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Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area

Nestled between the Ocklawaha and St. Johns rivers, Caravelle Ranch WMA offers a rich mix of pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, river swamps and pasturelands. The diverse landscapes found here not only protect important watersheds, but also support wildlife ranging from Florida black bears and gopher tortoises to sandhill cranes.

Visitors to Caravelle Ranch WMA can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities year-round, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, paddling, wildlife viewing, and seasonal hunting and fishing. The Florida National Scenic Trail crosses through the area and is open to hikers throughout the year. Birdwatching peaks in spring when swallow-tailed kites soar overhead, and paddling the Ocklawaha River is especially scenic in the fall, when cooler temperatures and blooming scarlet hibiscus line the banks.

Hours of Operation

Open to public access year-round by foot, horseback or bicycle. Vehicle access is only allowed during certain times of year associated with hunting dates. See the regulations summary brochure for more information.

Rules About Use

See the regulations summary brochure.

What It Costs to Visit

No fee or daily-use permit is required.

Restrooms

Restrooms are not available at this location.

Camping

Camping is allowed only in designated primitive campsites and only from 8 a.m. one day prior to each hunt through 6 p.m. one day after each hunt (except no camping is allowed on dates for dove hunts only). For hunt dates, see the regulations summary brochure.

Accessibility

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Dogs

Dogs are permitted but must be kept under physical restraint at all times. Regulations regarding hunting dogs can be found in the regulations summary brochure.

Get directions by selecting an entrance icon on the entrance finder map.

Things to Do

Enjoy hunting and fishing, an extensive trail system and excellent wildlife viewing.

Wildlife

Find a variety of resident and migratory wildlife at this Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail site.

Habitat and Management

Pine uplands and wetlands associated with the rivers are actively managed for wildlife and recreation.

History

The adjacent rivers and fertile uplands have attracted humans for more than five thousand years.

Planning Your Visit

Bordered by the St. Johns and Oklawaha rivers, 11 miles south of Palatka.

Share Your Visit

Have a great photo from a WMA? Share your pic on social media with #WMAzing!

💬 Ask Buck!