Colt Creek

Colt Creek SP https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/colt-creek-state-park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colt_Creek_State_Park Colt Creek State Park is nestled within the Green Swamp Wilderness Area in Florida. It is named after one of the tributaries that flows through the park. Composed mainly of pine flatwoods, cypress domes and open pasture land, this piece of pristine wilderness is home to many animal species including the American bald eagle, Southern fox squirrel, gopher tortoise, white-tailed deer, wild turkey and bobcat. The park offers over 15 miles of beautiful, multi-use trails which make for great horse-back riding, hiking and biking opportunities. The park offers fishing, canoeing and kayaking at one of its three lakes. Other recreational opportunities include picnic pavilions, ranger-led programs and primitive and full-facility camping options.

History & Nature On May 31, 2006 this 5,067 acre parcel of land was purchased from the Overstreet family to become Florida’s 160th State Park. This acquisition was a joint purchase between the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Polk County Natural Resources Division with the Florida Park Service taking the role as the lead managing agency. The land was primarily purchased for the important role it plays within the floodplain of the Green Swamp region since the water that flows off the property eventually makes its way to four of Florida’s major rivers including the Withlacoochee, Hillsborough, Peace and Ocklawaha. Charlie Mack and his brother Stanley Chick Overstreet purchased the land from John Keen in 1940. Eventually Charlie Mack purchased his brother’s interest in the land and continued to operate it as a cattle ranch along with his son Mark. During their decades of ownership the Overstreets used the land for beef cattle production, silviculture (growing and harvesting pine trees) and hunting. In the 1990s the Overstreets engaged in a lime rock mining operation which included the digging of several large pits. In some places these pits are 50 feet deep. In fact, they are deep enough to reach the aquifer layer beneath the soil which allows the water to flow through that soil and up to the surface. As a result, the pits are now natural-looking lakes which provide additional habitat for numerous species of birds and aquatic plants and animals. Florida State Parks Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks Colt Creek State Park 16000 State Road 471 Lakeland, Florida 33809 (863) 815-6761 Central Florida Colt Creek State Park FloridaStateParks.org Park Guidelines Paradise found in the heart of the Green Swamp • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. • All plants, animals and park property are protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited. • Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a hand-held leash no longer than six feet and well behaved at all times. • Fishing, boating and fires are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required. • Intoxicants, fireworks and hunting are prohibited. • Become a volunteer. Inquire at the ranger station. • Adjacent properties allow hunting • Canoe and kayak rentals are available. • An entrance fee is required. Additional user fees may apply. Alternate format available upon request at any Florida state park. SM FLORIDA State Parks Created on 11/14 National Gold Medal Winner Florida State Parks - “America’s First Three-Time Winner” Real Fun in Metal Mark Pond SM Biking Welcome to Colt Creek State Park. The park offers over 12 miles of beautiful, multi-use trails which make for great horse-back riding, hiking and biking opportunities. These trails meander through the pine flatwoods around cypress domes, bottomland forest and past open pastures. Three tributaries flow through the park including Little Gator Creek, Gator Creek and the park’s namesake Colt Creek. While out on the trails you may come across some native wildlife including Bald Eagle, Eastern Bluebird, white-tailed deer, bobcat, river otter and Sherman’s fox squirrel. During a year-long survey for birds and butterflies in 2007, 150 bird species and 79 butterfly species were observed. So be sure to bring a camera along with you because you never know what you might see. A primitive youth camping area for organized youth groups is available as well as a primitive back-pack camp and a primitive equestrian camp. The youth camp is accessible by vehicle but the back-pack and equestrian camps are not. Reservations are required. Fishing is available at the three lakes between the two picnic areas. Some of the species anglers might catch include catfish, sunshine bass, bream, bluegill, shell-cracker and largemouth bass. Visitors may bank fish or use the fishing pier which extends 75 feet out into Mac Lake. Small boats may be hand launched but gas propelled motors are prohibited. Picnic pavilions, tables, grills and restrooms are available in two different areas of the park. The pavilions can be reserved by calling the Ranger Station. Birding Camping-primitive Camping-youth Main Entrance Canoeing Little Lake Fishing N W E S Middle Lake Geo-seeking Hiking Mac Lake SR 471 Mac Lake Nature Trail Service Road Horse Trail Picnicking Pavilions Directions Colt Creek State Park is located 16 miles north of Lakeland just south of the Withlacoochee River off of State Road 471. From I-4 take exit 32 and proceed north on U.S. 98 approximately 13 miles, turn right onto State Road 471. From I-75 take exit 301 and proceed east on State Road 50 for approximately 13 miles, turn right onto State Road 471. The entrance to the park is 3.8 miles north of US 98 and 17 miles south of State Road 50. N W E S N W E S Spur/Cross Trail Oran

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c