Lake June in Winter Scrub State
Park
5931 Hammock Road
Sebring, Florida 33872
Phone: 863-386-6099
Opening in 1999, this “brand new” state park provides basic amenities for the adventurous visitor. A composting toilet, picnic shelter, and plenty of space to walk and/or hike make this park perfect for those who prefer a remote park experience. Hike along the white sand firelanes, walk a short nature trail, or simply sit on the shoreline and enjoy the view.
Bald eagles, Florida Scrub-jays, Pileated woodpeckers
and Osprey may be seen daily, along with Gopher
tortoises and Scrub lizards. Unusual and rare plants
species of the scrub thrive in spite of the harsh
environment. Look into the stunted undergrowth to
see evidence of the prescribed fires that rejuvenate
this arid habitat, consuming all vegetation and
allowing the cycle of life to begin anew.
A short walk to the lakefront will provide you with
an expansive view of the 3500-acre Lake June in Winter,
renamed from Lake Stearns back in 1927. See the history
page for more information on this unusual and interesting
situation. Lake June is well suited for fishing, boating,
and other water sports.
Hours of Operation
Lake June in Winter Scrub State park is open 8:00 a.m.
to sundown 365 days per year.
Driving Directions
Take US Highway 27 to the town of Lake Placid, turn
west on County Road 621, travel approximately five
miles on County Road 621 (Lake June Road) to Daffodil
Road (621 merges into Poplar, then into Miller as
you travel towards Daffodil). Turn south onto Daffodil
road (Spur Mini Mart at this intersection), travel
approximately two miles to the end of Daffodil Road,
the park entrance is on your left.Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park is approximately
15 minutes from the historic downtown of Lake Placid.
Activities
Boat Ramp
A public boat ramp and the County’s H.L. Bishop
park is located along County Road 621, just a few
miles west from US 27. Visitors may launch non-motorized
boats from the park’s shoreline, and all visitors
are encouraged to respect nesting wading birds.
Nature Trails
The “Tomoka trail” which is located at
the eastern end of the parking area, is approximately
¼ mile in length and consists of packed dirt.
It includes uneven surfaces, some elevation, and two
short footbridges over a spring-fed creek. This trail
features a glimpse of scrubby flatwoods and bay communities.
In the areas near the creek you will find some welcomed
shade and cooler temperatures. Several benches are
provided for resting or nature study. Bird watching
is especially good near these footbridges. All other
trails are firelanes and consist of deep sands, with
little to no shade. Please be sure to wear sturdy
shoes, a hat, sunblock, and carry drinking water.
Hikers should consider taking a companion, compass
or cell phone.
Picnicking
A picnic shelter, composting toilet, and picnic tables
are available adjacent to the parking area. The parking
area is suitable for up to 20 vehicles, and is wide
enough for parking of moderately sized (25 foot) RV’s.
Wildlife Viewing
Expect to see Gopher tortoises, Florida Scrub-jays,
White-tailed deer, Scrub lizards, and possibly Southern
Bald Eagles during the months of November to April.
Please remember that all plants and animals within
the park are protected. Do not collect plants, or
attempt to touch any wildlife. This park’s
fragile natural communities are some of the rarest
in the world. For many of these endemic species,
these small patches of protected scrublands are
all that is left of their natural habitat. Extinction
is a real threat for many species in this vanishing
ecosystem.
