Dinner Island Ranch WMA

Yes, camping is allowed at Dinner Island Ranch Wildlife Management Area. The property features two distinct camping units: Kowechobe Camp and Hammock Camp. Kowechobe Camp offers more spacious camping with sites spread across an open field, providing privacy between campers. Hammock Camp is located in a wooded area with sites positioned closer together. A permit may be required for camping, so check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before your visit.

Dinner Island Ranch WMA offers a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, particularly bird watching as the area is home to diverse avian species. Hiking through the natural Florida landscape is popular, with trails that showcase the native flora and fauna. Photography opportunities abound with scenic vistas of wetlands and prairie. The management area also typically permits seasonal hunting (check current regulations and permits with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before planning a hunting trip). Horseback riding may be available in designated areas, and fishing is possible in permitted locations.

The best time to visit Dinner Island Ranch WMA for camping is during the cooler months from late fall through early spring (November through April). Florida's winter provides comfortable temperatures with less humidity, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. This period also typically has fewer insects and better wildlife viewing opportunities. Summer months can be extremely hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and higher mosquito activity. Water levels may also vary seasonally, affecting accessibility to certain areas.

To access the camping areas at Dinner Island Ranch WMA, visitors should enter through the main property entrance and follow directional signs to either Kowechobe Camp or Hammock Camp. Kowechobe Camp is set up in a large field with well-spaced sites, while Hammock Camp (which includes site #10) is located in a wooded area with sites positioned closer together. It's advisable to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before your trip to confirm access points, obtain any necessary permits, and check current road conditions, especially during wet seasons when access may be affected.