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.
This 5,067-acre park was purchased from the Overstreet Family in July of 2006. The land had been used for cattle and citrus production since the early 1940s. It became a state-owned property to preserve its diverse ecosystems including pine flatwoods, wetlands and hammocks.
The site opened to public access on January 20th, 2007 offering recreational activities like hiking or fishing. Today it is home to various species such as white-tailed deer or bobcats.
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.
- Primitive Campsites: These are available for those who prefer a more rustic camping experience.
- Equestrian Camping: This option is suitable for campers with horses.
- Group Camping Area: Ideal for large groups or families, this area includes picnic tables and grills.
- Full Facility Campground: Offers amenities like electricity, water hookups, restrooms and showers.
- RV Sites: They provide electric hookup sites specifically designed to accommodate RVs.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. Canoes and kayaks can be rented on-site, allowing guests to explore the three beautiful lakes within its boundaries: Mac Lake, Middle Lake, and Sheppard's lake. However, personal watercrafts are not allowed due to environmental concerns. Fishing is also permitted in these waters with appropriate licenses.
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.
Colt Creek State Park is located near Clearwater, Dunedin and Holiday
Colt Creek State Park offers picnic pavilions, grills and tables. Enjoy a meal surrounded by beautiful pine flatwoods scenery.
Visitors can hike or horseback ride on over 12 miles of marked trails that meander through and around several of the parks natural communities including Pine Flatwoods, Cypress Domes and Hardwood Hammocks. A portion of the trail skirts the edge of pastureland which also provides a scenic vista. Visitors can sometimes get a glimpse of white-tail deer, bobcat, fox squirrel and bald eagles. Be sure to prepare for Florida?s ever-changing climate and dress appropriately with proper hiking shoes and don?t forget sunscreen, hat, water and insect repellant. Be sure to pick up a trail map when you enter the park and please stay on the marked trails.
Visitors can hike or horseback ride on over 12 miles of marked trails that meander through and around several of the parks natural communities including Pine Flatwoods, Cypress Domes and Hardwood Hammocks. A portion of the trail skirts the edge of pastureland which also provides a scenic vista. Visitors can sometimes get a glimpse of white-tail deer, bobcat, fox squirrel and bald eagles. Be sure to prepare for Florida?s ever-changing climate and dress appropriately with proper hiking shoes and don?t forget sunscreen, hat, water and insect repellant. Be sure to pick up a trail map when you enter the park and please stay on the marked trails.
Bicycling is currently permitted only on unmarked dirt (service) roads. Single track bike trails are in the development stage. Due to the soft sand, mountain bikes are recommended.
Birdwatchers can explore over 5,000 acres of diverse habitats with numerous bird species. The park features three lakes and several wetlands that attract a variety of waterfowl. Visitors might spot bald eagles, sandhill cranes or wild turkeys among other birds. Birding checklists are available to help identify different species.
- Pets must be kept on a handheld leash that is six feet or shorter at all times.
- Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and dispose of waste in designated containers.
- Pets should not disturb wildlife, other visitors, or park resources within Colt Creek State Park.
- Only service animals are allowed inside public buildings such as restrooms and visitor centers.
- Dogs may not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes and never during the night time hours.
- Aggressive behavior from pets will not be tolerated; any pet displaying aggressive tendencies must immediately leave the park premises.
- Pets cannot enter playgrounds, bathing areas, cabins sites nor primitive campsites unless they're certified service dogs assisting disabled persons.
The 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 US 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.