Flat Island Preserve

Isolated but relaxing Clean and quiet Not a whole lot going on

See Florida how it was before the settlers came in wild and natural!

Hiking trails are amazing, canoe rentals available ( with reservation in advance)

Group site and canoe rentals are no charge after a refunded $50 deposit. There is a restroom in the parking lot and running water at the start of the short trail to the camp area. There is plenty of room for several tents. There are two fire pits, benches and one picnic table. I have taken many groups out there.

Note: You WILL need insect repellent nearly year round and you need to be sure to watch for snakes on the trail (if you don't bother them they will not bother you...)

This preserve has several camping opportunities. You can register (its really free since deposit is returned if site is left as found), to use the group camp which is near the trail head and parking area. There is a restroom in the parking lot and running water at the start of the short trail to the camp area. There is plenty of room for several tents. There are two fire pits, benches and one picnic table. I have used this many times to have camping 101, dutch oven cooking, and Leave No Trace classes. There is the option of primitive camping by hiking out half way through the loop to the campsite over 2 miles. There is a picnic table there, a lantern pole, and a fire ring, and as a bonus a pitcher well for water, although you need to boil it, but its there. Then the third option is really primitive....you canoe (small fee that is returned to use on site canoe which is the only way to get one to the water) to an island and camp. Only a fire ring, lantern pole, and picnic table. (right now it is closed for maintenance Sept 2016) The hiking trail is wonderful and very shaded. There is a wildflower field at the trail head areas. A must do if in the area.