Avon Park Air Force Range
This military reservation southeast of Frostproof encompasses more than 100,000 acres of pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, marshes, scrub forest and prairies with most of the land open to the public for outdoor recreation. Three campgrounds are located in the park providing visitors with primitive campsites equipped with non-potable water, portable toilets and picnic areas. More than 32 miles of trails traverse the wilderness including 12 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail. Freshwater fishing is available in the ponds and rivers and birders will find an abundance of avian species ranging from bald eagles to the threatened Florida scrub jay. Campsites are available on a first-come first-serve basis.
Avon Park Air Force Range
Fish, Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation Program
29 South Blvd.
Avon Park AFR, FL 33825
(863) 452-4254
avonparkafr.net
Lake Arbuckle Park and Campground
Polk County Parks and Recreation provides this fully developed campground along Lake Arbuckle. While nearby Lakes Wales Ridge State Forest and Avon Park Air Force Range offer only primitive campsites, Lake Arbuckle Park and Campground features both campsites suitable for RV or tent camping on Lake Arbuckle. Electric hookup and potable water is available and the campground offers a bath house with hot showers. A boat ramp allows boaters and anglers to enjoy Lake Arbuckle while the adjacent state forest provides a vast expanse of wilderness for hikers and equestrians.
Lake Arbuckle Park and Campground
2600 Lake Arbuckle Road
Frostproof, FL 33843
(863) 635-2811
polk-county.net
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
Primitive campsites lie along the 20 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail cutting through Lake Wales Ridge State Forest east of Frostproof. Many additional miles of linear and loop trails run through the forests that lie upon a natural ridge of the Florida peninsula. Four of these trails are included in the Florida Division of Forestry's Trailwalker Hiking Program. These memorable hikes through scrub forests where red-shouldered hawks keep a vigilant eye lead to unexpected discoveries such as lush ravines cut by slow moving rivers over many millennia. The campsites are truly primitive requiring campers to port all necessities including drinking water.
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
851 CR 630 E
Frostproof, FL 33843
(863) 635-8589
fl-dof.com/state_Forests
Article Written By David Chandler
David Chandler has been a freelance writer since 2006 whose work has appeared in various print and online publications. A former reconnaissance Marine, he is an active hiker, diver, kayaker, sailor and angler. He has traveled extensively and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida where he was educated in international studies and microbiology.
