Fort Drum Wildlife Management Area
Managed in cooperation with St. Johns River Water Management District.
Fort Drum Wildlife Management Area consists of nearly 21,000 acres in southwestern Indian River County. This area is a mosaic of wetland and upland communities, including dry prairie, pine flatwoods, hardwood swamp and floodplain marsh.
The area is open to public access year round, except during special-opportunity hunts when only individuals in possession of a valid special-opportunity permit are allowed on the area.
Hunting
A special-opportunity permit is required to hunt on this area during deer and spring turkey season, and a regular quota permit is required to hunt on this area during the scheduled hog hunts.
For hunting seasons and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Fort Drum WMA.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted year-round. A Florida fishing license is required and can be purchased at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Camping
Tent camping is allowed at designated campsites. During special-opportunity and wild hog-still hunts, camping is allowed only for hunters in possession of valid special-opportunity permits or wild hog-still quota permits and their guests. For more information visit St. Johns River Water Management District.
Recreation
Explore a variety of outdoor activities, including wildlife viewing, horseback riding, hiking, biking and paddling. Horses are allowed only on named and numbered roads and designated trails and only during periods closed to hunting and small game season.
A boardwalk through a hardwood swamp leads to Hog Island, where trails and primitive camping sites have been developed by the Florida Trail Association. A picnic pavilion and tables are adjacent to Horseshoe Lake. Vehicle access beyond Lake Cara is by permit only. For more information see the SJRWMD’s webpage for Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area.
Wildlife
This area supports a wide variety of wildlife, including Florida sandhill cranes, wood storks, crested caracaras, bald eagles, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and a large population of wild hogs.
Add your bird observations to the following Fort Drum eBird Hotspots:
More Information
For an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, rules regarding dogs and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Fort Drum WMA.