Description
Arbuckle Primitive Hike-in Campsites are located on the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, (Polk County) on the Arbuckle tract, approximately 44 miles SE of Lakeland, FL. It features 5 primitive campsites: Creekside, Grave Island, Hidden Hammock, Isabell and Lakeside. These primitive campsites are scattered throughout the Arbuckle tract and each has a picnic table and fire ring. There is no water or electricity available. All campsites are hike in only and require advanced registration. Recreational activities featured here are: fishing, hunting, hiking, bicycling, picnicking, scouting, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.
Geography:
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest derives its name from the narrow ridge that runs north and south through the Florida Peninsula. Many years ago ancient ocean levels rose and covered nearly all of the present-day peninsula. The ridge became an island on which the plants and animals continued to evolve in isolation. Today, the scrub ecosystem that thrives on the ridge may have the highest concentration of rare and endangered plants in the continental United States. For more information Click Here.
Recreation:
The forest offers many recreational opportunities for the rugged outdoor enthusiast as well as the occasional visitor. Hiking trails cross a variety of terrains from forest wetlands to ancient, dry scrub communities. The state forest contains four hiking trails that are included in the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Hiking Program. Hikers can take advantage of the numerous hiking trail, which include 25 miles of the Arbuckle Trail on the Arbuckle Tract.
Facilities:
Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring.
Primitive camping hike-in only access to campsites on Arbuckle Trail or service roads. Parking areas located on School Bus Road, Rucks Dairy Road and Tram Road for access to primitive campsite parking.
Base campsite fees include 5 people and two cars. Additional individuals are $2.00 each and each additional car is $5.00. Use "Leave No Trace" Principles - Plan Ahead and Prepare, Dispose of trash and litter properly-keep campsites clean, Minimize Campfire impacts-Clean fire ring after use, Respect Wildlife and Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Nearby Attractions:
LAKE ARBUCKLE PARK AND COUNTY CAMPGROUND
REEDY CREEK CAMPGROUND I ON ARBUCKLE TRACT
REEDY CREEK II HUNT CAMP AND PAVILION
ARBUCKLE TRAIL ON ARBUCKLE TRACT
MCLEAN CABIN DAY USE AREA ON ARBUCKLE
ARBUCKLE HORSE TRAILER PARKING AREA
LAKE GODWIN DAY USE AREA ON ARBUCKLE
WALK IN THE WATER CAMPGROUND ON WALK IN THE WATER TRACT
WALK IN THE WATER WMA
BABSON/DINNER LAKE TRACT LOCATED OFF WALK IN THE WATER RD
LWRSF HEADQUARTERS LOCATED AT 851 COUNTY ROAD 630 EAST, FROSTPROOF, FL 33843