Walk In The Water Campground Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

1 review

851 COUNTY ROAD 630 EAST , FROSTPROOF, Florida, 33843, United States

Quick Facts

98 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Lake Wales Ridge State Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

98 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Lake Wales Ridge State Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Walk In The Water Campground Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

$14.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Base campsite fees are $14 per night for up to 5 people and two cars. Each additional individual costs $2.00, and each additional car costs $5.00.

Standard Site Fee$14.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

8635890545

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 1 reviews

1 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peaceful

"User experiences highlight the primitive and secluded nature of the campground. Activities like hiking and fishing are praised, but the lack of basic amenities like potable water is commonly noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

851 COUNTY ROAD 630 EAST , FROSTPROOF, Florida, 33843, United States

Walk In The Water Campground Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

851 COUNTY ROAD 630 EAST , FROSTPROOF, Florida, 33843, United States

Driving directionsFrom US highway 27 you will: Turn onto County Road 630A on left At stop sign turn to the left onto County Road 630 East Proceed through Frostproof, past the McDonald's, over the railroad tracks, then left onto Walk-In-The-Water Rd Follow Walk-In-The Water Rd, about ¼ mile after turning left to Walk In Water Primitive Campground Turn left onto entrance road (a shellrock road). You are now on the state forest and should arrive at Walk In Water Primitive Campground From SR 60 you will: Proceed on SR 60 through Lake Wales and turn right onto Walk-In-The Water Road - just past Jay-Bees Restaurant on left Proceed south on Walk-In-The Water Road about 4 miles Look for entrance road to Walk In Water Primitive Campground on right Turn right into Walk In Water Campground.

The campground is accessible via paved main roads initially, but the entrance road is described as a shellrock road. Caution may be needed for vehicles not suited for rough terrain. No public vehicle access is permitted on Walk In Water tract.

Nearby places

Lakeland (44 miles SE)

Lake Wales (approximately 10 miles NW)

Frostproof (proximate, precise distance unspecified)

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be obtained in Frostproof, including groceries, fuel, and other essentials. Specific supplier locations in Frostproof are not detailed.

Best Time to Camp at Walk In The Water Campground Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

Blessed with Florida's signature sunshine, Walk In the Water enjoys predominantly dry conditions throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Comfortable temperatures typically hover between a refreshing 55°F on crisp mornings to a pleasant 85°F during sun-soaked afternoons. Summer brings dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that cool the landscape and nourish the unique ecosystem, while early fall occasionally sees increased rainfall. The humidity dances between desert-dry conditions and the sultry, tropical air that Florida is famous for, creating an ever-changing atmospheric tapestry that keeps each visit unique.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Deer flies and heat, plus no potable water or much shade, make summer less comfortable.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Cooler, drier conditions favor hiking and wildlife viewing; recommended over hot months.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Good for hiking and wildlife; insect presence may vary seasonally.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Cooler Florida seasons are recommended; comfortable temperatures and fewer insects.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates are not indicated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round availability, with specific recommendations for safety during hunting seasons.
Current Alerts: No active alerts are listed in the source materials.

About Walk In The Water Campground Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

Escape to Walk In the Water Campground, where eight secluded primitive campsites await adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience in the heart of Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or parking your RV for a back-to-nature retreat, this rustic hideaway offers the perfect blend of solitude and simplicity. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings, while two portable toilets and a dumpster ensure basic comforts. Remember to pack your water supply—this off-grid paradise requires you to bring your own drinking water, adding to the authentic camping experience. Advanced reservations are required to secure your spot in this peaceful sanctuary.

The campground accommodates both primitive and RV/tent camping setups, with specific sites designated for each. Group camping and cabin lodging are not available.

Historical SignificanceStep back millions of years at Walk In the Water Campground, where you'll camp on what was once an ancient island rising above prehistoric seas. The Lake Wales Ridge stands as a testament to Florida's dramatic geological past, when ocean levels transformed this highland into an isolated refuge. This isolation created a biological time capsule, preserving species found nowhere else on Earth and establishing the ridge as one of North America's most important centers of biodiversity. Today, this living museum continues to harbor botanical treasures that have survived since the age of the dinosaurs.

Weather and SeasonsBlessed with Florida's signature sunshine, Walk In the Water enjoys predominantly dry conditions throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Comfortable temperatures typically hover between a refreshing 55°F on crisp mornings to a pleasant 85°F during sun-soaked afternoons. Summer brings dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that cool the landscape and nourish the unique ecosystem, while early fall occasionally sees increased rainfall. The humidity dances between desert-dry conditions and the sultry, tropical air that Florida is famous for, creating an ever-changing atmospheric tapestry that keeps each visit unique.

ElevationPerched atop the ancient Lake Wales Ridge, the campground occupies one of peninsular Florida's most distinctive topographical features. This prehistoric highland, sculpted by millions of years of geological forces, rises subtly but significantly above the surrounding landscape. The ridge's unique elevation creates distinct microclimates and ecological niches that support the area's remarkable biodiversity, offering campers a rare opportunity to experience Florida's ancient high ground.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in one of North America's most extraordinary ecosystems at Walk In the Water, where ancient scrub habitat creates a landscape unlike anywhere else in Florida. Twisted sand pines and gnarled scrub oaks paint a rugged portrait against sandy soils, while the understory bursts with rare wildflowers and endemic plants found nowhere else on the planet. This botanical wonderland attracts fascinating wildlife—from curious black bears padding through the palmetto to clever raccoons investigating campsites at dusk. The scrubland's open canopy invites stunning stargazing opportunities, while morning brings a symphony of birdsong from species specially adapted to this unique habitat. Remember to secure all food items properly; you're sharing this pristine wilderness with its original inhabitants.

Geological RegionThe Lake Wales Ridge State Forest showcases one of Florida's most remarkable geological treasures—a narrow spine of ancient sand running north to south through the heart of the peninsula. Formed when sea levels were dramatically higher, this prehistoric island refuge now stands as the highest concentration of rare and endangered plants in the continental United States. The ridge's unique sandy soils, deposited by ancient seas and sculpted by millions of years of wind and weather, create growing conditions found nowhere else on Earth. This geological marvel supports an irreplaceable scrub ecosystem where evolution has crafted species perfectly adapted to the challenging conditions, making every visit a journey through deep time and natural history.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14-Night Maximum Stay. After 14 nights, campers must leave Lake Wales Ridge State Forest and any of its campgrounds for a minimum of 3 nights before booking another stay.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Base campsite fees include 5 people. Additional individuals cost $2.00 each.

Groups

Group camping is not available at this location.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground has 8 sites, divided into tent-only and RV/tent sections. Tent-only sites are grouped away from vehicle parking.

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made in advance for all sites. Specific websites or platforms for reservations are not mentioned.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability is permitted; all reservations must be made in advance.

Cancellation PolicyRules for cancellations are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

AccessibilityThere is no explicit mention of accessibility features for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeCampsites vary between tent-only and RV/tent sites. Tent-only sites include 1-3 and 5, while RV/tent sites include 4, 6-8.

PrivacyDetails about the level of privacy at campsites are not provided.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesTent-only campsites are located at sites 1-3 and 5, with parking only available in the main campground area. RV/tent camping is available at sites 4 and 6-8. Visitors should choose sites based on their camping setup.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides opportunities for a variety of recreational activities, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include hiking, fishing, hunting, bicycling, horseback riding, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Several trails are accessible, including the Big Bay Trail and Scrub Jay Loop, which traverse diverse ecosystems such as wetlands and ancient scrub communities.

HikingThe campground connects to multiple hiking trails, including the Big Bay Trail and Scrub Jay Loop. These trails are part of the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Hiking Program and vary in difficulty, offering options for both easy and difficult hikes.

FishingFishing opportunities are available at nearby park lakes and streams.

BikingBicycling is listed as an activity available within the campground, though no specific bike trails or terrain details are provided.

BoatingBoating opportunities are available within 10 miles of the campground, including canoeing and kayaking on nearby water bodies.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with the area home to diverse species. Campers are advised to store food securely due to frequent visits from bears and raccoons.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as bears and raccoons pose a potential hazard; food safety measures are emphasized. The campground lacks potable water, and visitors must bring their own drinking supplies.

Active AlertsNo active alerts are listed in the source materials.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFires are permitted only in designated fire rings and grills.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are located at LWRSF Headquarters (Lake Wales Ridge State Forest Headquarters) at 851 County Road 630 East, Frostproof, FL 33843.

Trash & RecyclingA dumpster is provided on-site for waste disposal. No recycling facilities are explicitly mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near Park Lake and has access to fishing in rivers/streams. Detailed proximity measurements are not provided.

Camp HostHost information is not provided.

Weather at Walk In The Water Campground Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

Reviews

0.0

1 reviews

Limited Reviews

Walk In The Water Campground Lake Wales Ridge State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User experiences highlight the primitive and secluded nature of the campground. Activities like hiking and fishing are praised, but the lack of basic amenities like potable water is commonly noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 1 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the natural setting and access to diverse trails such as the Big Bay Trail and Scrub Jay Loop. Wildlife viewing and the peaceful environment are frequently praised.

Based on 1 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of potable water and electricity, as well as the presence of insects such as deer flies during certain seasons, are common complaints.

Based on 1 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing plenty of drinking water, bug spray, and wearing Day-Glo orange during hunting seasons for safety. Secure food properly to avoid attracting wildlife.

Based on 1 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Deer flies can be a nuisance at certain times of the year, and the campground is recommended for cooler seasons due to a lack of shade and water facilities.

Based on 1 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bay Loop is a relaxing hike, mostly through a shady oak-lined trail. Be sure to bring water and bug spray. At different times of the year, the deer flies are bad."

Based on 1 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No detailed site-specific reviews are available, but Sites 1-3 and 5 are tent-only, while Sites 4 and 6-8 accommodate RVs and tents.

Based on 1 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no reviews explicitly addressing accessibility features.

Based on 1 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets must be leashed, with a maximum leash length of 10 feet. No specific user reviews mention pet-related experiences.

Based on 1 reviews

0 review

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Walk In The Water Campground Lake Wales Ridge State Forest? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.

Last updated February 17, 2026

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Florida

Campgrounds

Walk In The Water Campground Lake Wales Ridge State Forest