Lake Panasoffkee Recreational Park


Acquired to preserve Lake Panasoffkee’s vast floodplain forest, the land also preserves pine flatwoods, freshwater marshes and oak scrub forest. As the land continues to rise, pines and scrub oaks of upland sandhills replace the wetland forest trees. A comprehensive restoration effort of Lake Panasoffkee has been completed to enhance both the water quality of the lake and recreational opportunities.

Map of Lake Panasoffkee

Recreational Opportunities

Bicycling

  • Eight miles of marked trails.
  • Hard packed clay.
  • Use only marked trails.
  • Florida law requires bicyclists under 14 to wear helmets.

Bird Watching

  • Site 54 on western section of Great Florida Birding Trail.
  • Contact FWC for more information.

Camping

  • Separate sites available for equestrian, group and primitive camping.
  • Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills.
  • Nonpotable water source available.
  • Restroom facilities available.
  • Eight horse stalls with water; free to campers on first-come, first-served basis. Users responsible for cleaning stalls.
  • A free reservation is required and must be displayed on dashboard at campground.

Equestrian Use

  • 18 miles of multiuse trails marked for horseback riding.
  • Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
  • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current negative Coggins test.
  • Horse-drawn buggy riding only on marked trails; requires a free reservation.
  • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to wear helmets.

Fishing

  • Little Jones Creek and two borrow pits on eastern side of property.
  • Lake Panasoffkee inaccessible from property due to thick marsh vegetation.
  • Contact FWC for license requirements.

Hiking

  • 18 miles of multiuse trails.
  • Prepare for wet hiking; some trails are excessively wet during certain times of year.

Hunting

  • Contact FWC for information regarding license requirements and permits.
  • FWC rules and regulations must be observed throughout the year.

Picnic Facilities

  • Large pavilion with picnic tables and grills in day-use area. Pavilion may be reserved at no cost for group use by contacting the District.

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