Arbuckle Primitive Hike-in Campsites Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
Open year-round. Advanced reservations are required for all sites via the Florida State Forests reservation system. Primitive campsites may become flooded during wet periods. Check burn ban status before reserving, as drought conditions may impose fire restrictions.
Flood Advisory issued November 1 at 11:10PM EST until November 2 at 2:15AM EST by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
* WHAT...Urban area and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...Eastern Hardee County in central Florida... South Central Polk County in central Florida... Northeastern DeSoto County in south central Florida... Northwestern Highlands County in south central Florida... * WHEN...Until 215 AM EST. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 1110 PM EST, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. This will cause urban and small stream flooding. Between 2 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. - Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected over the area. This additional rain will result in minor flooding. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Sebring, Avon Park, Sebring Regional Airport, Sweetwater, Sebring Shores, Lake Josephine, Avon Park Executive Airport, Crewsville, Avon Park Air Force Range and Lorida. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Located approximately 44 miles southeast of Lakeland in the Arbuckle tract of Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, these primitive hike-in campsites provide a true backcountry camping experience in central Florida. The campsites are scattered throughout the tract along the 25-mile Arbuckle Trail system, with parking available at School Bus Road, Rucks Dairy Road, and Tram Road trailheads. Each designated campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring, but there is no potable water, electricity, toilets, or trash service. Campers must bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash following Leave No Trace principles. Bears, raccoons, and other wildlife frequent the area, so proper food storage is essential. The surrounding forest offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting, bicycling, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. During hunting season, wearing Day-Glo orange is recommended. The primitive campsites may become flooded during wet periods, so checking conditions with the forest headquarters before arrival is advisable.
Directions
From Lakeland, travel approximately 44 miles southeast to the Arbuckle tract of Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. The headquarters is located at 851 County Road 630 East, Frostproof, FL 33843. Trailhead parking is available at School Bus Road, Rucks Dairy Road, and Tram Road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $8.93 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (863) 589-0545 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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