CAMPING AT COLT CREEK STATE PARK IN LAKELAND, FL – DECEMBER 2026

BRING YOUR HEARTY OUTDOOR SPIRIT AND JOIN US AT COLT CREEK STATE PARK IN LAKELAND, FL FOR THE LAST CAMPING TRIP OF 2026.

• Location: 16000 State Road 471, Lakeland, FL 33809

IMPORTANT: Please make your own reservations FIRST then RSVP on Meetup with your site #. Don’t wait to make your reservations; this campground will be sold out. More information will be posted as it gets closer to December 2026.

• Florida residents can make reservations up to 11 months in advance. Visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521.
• If it has been over a year, you will need to confirm your Florida residency status online or by phone. A valid Florida driver’s license is required.

Colt Creek State Park includes more than 5,000 acres of native Central Florida habitat, a place to explore the natural communities and wildlife that make this park special.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/colt-creek-state-park

HIKING, BIKING AND FISHING (at the state park)
Visitors can enjoy more than 15 miles of multiuse trails, shared by hikers, bicyclist and those riding horseback, that meander through the pine flatwoods and natural creeks and wetlands. Park lakes afford views of wading birds and alligators, as well as offer a place for anglers to cast their line from the lake's edge or from our 75-foot accessible dock.

POSSIBLE SIDE EXCURSIONS

Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland - Premier nature destination

• Birding & Wildlife: Over 220 bird species, alligators, and other wildlife.
• Hiking & Biking: Wide trails, including the 4.7-mile loop, with roots in some spots.
• Bugs: Mosquitoes are prevalent, so insect repellent is a must.
• Admission: Free, but donations are encouraged for conservation.

Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve – Hampton Tract
Hampton Tract in North Lakeland offers 28 miles of trails for hiking, cycling and birding. This area is excellent for wildlife viewing. We recommend mountain bike or gravel tires if you plan to ride thorough any portion of the Green Swamp.

Safari Wilderness Ranch in Lakeland
Knowledgeable tour guides at Safari Wilderness Ranch will lead the way through 260-acres in custom safari vehicles, answering questions and helping you interact with huge herds of fascinating exotic wetland species found on the ranch. This is not a zoo! Hands-on activities such as lemur and budgie feeding are offered but keep in mind that these activities are scheduled on a limited basis in order to protect the animals. Reservations are required.

VISITING THE BLACK SWANS AT LAKE MORTON IN LAKELAND. These swans are desendents of Queen Elizabeth's famous Black Swans. Also many other birds and nice trail around the lake.

Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture at Florida Southern College in Lakeland (might be a good option for a rainy day)

• Admission: Three different tours ranging in price from $15 (20-30 minutes), $35 (90 minutes) and $50 (2.5 hours). Ten percent off for members of AAA, AARP and Active/Retired Military.
• Reservations: Strongly suggested and should be made at least 24 hours in advance.

MORE TO COME... We look forward to seeing “old” friends and making new ones. Don’t miss out on the adventure. Book your reservations now.