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Walk-In-The-Water Wildlife Management Area

Scrub Plum

Managed in cooperation with the Florida Forest Service.

Walk-in-the-Water Wildlife Management Area consists of over 6,000 acres on CR 630, two miles east of Frostproof in Polk County. The WMA is part of the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. Purchased under Florida's Conservation and Recreation Lands program, Walk-in-the-Water protects fast-disappearing scrub and sandhill communities, which are home to many rare plants and animals.

Walk-in-the-Water WMA is open to public access year-round. Please enter and exit at designated entrances only.

The Old Vero Beach Road entrance has a parking area and allows for access onto the east portions of the WMA during hunts.

Hunting

For hunting seasons and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Walk-in-the-Water WMA.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted year-round. A Florida fishing license is required and can be purchased at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Camping

The Florida Forest Service manages camping on the area. Camping reservations can be made online at FloridaStateForests.ReserveAmerica.com. Fees are required for all campsites on the WMA. For more information, visit the webpage for Lake Wales Ridge State Forest.

Recreation

This area contains two hiking trails that include Big Bay Trail and Scrub Jay Trail. Both may be accessed from trailheads with parking areas off of County Road 630 East. For more information on hiking trails, see the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest webpage.

Horseback riding is allowed most of the year on certain roads and horse trails within the WMA. For information on when and where horseback riding is allowed, see the Public Access and Vehicles section of the regulations summary brochure for Walk-in-the-Water WMA.

Wildlife

Hike in from the entrance at King Trail Gate for a good chance to see Florida scrub-jays. Some visitors may be fortunate enough to see short-tailed hawks.

The area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Submit your bird observations to the eBird Hotspot for  Lake Wales Ridge State Forest - Walk-in-Water Tract.

More Information

For an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, rules regarding dogs and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Walk-in-the-Water WMA.