Managed in cooperation with Florida Division of Forestry

Betsy Purdum Blackwater WMA, the Blackwater Carr Unit, and Blackwater Hutton Unit, are comprised of more than 186,000 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. 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 (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

Russell Johnson The Carr Unit is a small (almost 600 acres) section of the Blackwater State Forest in Santa Rosa County four miles northwest of Holt and Highway 90. The major recreational activity on this area is a special opportunity released-quail hunt. A $100 permit per person allows parties up to four to hunt for pen-raised quail they release. Hunts are scheduled for various days from November through February. On the Carr Unit is the Blackwater Fisheries Research and Development Center. Each year since 1989 the facility has produced more than one million striped bass and hybrids (sometimes called sunshine bass) for stocking in public waters. Each spring, children are invited to fish in four ponds that have been stocked with sunshine bass and catfish. The facility, part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, is a popular spot for viewing wading birds. Camping is prohibited on the area.

Visit Florida Division of Forestry's information on Blackwater River State Forest. View FWC's Regulations Summary for Blackwater Carr Unit (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

Russell Johnson The Hutton Unit encompasses more than 5,000 acres north of Highway 90, five miles east of Milton. The Blackwater River forms the northern boundary of the unit, which consists of open pinelands interspersed with cutover areas and mature forests. The FWC manages this unit of the Blackwater State Forest to improve the habitat for bobwhite quail through prescribed fires and planting food plots. Quail hunters are required to obtain a no-cost quota hunt permit for designated quail hunting days (usually in November and December). Quota permits are also required for muzzleloading gun, archery, and general gun hunts. Fishing and paddling opportunities are available along the Blackwater River and hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing are permitting on the area. Mourning dove, myrtle warbler, red-tailed hawk, red-headed woodpecker, and Carolina wren are a few of the bird species possible to see. Camping is permitted at designated campsites. Call the Division of Forestry at (850) 957-6140 for campsite locations.

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

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