Colt Creek State Park - Lakeland, FL - Florida State Parks

Colt Creek State Park was purchased from the Overstreet Family in May of 2006. This 5,067 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 Overstreets. Past activities on the land included beef cattle production, lime rock mining, timber harvesting and turpentining. Comprised mainly of pine flatwoods, cypress domes and open pasture land, this piece of natural Florida wilderness is home to many animal species including the American bald eagle, sherman's fox squirrel, gopher tortoise, white-tailed deer, wild turkey and bobcat. The park offers numerous recreational opportunities including hiking, horseback riding (with your own horse), biking, picnicking and nature study. Two picnic areas with a total of four pavilions, two restrooms and a fishing/observation dock are available. Three of the pavilions are available for rental. Freshwater Fishing is also a popular activity. Visitors can fish either from the bank or a small boat such as a canoe, kayak or Jon boat. Gas powered motors are not permitted however electric trolling motors are. For overnight enthusiasts, both a primitive backpack camp and a primitive youth camp are available.