Hiking enthusiasts will find designated primitive sites accessible by foot trail within Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. Walk In The Water Primitive Hike In Campsites provides electric, water, and sewer hookups despite its backcountry designation, along with picnic tables and fire rings at each site. The campground sits in forested terrain near lake access for fishing opportunities.
Campers can explore hiking trails throughout the state forest and enjoy riverside access. The $8 nightly rate includes full hookups and pet-friendly policies. Walk In The Water Campground — Lake Wales Ridge State Forest operates nearby for additional forest camping options. Reservations are available for guaranteed site availability.
Description
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.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Drought conditions continue to worsen, and numerous Florida counties have implemented burn bans. State Forest campgrounds within counties under a burn ban are subject to the same restrictions, which may affect your camping experience. Please check the Burn Ban Public Dashboard and plan accordingly before making a reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundWalk In The Water Primitive Hike In Campsites — Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is located in Florida
Directions
From US highway 27 you will: Turn onto County Road 630A; At the stop sign turn to the left onto Country Road 630 East; Proceed east through Frostproof, past the McDonald's, over the railroad tracks; then continue east past state forest headquarters until second kiosk on left just off of County Road 630 East; At the second kiosk on the left (Big Bay Loop), turn to the left into parking area. From SR 60 you will: Proceed through Lake Wales until reaching Walk In Water Road on the right, just past Jay-Bees Restaurant on the left; Proceed south on Walk In Water Road until reaching County Road 630 East, then turn right; On County Road 630 East, continue west until reaching the second kiosk on the right (Big Bay Loop); Turn to the right into parking area.
Address
851 COUNTY ROAD 630 EAST
Frostproof, FL 33843
Coordinates
27.76860109534007 N
81.47048848091653 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
