Highlands Hammock State Park is a 9251 acre park opened to the public in 1931. The park still preserves a scenic, virgin hardwood forest. The sharp-eyed wildlife observer can catch a glimpse of whitetail deer and alligators almost every day. For a fascinating look at various areas, the park offers nine separate nature trails, including the popular catwalk through a cypress swamp. Read more

Reservations are highly recommended from November through March. Camping from June through Sept. may be accompanied by biting insects and afternoon rains. Hiking & mountain bike trails are subject to flooding from June to November. Call ahead for conditions. A saltwater fishing license can be purchased at bait and tackle shops, and is required for fishing in the Blackwater River.  Read more

The river provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking; a canoe/kayak launch is available at parking lot#4. Some of our amenities are the Spirit of the Woods Café’ which is open 9am-5pm seven days a week. This concession provides breakfast and lunch daily from 9am-4pm, camping & picnic supplies, and a variety of memorable souvenirs. Read more

The park´s river and two lakes provide ample opportunities for boating, freshwater fishing, canoeing, and kayaking; a boat ramp provides access to Upper Myakka Lake. Hikers can explore trails that cross large expanses of rare Florida dry prairie. Scenic lake tours are offered daily on the world´s two largest airboats. Full-facility campgrounds and primitive campsites are available.  Read more

Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities. The lake offers excellent freshwater fishing, and anglers can fish from their boats or from the park's fishing dock. Swimming is permitted in a designated area of Lake Manatee; a facility with showers is located nearby. A large picnic area is nestled in a sand pine scrub area near the lake.   Read more

Visitors can fish along the banks of the river. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy hiking a six-and-a-half mile trail through the park's northern wilderness area. For those who prefer their hikes on horseback, the park has 12 miles of equestrian trails and four equestrian campsites. Campers can spend the night in a full-facility campground or hike out to a primitive campsite along the trail.  Read more

Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along South Creek, a blackwater stream that flows to the Gulf of Mexico. Canoe and kayak rentals are available, but motorized boats are not permitted in the park boundaries. Freshwater and saltwater fishing are available along the creek. Anglers can fish along the shores of Lake Osprey, which is also the park´s swimming destination.   Read more