FWC Home : Recreation : Wildlife Management Areas :  Blackwater River

Blackwater WMA

Managed in cooperation with
Florida Division of Forestry

Blackwater WMA, the Blackwater Carr Unit, and Blackwater Hutton Unit, are comprised of more than 200,000 acres in Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties and is one of the largest state forests in Florida. The forest’s natural stands of longleaf pine are among the best remaining examples of the longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem that once covered much of the southeastern United States. Other natural communities found on the area include hardwood swamps, mixed loblolly pine and hardwoods, and pitcher plant bogs. Some of the most beautiful stands of Atlantic white cedar in the state are found along the banks of the Blackwater River and its tributaries. The forest is critical habitat for many listed plants and animals, including the red-cockaded woodpecker, the pine barrens treefrog, the gopher tortoise, and the panhandle lily. Blackwater’s outstanding forest and water resources offer excellent opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, camping, swimming, horseback riding, and paddling.  Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when horseback riding on public lands.  For more detailed information go to Nicole's Law .  All horseback riders must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on state lands. A portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail traverses the area and is open to hikers year round.

• Visit Florida Division of Forestry's information on Blackwater River State Forest.

• View FWC's Regulations Summary for Blackwater for an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, and area regulations.