Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area
Check out the the expansive vistas at Three Lakes WMA where you'll find great recreation opportunities and wildlife viewing year-round. Birders are drawn to Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area as fall warbler migration begins. Bald eagles are present throughout the year. Hike along the Florida National Scenic Trail and enjoy the colorful flush of wildflowers in the spring and fall. Hiking, bicycling and horseback riding are most pleasant in the fall through the spring when water levels are likely to be lower and temperatures cooler.
Opportunities for hunting on Three Lakes WMA occur during many days in the fall, winter and spring. On the lakes, specks are generally abundant January through March, and fishing for bluegill and redear sunfish is generally best late spring through the summer.
Hours of Operation
Open to public access year round.
Vehicle Use
Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads or trails except vehicles used by persons participating in the general gun for mobility-impaired season. During the general gun dog season, only individuals participating in the hunt may operate vehicles on established firebreaks in that area east of the Florida Turnpike.
Certain gates and roads may be open seasonally.
For more information, see the regulations summary brochures for Three Lakes and the Three Lakes/Prairie Lakes Unit.
Hunt Calendars
Three Lake Prairie Lakes Unit Hunt Calendar
What It Costs to Visit
A Daily-Use Permit is required to enter this area, unless you have purchased a Wildlife Management Area Permit. To hunt or fish you must also possess the appropriate licenses and permits.
Restrooms
Vault toilets are available at this location.
Play It Safe!
During scheduled hunts, trail users are encouraged to wear a daylight fluorescent orange shirt, vest, jacket and/or hat.
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 brochures for Three Lakes and the Three Lakes/Prairie Lakes Unit.
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 wild hog population is good.
Check the regulations summaries for Three Lakes and the Three Lakes/Prairie Lakes Unit before you visit.
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
For more information on camping opportunities, visit FWC's Camping on Wildlife Management Areas page.
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 brochures for details on equestrian access during hunting periods.
Prairie Lakes Recreation Guide
Three Lakes Hunt Calendar
Three Lakes Prairie Lakes Unit Hunt Calendar
View hunting seasons and dates and download a 'Year-at-a-Glance' calendar of hunt days on the area.
Get Involved!
Make a positive impact by volunteering with FWC.
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