Three Lakes - Things to Do
Enjoy fishing and ample opportunities for hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing, bicycling, horseback riding, boating and camping.
Hunting
Three Lakes is one of the top WMAs for turkeys in Florida and opportunities include a youth hunt. The white-tail deer, gray squirrel and bobwhite quail populations are fair, and the feral hog population is good. Check the regulations summaries and maps for Three Lakes and the Three Lakes/Prairie Lakes Unit and the hunt calendars for both areas 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
Fishing is available in Lake Kissimmee, Lake Jackson, Lake Marian, Parker Slough, Jackson Canal, and several borrow pits located on the east side of the WMA. Anglers can catch bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie and catfish. Boats are allowed on Lake Kissimmee, Lake Jackson and Lake Marian. Carry appropriate licenses and permits. Within the WMA, a boat ramp is available at Lake Jackson.
Camping
On the Prairie Lakes Unit, enjoy primitive camping at any of the five family-sized campsites or the single group campsite by obtaining a required, no-cost camping permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; call (352) 732-1225. These sites are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Primitive camping is not permitted at these sites during established hunts at Prairie Lakes, with the exception of the small game season. For those looking to camp during established hunts on the Prairie Lakes Unit when primitive camping is not permitted or during the hunting season on Three Lakes, you may camp at any of the three hunter-designated camping areas (US-441, SR-60, or CR-523 designated hunting entrances/check stations). A camping permit is not required at any of the hunter-designated camping areas and they are first-come, first-served.
Camping is also allowed at designated campsites along the Florida Trail throughout the year for through-hikers only and does not require a camping permit. See the Three Lakes and the Three Lakes/Prairie Lakes Unit regulations summary brochures for hunting season dates and campsite locations.
Boating
The lakes offer motorized and paddling opportunities. Windy conditions on the largest of these lakes may make paddling difficult at times. While boating, you can take advantage of excellent opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. Within the WMA, lake access is available via the boat ramp at Lake Jackson.
Wildlife Viewing
The expansive prairie, mesic flatwoods and diverse natural communities create outstanding wildlife viewing. Due to its unique and high quality birding opportunities, this area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. An observation tower overlooking Lake Jackson and the Sunset ranch walking trail and viewing blind offer additional opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visit the Wildlife page for more details.
Hiking, Biking & Horseback Riding
Bicyclists and equestrians enjoy miles of suitable roads within the WMA. Hikers can access nearly 39 miles of multi-use scenic trails. In the Prairie Lakes Unit, there are two loops of the Florida National Scenic Trail, each about six miles long. Trails can be very wet at times. See the Three Lakes and the Three Lakes/Prairie Lakes Unit regulations summary brochures for details on equestrian access during hunting periods. Download the Three Lakes WMA trail map.