Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Campground sits in rare Lake Wales Ridge scrub habitat southwest of Palatka, offering 67 sites and two primitive backpacking options along its trails. The park preserves ancient sandhill and scrub ecosystems at 105 feet elevation, with 6 miles of hiking trails and 7 miles of equestrian routes threading through steep, sandy ridges. This is a quiet, undeveloped preserve with minimal facilities and no entrance fee.
Rodman Campground is a 67-site campground located approximately 9 miles southwest of Palatka off State Route 19 on Rodman Dam Road.
Historical Significance
The park is named after Allen David Broussard, who studied and worked to preserve the rare flora and fauna of the Lake Wales Ridge from development. A monument marks one of his favorite spots within the preserve. The broader Rodman Reservoir area was created during the 1960s Cross Florida Barge Canal project, which began in 1964 near Palatka.Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s (October-November) and comfortable nights in the 50s-60s. The cooler, drier weather makes the steep sand trails more manageable, and migrating birds join the resident scrub-jays and other species for excellent wildlife viewing. Summer is punishing: deep sand, no shade, high heat, and horseflies drive most visitors away. Winter and overcast days work well if you avoid the heat. Reviewers consistently warn against summer visits and recommend weekdays year-round to avoid the small parking lot filling up.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground lies within the ancient Lake Wales Ridge, where north-south running ridges of deep white sugar sand create a landscape of exposed dunes, scrub habitat, and wet prairie swales. Trails climb steep sand hills that offer sweeping views across Central Florida's interior. The scrub supports rare and threatened species including Florida scrub-jays, gopher tortoises, scrub lizards, and sandhill cranes. Deer, turkeys, and bald eagles appear regularly, and hikers report frequent wildlife sightings in the quiet, undisturbed habitat. The terrain is hilly and physically demanding, with little shade on the ridges and wildflowers scattered through the scrub.
Geological RegionRodman Reservoir / Cross Florida Barge Canal area