Marshall Swamp Wildlife Management Area
Managed in cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails.
Just six miles southeast of Ocala, Marshall Swamp Wildlife Management Area occupies more than 6,000 acres of bottomland hardwood swamp and freshwater marsh along the Ocklawaha River. The site features an impoundment that was created on the area in the 1950s, when dikes and water control structures were installed on the Dead River, a tributary of the Ocklawaha. The impoundment later became part of the Cross Florida Barge Canal project, which was decommissioned in 1971. In 1993, the impoundment and surrounding swamp were incorporated into the newly established Cross Florida Greenway, managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Greenways and Trails. Today, the impoundment features some of the original sawgrass-dominated wetlands once common along the river.
The area is open for public use year-round. There is no vehicle access, but visitors may enter from the parking area off Midway Road on the west side of the WMA or by boat from the Ocklawaha River.
Hunting
For hunting seasons and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Marshall Swamp WMA.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted year-round. A Florida fishing license is required and can be purchased at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Camping
Camping is not available at this area.
Recreation
Visitors enjoy horseback riding, hiking, bicycling and wildlife viewing along the 3.5-mile trail around the impoundment. Boat ramps are located outside the WMA, 2.5 miles to the north and eight miles to the south.
Wildlife
Wildlife is abundant and includes alligators, turtles, deer, foxes, turkeys, and small game such as doves and squirrels. Watch for bald eagles in the winter, swallow-tailed kites in the spring and summer, and songbirds during spring and fall migration. Short-tailed hawks nest nearby along the Ocklawaha River. A variety of wading birds can be see at the impoundment year-round. Depending on water levels, wintering waterfowl may be plentiful.
More Information
For an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, rules regarding dogs and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Marshall Swamp WMA.
Visit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails webpage.
View FWC's waterfowl webpage for hunting seasons and regulations.