Three Lakes - Things to Do

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

Prairie Lakes Unit
On the Prairie Lakes Unit, enjoy primitive camping at any of the five family-sized campsites or the group campsite by obtaining a required, no-cost camping permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at MyFWC.com/PrairieLakesCamping. These sites are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is not permitted at these sites during quota hunts at the Prairie Lakes Unit, but is allowed during the small game hunting season and throughout the rest of the year. See the Three Lakes WMA - Prairie Lakes Unit regulation summary brochure for hunt dates and more information.

Three Lakes WMA
Outside of the  Prairie Lakes Unit, camping is allowed during hunting periods at designated hunter campsites (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. For more information, see the Three Lakes WMA regulations summary brochure.
 
Florida Trail
Camping is also allowed at designated campsites along the Florida Trail throughout the year for through-hikers and does not require a camping permit.

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. 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.