Walk In The Water Primitive Hike In Campsites — Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

Walk in the Water Hike-in Primitive Campsites are located on the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, (Polk County) on the Walk In The Water tract, approximately 44 miles SE of Lakeland, FL. It features 2 Hike-in only primitive campsites: Black Bear and Wood Duck campsites, both along the Big Bay Trail. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. There is no water or electricity available. Both campsites are hike in only and require advanced registration. Recreational activities featured here are: hunting, scouting, hiking, bicycling, picnicking, horseback riding, fishing and wildlife viewing.

• Tent camping only at designated Hike-in only primitive campsites. Each Hike-in primitive campsite requires advanced reservation on Walk In the Water tract.
• Located off the Big Bay Trail, Walk in the Water tract of Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. During wet periods, campsites may become flooded or impacted from site conditions. Contact LWRSF FFS Headquarters for camping assistance at 863-589-0545. For cancellations, contact the Reserve America Call Center.
• 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
• Removal or destruction of cultural artifacts, plants or animals is prohibited.
• Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs) and other unlicensed vehicles are prohibited on the forest.
• CAUTION: Bears/Raccoons/Etc. frequent the area. Please store food appropriately for safety.
• Please bring your own drinking water, campsites have no potable water.
• Fires are permitted only in the fire rings.
• Pets must be on a leash, maximum 10 feet, at all times.
• It is recommended that all hiking and other recreational users wear Day-Glo orange during hunt seasons. See FWC Walk In the Water WMA hunting information in kiosks on the state forest.