COLT CREEK STATE PARK
Purchased from the Overstreet Family in May of 2006, this 5067 acre park nestled within the Green Swamp Wilderness Area and named after one of the tributaries that flows through the property was opened to the public on January 20, 2007. For over 60 years this property was managed as a cattle ranch by the Overstreet family. Past activities on the land also included lime rock mining, timber harvesting, citrus production and turpentining. Comprised mainly of Pine Flatwoods, Cypress Domes and open pasture land, this piece of still pristine wilderness is home to many animal species including the American Bald Eagle, Sherman?s Fox Squirrel, Gopher Tortoise, White-Tail Deer, Wild Turkey and Bobcat. The park is currently equipped with a lime rock entrance road, grass parking area, wheel chair accessible restroom, informational kiosk, picnic pavilion and several picnic tables and grills. Visitors are invited to fish, picnic, and hike or ride their horses on over 12 miles of trails and enjoy nature study at its finest. Be sure to check out our activities page for more information.
Beginning in January 2007 and ending in December 2007 a monthly survey of birds and butterflies was conducted by both the Lake Region Audubon Society and the North American Butterfly Association. At the end of the year long survey, volunteers documented approximately 149 species of birds and 79 species of butterflies. So be sure to bring your binoculars along and pick up a checklist of birds and butterflies at the information kiosk (also available for downloading). You never know what you might see at Colt Creek State Park.
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the
FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.
Freshwater bank fishing is available at three different lakes in the park. The lakes range in size from 2 ? 25 acres and vary in depth from 12 ? 70 feet. The lakes were dug in the 1990?s as part of a lime rock mining operation. Freshwater species such as Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Bream, Shell Cracker and Catfish can be caught. Largemouth Bass must be released unharmed but angler?s are permitted to keep up to six catfish and twelve pan fish (bluegill, bream, shell cracker) per person per day. Canoes, Kayaks and small Jon Boats can be carried down to the water and hand launched. Gas powered motors are Not-Permitted but electric trolling motors can be used. A Freshwater fishing license is required for persons over the age of 15.