Salt Lake Wildlife Management Area
Tucked just inland of Florida’s Atlantic Coast in northwestern Brevard County, Salt Lake WMA protects a vital piece of the state’s coastal conservation landscape.
Encompassing roughly 8,000 acres, this natural area buffers the Atlantic Coastal Ridge and helps safeguard the watersheds of both the St. Johns River and Indian River Lagoon. Salt Lake WMA is part of a larger corridor of conservation lands that preserves what remains of native coastal scrub and supports a rich diversity of wildlife and plant life. Rare and imperiled wildlife such as the Florida scrub-jay, wood stork and eastern indigo snake find refuge here, alongside more common species like white-tailed deer, bobcats, and otters. Visitors may also glimpse bald eagles soaring overhead or spot the striking blossoms of native wildflowers, including irises and pine lilies.
Salt Lake WMA offers seasonal recreational opportunities, including wildlife viewing, hiking and hunting. The area is open to vehicle access during hunting seasons from September to March, with the most pleasant visiting conditions typically occurring during the cooler months. Conservation tools such as prescribed fire help maintain the health of the landscape, supporting a variety of habitats including scrub, swamps, marshes and more. Whether you’re birdwatching during the Atlantic flyway migrations or enjoying the native plants, Salt Lake WMA is a reminder of the importance of preserving Florida’s coastal wildlands.
Hours of Operation
Open to public access year round, but only from 1½ hours before sunrise until 1½ hours after sunset.
Rules About Use
Vehicle access is allowed during hunting seasons and one day before and one day after each season. At all other times, please enjoy the area by walking, biking or horseback riding.
Horses and bicycles are welcome on designated roads and numbered trails. Horses are allowed only during small game season and outside of other hunting seasons.
For more information, see the regulations summary brochure.
What It Costs to Visit
No fee or daily-use permit is required.
Hunt Dates
See the Hunt Calendar and the Salt Lake WMA regulations summary brochure.
Restrooms
A restroom is available at the Arch Road entrance.
Access and Amenities
At the Arch Road entrance, a paved parking area provides access to a vault toilet and information kiosk. At Dairy Road, a paved parking area provides access to a information kiosk. The 0.6-mile South Lake Trail leads to a viewing platform overlooking the lake, while the 4-mile Salt Lake Hiking Trail offers a longer hike with opportunities to see more of the WMA.
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.
Hunting
Hunting of white-tailed deer and hogs takes place in the fall and winter, with turkey hunting in the spring. The feral hog and turkey populations are excellent, and the deer population is fair. All hunts, except small game hunts, on Salt Lake WMA are quota hunts. Appropriate licenses and permits are required. Check the regulations summary brochure before you visit.
If you see a sick or abnormally thin deer or deer dead of unknown causes, please report its location to the CWD hotline, (866) CWD-WATCH (293-9282).
Fishing
Salt Lake WMA offers great fishing opportunities on Salt Lake, South Lake and Loughman Lake. South Lake can be accessed via public boat ramps outside the WMA or by navigating from Fox Lake through Fox Lake Park. Salt Lake can be reached from a ramp on State Road 46 or at the end of Paces Landing Road. Shad Creek connects Salt Lake to Loughman Lake, though it may be very shallow during dry periods.
A Florida fishing license is required and can be purchased at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Wildlife Viewing
As you explore the area, keep an eye out for wild turkeys strutting through the mowed power line corridors. The floodplain marshes surrounding the lakes are alive with wading birds, purple gallinules, ospreys, and even the occasional alligator.
For a closer look at scrub habitats and access to a scenic viewing platform on the northwest side of South Lake, use the walk-in entrance located off Dairy Road.
Want to learn more about the wildlife you might see here? Check out the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and visit our Wildlife page for additional details.
Hiking, Biking and Horseback Riding
Download the Salt Lake WMA Trail Guide
A 4-mile white-blazed loop begins at the main entrance off Arch Road, winding east of the power lines through mesic flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods and oak scrub before circling back. Another 0.6-mile trail heads south from the Dairy Road parking area to a scenic overlook of South Lake. Benches and picnic tables offer spots to rest along the way. Trails may be seasonally flooded or soft and sandy depending on weather.
Bicycles are allowed only on named or numbered roads and trails, with improved roads offering the best ride. Equestrians can park at the main entrance and ride designated trails, except during quota hunting seasons. No water other than natural ponds is available for horses.
Paddling
Salt Lake WMA offers a peaceful paddling experience across South Lake, Salt Lake, and Loughman Lake. Access South Lake via Fox Lake in nearby Fox Lake Park, or launch onto Salt Lake from the boat ramp on S.R. 46.
From Salt Lake, adventurous paddlers can follow Shad Creek to reach Loughman Lake. For an extended trip, continue through Snake Creek to explore Clark and Ruth lakes, eventually connecting to the St. Johns River. Be aware that water levels can drop during winter and spring, and some creek sections may be shallow or dry.
View hunting seasons and dates and download a 'Year-at-a-Glance' calendar of hunt days on the area.