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Rock Springs Run Wildlife Management Area

Rock Springs

Managed in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Protection.

Rock Springs Run Wildlife Management Area (WMA) extends along 12 miles of the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run within the Department of Environmental Protection's Rock Springs Run State Reserve. Access to Rock Springs Run and the Wekiva River is not possible through the WMA. This popular recreation area is in northwestern Orange and northeastern Lake counties, approximately 30 miles north of Orlando.

The area's 14,000 plus acres consist of sand pine-scrub oak, pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks and creek swamps. This preserve is part of an important corridor for the Florida black bear and provides habitat for other rare and threatened species, including the Florida scrub-jay, the gopher tortoise, the eastern indigo snake, gopher frog and Sherman's fox squirrel. In fall, migratory songbirds are abundant. The reserve is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and is home to the Florida scrub-jay.

Add your bird observations to the Rock Springs Run State Reserve eBird Hotspot.

Visitors will find miles of trails and sandy roads for hiking, biking, or horseback riding.  Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when horseback riding on public lands. For more detailed information see Nicole's Law. All horseback riders must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on state lands.

Hunting provides additional recreational opportunities. All hunters are required to have a quota hunt permit. White-tailed deer and small game hunting are good. Horses are prohibited in areas open to hunting during hunting periods with the exception of the small game season.

Camping is prohibited.

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 codes. 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 with dogs is prohibited, except bird dogs are allowed during the small game season. Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game.

More Information