Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area

Managed in cooperation with
South Florida Water Management District
Polk County

Lake Marion Creek WMA consists of more than 8,000 acres north and east of Lake Marion in Polk County 5 miles east of Haines City on SR 580. The land was purchased by the South Florida Water Management District and Polk County to protect water and other natural resources. Most of the area is hardwood swamp, which makes hunting and other recreational activities challenging. Lake Marion remains a good spot for squirrel hunting. Horseback riding is prohibited.  Bicycling is allowed on Huckleberry Island Road. Camping is prohibited during hunting seasons and permitted at other times only with a special-use license from the South Florida Water Management District (800) 250-4250. There are hiking trails from the following designated entrances: Snell Creek, Huckleberry Island, Baltic Road, and Horse Creek. Fishing is available on Snell Creek. White-tailed deer, feral hogs, wading birds (including white ibis, little blue heron, great blue heron, and great egret), scrub-jays, and gopher tortoises are some of the wildlife that can be observed on the area. You may also find the tracks of sand skinks in the white scrub sands.

Rules Regarding Dogs

• For purposes other than hunting, dogs are allowed, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times. Dogs are prohibited in areas posted as "Closed to Public Access" by FWC administrative action. No person shall allow any dog to pursue or molest any wildlife during any period in which the taking of wildlife by the use of dogs is prohibited.
• Hunting dogs may be taken onto the WMA after 8 a.m. the day before the opening of a season and shll be removed by 6 p.m. one day after the end of the season. Hunting with dogs other than bird dogs or retrievers is prohibited, except dogs with a shoulder height of 15 inches or less are allowed during the small game season. Dogs are prohibited in areas posted as "Closed to Public Access" by FWC administrative action. No person shall allow any dog to pursue or molest any wildlife during any period in which the taking of wildlife by the use of dogs is prohibited. Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game.

• View South Florida Water Management District's Recreation Guide.

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