Managed in cooperation with Southwest Florida Water Management District

Southwest Florida Water Management District Green Swamp WMA consists of nearly 50,000 acres in Lake, Polk, and Sumter counties. Also known as the Green Swamp East, this area is part of the approximately 110,000 acres purchased to protect the land and water resources of the Green Swamp. The Green Swamp is a critical recharge area for the Floridan aquifer as well as the source of the Hillsborough, Withlacoochee, Ocklawaha, and Peace rivers. Most of the landscape is pine flatwoods, cypress domes, and hardwoods swamps. Freshwater fishing is good along this segment of the Withlacoochee River. Stanley Fish Hole and Maynard Mines, both accessed from SR 471, are popular fishing spots. Paddling on the Withlacoochee east of SR 471 is not recommended due to the poorly defined channel and numerous logjams. Deer, hog, and turkey hunting are good, although high water makes hunting and other recreational activities difficult at times. More than 20 miles of the Florida Trail, 13.1 miles of which are part of the Florida National Scenic Trail, traverse the area. Portions of the trail are inundated in all but the driest years. Over 20 miles of unpaved service roads are marked for bicycling.  Wildlife that may be seen on the area include alligator, white-tailed deer, bobwhite quail, armadillo, gray squirrels, feral hogs, and a variety of birds. Camping is permitted year round at designated campsites and along the Florida Trail, but requires a camping permit during non-hunting periods issued by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Brooksville office (352) 796-7211.

View Southwest Florida Water Management District's Recreation Guide for Green Swamp. Visit Southwest Florida Water Management District's Interactive web site for Green Swamp. View FWC's Regulations Summary for Green Swamp (pdf file) for an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, and area regulations.

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Managed in cooperation with Southwest Florida Water Management District

Southwest Florida Water Management District The Green Swamp West Unit WMA consists of more than 34,000 acres in Pasco County and is part of the approximately 110,000 acres purchased to protect the land and water resources of the Green Swamp Basin of Central Florida. The area consists of a mosaic of varying habitat types whose distribution is based mainly on moisture gradients and soil types, and there are ample opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Forty-two miles of marked trails are available for bicycling and horseback riding, and more than 50 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail traverse the area. Horse-drawn buggies are allowed on the marked trails. Primitive camping, including an equestrian campground, is available. Well water for horses is found at the equestrian campground. Freshwater fishing is good along the Withlacoochee River, and the best access is from River Road. Canoe launches are located at River Road and in nearby Withlacoochee River Park. Paddlers should check water levels as travel is difficult when water is low. Green Swamp West is one of the premier public hunting areas in the state for white-tailed deer. Special opportunity permits are required to hunt on this area except during small game season. The area is closed to the general public during hunts except for through-hikers on the Florida National Scenic Trail. This WMA is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Wildlife that may be seen on the area include alligator, feral hog, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, bobwhite quail, and a variety of other birds.

View Southwest Florida Water Management District's Recreation Guide for Green Swamp. Visit Southwest Florida Water Management District's Interactive web site for Green Swamp. View FWC's Regulations Summary for West Unit (pdf file) for an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, and area regulations.

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