Walk In The Water Primitive Hike-In Campsites Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

5 reviews

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

Featured in:Winter Camping Florida

Quick Facts

108 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Lake Wales Ridge State Forest site

Official Website

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Quick Facts

108 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Lake Wales Ridge State Forest site

Official Website

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Walk In The Water Primitive Hike-In Campsites Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

$0.00 - $2.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Base campsite fees include 5 people and two cars. Additional individuals are $2.00 each and each additional car is $5.00.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

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Reserve America

Provider

8635890545

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

99 Google reviews

"User reviews highlight the natural beauty and variety of terrains offered by the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. Campers appreciate the secluded and primitive experience but mention the necessity to prepare thoroughly due to the lack of facilities."

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Campground Map

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

Walk In The Water Primitive Hike-In Campsites Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

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

Driving directionsFrom US highway 27: Turn onto County Road 630A; at the stop sign turn left onto County Road 630 East; proceed east through Frostproof, past the McDonald's, over the railroad tracks; then continue east past state forest headquarters until the second kiosk on the left just off County Road 630 East (Big Bay Loop). At the second kiosk on the left, turn into the parking area. From SR 60: Proceed through Lake Wales until reaching Walk In Water Road on the right, just past Jay-Bees Restaurant on the left; proceed south on Walk In Water Road until reaching County Road 630 East, then turn right. Continue west until reaching the second kiosk on the right (Big Bay Loop); turn into the parking area.

Road access involves paved roads transitioning to compact sand roads, which can be bumpy in some spots. User review by Shea Struder-Willis noted, 'Sand roads were compact enough for a passenger car and were only very bumpy in some spots.' Seasonal flooding may occur during wet periods.

Nearby places

Lakeland is approximately 44 miles away and takes about an hour's drive. Lake Wales and Frostproof are closer, within 25 miles.

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be found in nearby Frostproof or Lake Wales, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Walk In The Water Primitive Hike-In Campsites Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

Timing your wilderness escape perfectly can transform your experience at Walk In the Water. Early spring (weeks 3 and 8) and late winter (week 12) emerge as the golden windows for camping, when temperatures hover around a comfortable 72°F and rain clouds stay at bay. During these magical periods, the forest air remains crisp and dry, perfect for those long evening conversations around the campfire. Summer brings its own challenges, with weeks 20, 25, and 27 notorious among seasoned campers for their oppressive humidity and torrential downpours that can turn trails into temporary streams. The shoulder seasons offer a delightful middle ground, where you might experience everything from bone-dry conditions to dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that remind you of nature's raw power.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Florida summers are hot and wet; trails and campsites may flood and lack shade on some sections.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; fall likely pleasant but specific praise/conditions are limited.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Early spring praised for good weather and blooming wildflowers; highlighted seasonal window.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Late winter noted as a 'golden window' for camping with favorable conditions.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Tent camping is available year-round at designated primitive sites; site conditions may vary during wet periods, causing flooding.

About Walk In The Water Primitive Hike-In Campsites Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

Deep within Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, two secluded primitive campsites await the adventurous soul willing to leave civilization behind. Black Bear and Wood Duck campsites can only be reached by following the winding Big Bay Trail on foot, where each step takes you further into Florida's wild heart. These minimalist havens offer just the essentials - a sturdy picnic table and fire ring where you can gather under the stars. Here, you'll carry in your own water and rely on campfire light after dark, experiencing camping as it was meant to be. For those seeking solitude and a true connection with nature, these walk-in sites provide an authentic wilderness experience just miles from modern life. Contact the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest headquarters before your journey to ensure a smooth adventure.

The campground exclusively offers primitive camping at two hike-in sites: Black Bear and Wood Duck. No RV or cabin accommodations are available.

Historical SignificanceStep onto ground that tells a story millions of years in the making. When ancient seas covered much of Florida, the Lake Wales Ridge stood as a solitary island, a refuge rising above the waves. This isolation sparked an extraordinary chapter in evolution, as plants and animals developed in splendid seclusion, creating species found nowhere else on Earth. Today, as you hike to your campsite, you're walking across what was once beachfront property in a prehistoric paradise, where time moved differently and nature wrote its own rules.

Weather and SeasonsTiming your wilderness escape perfectly can transform your experience at Walk In the Water. Early spring (weeks 3 and 8) and late winter (week 12) emerge as the golden windows for camping, when temperatures hover around a comfortable 72°F and rain clouds stay at bay. During these magical periods, the forest air remains crisp and dry, perfect for those long evening conversations around the campfire. Summer brings its own challenges, with weeks 20, 25, and 27 notorious among seasoned campers for their oppressive humidity and torrential downpours that can turn trails into temporary streams. The shoulder seasons offer a delightful middle ground, where you might experience everything from bone-dry conditions to dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that remind you of nature's raw power.

ElevationYour camping adventure unfolds along the subtle heights of Florida's Lake Wales Ridge, where even modest elevation changes create dramatically different ecosystems. While the ridge won't challenge mountain climbers, its gentle rise above the surrounding flatlands was enough to keep it dry when ancient seas claimed the rest of the peninsula, creating the unique environment you'll explore today.

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to discover a Florida few people know exists. The landscape here defies expectations, transitioning from mysterious forest wetlands where morning mist clings to cypress knees, to ancient sand pine scrub that crackles underfoot in the dry season. This is Florida's secret garden, where the scrub ecosystem harbors what scientists consider the highest concentration of rare and endangered plants in the continental United States. Every trail bend might reveal a flash of color from a scrub jay, the rustle of a gopher tortoise, or the delicate bloom of a plant that exists nowhere else on the planet. It's a photographer's dream and a naturalist's paradise, where untamed beauty reveals itself to those patient enough to look.

Geological RegionYou're camping atop one of Florida's most fascinating geological features - the Lake Wales Ridge, a narrow spine of ancient sand that runs like a backbone through the heart of the peninsula. Millions of years ago, when higher seas transformed Florida's geography, this ridge emerged as a long, narrow island, an ark for life in a watery world. This unique geological history created the remarkable scrub ecosystem surrounding your campsite, where sandy soils and subtle elevation changes support one of the highest concentrations of rare and endangered plants found anywhere in the continental United States. As you explore, you're literally walking through a living museum of evolution, where isolation and time conspired to create species found nowhere else on Earth.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Tent camping only
advanced reservations required.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Base fee covers 5 people
additional individuals are $2 each.

Groups

Group camping is not available at this location.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo primitive sites, Black Bear and Wood Duck, accessible via Big Bay Trail.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are required and can be made through the LWRSF FFS Headquarters at 863-589-0545 or Reserve America.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites require advanced reservations; walk-up availability is not mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyContact the Reserve America Call Center for cancellations.

AccessibilityThe campground requires hike-in access, which may limit accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. No specific accessibility features were mentioned.

Site SizeSites appear to be standard in size, accommodating up to 8 people.

PrivacySites are likely secluded due to the primitive nature and hike-in access, but no specific details about privacy are provided.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesBoth sites are hike-in only, accessible via Big Bay Trail or service roads. Black Bear campsite is recommended due to proximity to scenic views.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, bicycling, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Hunting and scouting are also permitted in designated areas with appropriate permissions.

HikingHiking trails like the Big Bay Trail and the Scrub Jay Loop Trail provide diverse terrain, from forest wetlands to ancient, dry scrub. These trails are part of the Florida Forest Service's offerings and are well-marked.

FishingFishing opportunities are available in nearby rivers and streams, though specific details about species or fishing conditions are not provided.

BikingBicycling is mentioned as a recreational activity, but no specific trails or terrain descriptions are provided.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is highlighted, with caution advised for bears and raccoons in the area. Species such as scrub jays may be observed along the trails.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCAUTION: Bears, raccoons, and other wildlife frequent the area; food must be stored appropriately to deter wildlife. Campsites may flood during wet seasons.

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

Fire PolicyFires permitted only in fire rings. 'Minimize campfire impacts; clean fire ring after use.'

Emergency ServicesLake Wales Ridge State Forest headquarters is located at 851 County Road 630 East, Frostproof, FL. Contact numbers include Direct Line and Ranger Station at 863-589-0545.

Trash & RecyclingLeave No Trace principles apply, and campers are expected to pack out all trash and dispose of it properly.

Water FeaturesNo waterfront campsites; nearby attractions include rivers and streams.

Camp HostContact LWRSF FFS Headquarters for assistance. Number: 863-589-0545.

Weather at Walk In The Water Primitive Hike-In Campsites Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

Reviews

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

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

User reviews highlight the natural beauty and variety of terrains offered by the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. Campers appreciate the secluded and primitive experience but mention the necessity to prepare thoroughly due to the lack of facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Users commend the diverse landscapes, well-marked trails, and the ability to enjoy Florida's untamed beauty. The area is described as a great weekend getaway.

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users note the lack of shade on certain trails and the absence of facilities like water and restrooms.

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sufficient water, wear Day-Glo orange during hunting seasons, and prepare for a Leave No Trace camping experience. Also, consider the potential for flooding during wet weather.

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User experiences vary by season. Early spring is appreciated for good weather and blooming wildflowers. Wet seasons may make the trails and campsites less accessible.

Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The landscape on each hike changes so much, and you get a taste of all of what Florida has to offer in its untamed beauty.' - Morgan Gosnell 2. 'Hiking here in early spring was a treat. This...

Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Both Black Bear and Wood Duck hike-in campsites are mentioned as part of the primitive camping experience, but no specific reviews differentiate one site from the other.

Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features, though the hike-in access is likely challenging for some individuals.

Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and one user mentions bringing their dog, which enjoyed the experience. Pets must be leashed (maximum 10 feet).

Based on 5 reviews

0 review

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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Walk In The Water Primitive Hike-In Campsites Lake Wales Ridge State Forest