Managed in cooperation with Florida Division of Forestry St. Johns River Water Management District Volusia County

Doug Alderson Lake George WMA is adjacent to Lake George in Putnam and Volusia counties. The area’s more than 35,000 acres are primarily mixed hardwood swamp and pine flatwoods. Florida black bear, Sherman’s fox squirrel, gopher tortoise, and bald eagle are among the listed species on the area. Additionally, bobcat, alligator, hawk, heron, otter, owl, osprey, and white-tailed deer may be found here. The Lake George WMA Dexter/Mary Farms Unit is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, paddling, and primitive camping are allowed on this area. No camping is permitted during the general gun season. Two boat ramps, a fishing pier, and a canoe launch along Lake George facilitate boating, paddling, and fishing. For additional information, a recreation guide is available from the St. Johns River Water Management District.

Visit Florida Division of Forestry's information on Lake George State Forest. View FWC's Regulations Summary for Lake George (pdf file) for an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, and area regulations.

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Managed in cooperation with Florida Division of Forestry

The Dexter Mary Farms Unit of Lake George WMA is in northwest Volusia County. The St. Johns River borders 3.5 miles of this more than 14,000-acre forest. Hit hard by the wildfires of 1998, about half of the forest is under restoration. Bluffton Recreation Area is located on the St. Johns River and offers fishing, picnicking, and a ¾-mile interpretive nature trail for hiking, bird watching and wildlife viewing. Although there is no boat ramp on the area, canoes, kayaks, and small boats may be launched from the bank. Fishing is also available at Jenkins Pond. This area is part of an extensive wildlife corridor that provides habitat vital to the survival of the black bear. Over half of the forest is in natural slash pine, with some pasture, hardwood hammocks, cypress swamps, and wetlands. Lake George State Forest is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Migrating songbirds are abundant in hardwood hammocks each fall and spring. Throughout the year, swallow-tailed kites, limpkins, and wading birds are seen along the river. Recreation opportunities include hunting and primitive camping. Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians are welcome on roads, designated trails, and permanent fire lines.

Visit Florida Division of Forestry's information on Lake George State Forest. View FWC's Regulations Summary for Dexter/Mary Farms Unit Lake George (pdf file) for an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, and area regulations.

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