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Tosohatchee WMA

Recreation

In support of the resource management goals and objectives for the area and to provide a quality experience for all area users, the following recreation activities are allowed.

Hunting

Hunting is limited to high quality hunts with a limited number of hunters during seasons that run from September to March. A hunting license, Wildlife Management Area Permit, and a quota hunt permit are required. The area boasts excellent hog hunting and good opportunities for deer and turkey. 

Fishing

Fishing is permitted throughout the area. Popular spots include bank fishing on the St. Johns River, and along the WMA’s numerous canals and creeks.

Two man-made fishing lakes are located off of Long Bluff Road. The lakes are not stocked but anglers regularly catch Florida largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, and sunfish. Appropriate licenses and permits are required.

Wildlife Viewing

Tosohatchee WMA is an excellent place to view wildlife year-round and is a site on the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Wading birds of all types - ibis, herons, egrets, wood storks, limpkins; rails, ducks, and gallinules, ospreys and eagles, as well as kestrels, turkeys, white-tailed deer, and alligators are common. You may request a copy or download or print the Tosohatchee Bird List . Visit the Wildlife page for more information about the area's wildlife.

Hiking

Hiking options in Tosohatchee include overnight hikes along the Florida National Scenic Trail with camping at one backcountry site, or one of several day hikes along the network of trails and unpaved roads. Shorter spur trails lead to notable natural features such as a virgin bald cypress stand in James Creek Swamp. Carry a map and compass to successfully navigate the intersecting roads and trails.

Wear blaze orange if you hike during hunts. Notify the Tosohatchee office before hiking into the WMA from either the north or south ends. The address is: 3365 Taylor Creek Rd, Christmas, FL 32709, or phone (407)568-5893.

View a trail map .

Biking

Bicyclists will find that the system of unpaved roads offers good travel conditions with great scenery and abundant wildlife.

Horseback Riding

Horses are permitted on named and numbered roads and designated trails only; horses are prohibited during hunting seasons. A primitive equestrian campground is located off St. Nicholas Road. Park horse trailers in designated area nearby.  Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when 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.

Paddling

No boat launching facilities are provided within the WMA, but canoes and kayaks can be launched along the shoreline of the St. Johns River at the end of Powerline Road and in the two man-made lakes south of S.R. 528.

Scenic Driving

The majority of the dirt roads can be driven in a two-wheel-drive vehicle. When roads are too wet or sandy, they are closed to vehicular traffic. The roads traverse a lovely tapestry of natural communities, creating ample opportunity to observe wildlife, wildflowers, lush cabbage palm hammocks, and extensive stretches of freshwater marshes.

See vehicle use regulations.

Camping

Primitive camping facilities include an equestrian camp, a group camp, and a campsite located along the Florida National Scenic Trail within the WMA.

Reservations must be made in advance by calling the WMA office at (407) 568-5893. Car and RV camping are not available. During established hunting seasons, camping is permitted only to through-hikers at the site along the Florida National Scenic Trail.