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Arbuckle WMA

Managed in cooperation with
Florida Division of Forestry

Arbuckle WMA consists of 13,531 acres east of Avon Park in Polk County 5 miles south of Frostproof. Part of the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, this area was purchased to protect numerous rare and endangered plants and animals. Arbuckle occupies a high ridge of ancient sand dunes and contains fast disappearing pine and oak scrub, home to Florida scrub-jays and gopher tortoises. Other natural communities include pine flatwoods, sandhill, and bottomland hardwoods along streams and creeks. Lake Arbuckle, where fishing and canoeing may be enjoyed year round, adjoins the area. The area offers very good deer hunting. On the area is a .8-mile nature trail as well as a segment of the Florida Trail. Horseback riding is allowed on firebreaks, named or numbered roads or designated horse trails. Horses are prohibited on hiking trails and during established hunting seasons.  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. Arbuckle WMA is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Scrub-jays inhabit the oak scrub along the road into the area. Short-tailed hawks may be observed on the Paula Dockery Trail, and at Lake Arbuckle are wading birds, bald eagles, limpkins, and ospreys. Camping is permitted at the designated campground off Rucks Dairy Road, and at designated campsites along the Florida Trail and at other sites by Special-Use Permit. The Division of Forestry regulates camping.  There is a daily use fee and a camping fee is required per campsite. For information, call the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest at (863) 635-7801.

• Visit Florida Division of Forestry's information on Lake Wales Ridge State Forest.

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