Lake Panasoffkee

Acquired to preserve Lake Panasoffkee's vast floodplain forest, the land also preserves pine flatwoods, freshwater marshes and oak scrub forest. As the land continues to rise, pines and scrub oaks of upland sandhills replace the wetland forest trees. A comprehensive restoration effort of Lake Panasoffkee has been completed to enhance both the water quality of the lake and recreational opportunities.

Park Details

Street Address

7519 NW 18th Way
Wildwood, FL 34785
United States

Size
9911 Acres
Hours of Operation
District lands shall be open to the public from 30 minutes prior to sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset only, unless otherwise authorized by the District per Chapter 40D-9 Florida Administrative Code.

Site Features

Birding
Hiking
Bicycling
Equestrian
Fishing
Hunting
Picnic Facilities
Restrooms
Camping

Recreation Opportunities

Recreation Term

Bicycling

Recreation Description
  • Approximately 18 miles of multiuse trails.
  • Bicyclists are required to stay on designated and marked trails.
  • Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear helmets.

Recreation Term

Birding

Recreation Description
  • Site located on western section of Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
  • Contact FWC  for more information.

Recreation Term

Boating

Recreation Description
  • Available at nearby Coleman Landing Public Boat Ramp.

Recreation Term

Camping

Recreation Description
  • Separate sites available for equestrian and primitive camping.
  • Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills.
  • Eight horse stalls with water; free to campers on first-come, first-served basis. Users responsible for cleaning stalls.
  • A free reservation is required and must be displayed or available at campground.

Recreation Term

Equestrian

Recreation Description
  • Approximately 18 miles of multiuse trails.
  • Riders are required to stay on designated or marked trails.
  • Each rider must carry proof of horse's current negative Coggins test.
  • Horse-drawn buggy riding requires a free day-use reservation for buggy access behind locked gate.
  • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to wear helmets.

Recreation Term

Fishing

Recreation Description
  • Little Jones Creek and two borrow pits on far eastern side of property.
  • Lake Panasoffkee inaccessible from property due to thick marsh vegetation.
  • Contact FWC for license requirements.

Recreation Term

Hiking

Recreation Description
  • Approximately 18 miles of multiuse trails.
  • Prepare for wet hiking; some trails are excessively wet during certain times of year.

Recreation Term

Hunting

Recreation Description
  • Contact FWC for information regarding license requirements and permits.
  • FWC rules and regulations must be observed throughout the year.

Recreation Term

Picnic Facilities

Recreation Description
  • Large pavilion with picnic tables and grills in day-use area. A free reservation is required to reserve the pavilion.

Additional Information

Access and Parking
  • South side of SR 44, two miles west of I-75.
  • South side of Warm Springs Avenue.
Restrooms and Water
  • Restrooms adjacent to picnic pavilion.
  • Nonpotable water available at equestrian and primitive campgrounds.
Location

West-central Sumter County, west of Wildwood

For more Information
  • Reservations may be made at WaterMatters.org.
  • Land Resources, Southwest Florida Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
Closure Reasons
Maintenance