Walk In The Water Primitive Hike-in Campsites Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

Open — Open year-round. Reservations required and can be made up to 11 months in advance. During wet periods, campsites may become flooded or impacted by site conditions.

About

Walk In The Water Primitive Hike-in Campsites are located on the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest's Walk In The Water tract, approximately 44 miles southeast of Lakeland in Polk County. The campground features two designated hike-in only tent sites: Black Bear and Wood Duck, both accessed via the Big Bay Trail with parking at the Big Bay Trailhead off County Road 630 East. Each primitive campsite accommodates up to 8 people and includes a picnic table and fire ring. There is no potable water or electricity available, so campers must bring their own water. Fires are permitted only in the designated fire rings. The area is frequented by bears and raccoons, requiring proper food storage. Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times. Lake Wales Ridge State Forest sits on an ancient ridge that once formed an island when ocean levels rose, creating a unique ecosystem. The scrub habitat has one of the highest concentrations of rare and endangered plants in the continental United States. The forest offers extensive recreational opportunities including the Big Bay Trail, Scrub Jay Loop Trail, and horseback riding trails. Hikers should wear Day-Glo orange during hunting seasons on the Walk In The Water Wildlife Management Area.

Directions

From US Highway 27: Turn onto County Road 630A, turn left at the stop sign onto County Road 630 East. Proceed east through Frostproof past the McDonald's and railroad tracks, continue past state forest headquarters until the second kiosk on left off County Road 630 East. Turn left into Big Bay Loop parking area. From SR 60: Proceed through Lake Wales until reaching Walk In Water Road on the right (just past Jay-Bees Restaurant). Proceed south on Walk In Water Road until reaching County Road 630 East, then turn right. Continue west until reaching the second kiosk on the right (Big Bay Loop) and turn right into parking area.

Nearby Campgrounds