast of Lakeland. The campground features 8 primitive tent-only campsites: Creekside, Grave Island, Hidden Hammock, Isabell, Lakeside, Lone Oak, Hickory Point, and Resurrection Pond. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with no water or electricity available. All campsites require advance reservations and are accessible only by hiking in from designated parking areas located on School Bus Road, Rucks Dairy Road, and Tram Road. Distances vary by site, with access via the Florida Trail System Loop Trail and connecting service roads. The forest sits on the ancient Lake Wales Ridge, a narrow strip that was once an island surrounded by prehistoric oceans. Today, this ridge supports scrub ecosystems with one of the highest concentrations of rare and endangered plants in the continental United States. The area offers 25 miles of the Arbuckle Trail for hiking, along with opportunities for fishing, hunting, bicycling, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Trails cross diverse terrain from forest wetlands to ancient dry scrub communities. The forest is part of the Arbuckle Wildlife Management Area, and wearing blaze orange during hunting seasons is recommended. Campers should be prepared for primitive conditions, including bringing all drinking water, packing out trash, and properly storing food due to bears and other wildlife in the area.

Directions

From US 27: Turn left onto CR 630A, then left at stop sign onto CR 630 East. Proceed through Frostproof, turn right onto Lake Reedy Blvd. Continue past Blue Jordan Road one mile, turn left onto Lake Arbuckle Road, then right onto Rucks Dairy Road. After crossing Livingston Creek bridge, turn left onto School Bus Road for primary access to campsites.

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