Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park — An 18,000+ acre wilderness preserve spanning Seminole and Lake Counties, Florida — a critical wildlife corridor connected to Ocala National Forest — featuring multiuse trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding (Fechtel Tract with equestrian facilities), paddling on the Wekiva River + Blackwater Creek (launch from Katie’s Landing), fishing, primitive equestrian camping (horse camping only), and exceptional wildlife viewing — Florida black bears, sandhill cranes, American alligators, river otters, wood storks — open daily 8 AM to sundown, 365 days/year.
Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park is one of Central Florida’s most important ecological buffers — 18,000+ acres of pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, and wetlands forming a wildlife corridor between the Wekiva River system and Ocala National Forest. This isn’t a beach park or a developed campground destination — it’s a wild preserve where Florida black bears roam, sandhill cranes stalk the flatwoods, and the dark waters of Blackwater Creek wind through unbroken forest. The park is split into distinct sections, each with its own access point and character.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Seminole + Lake Counties, FL — Central Florida |
| Size | 18,000+ acres |
| Hours | 8 AM – sundown, 365 days/year |
| Southern Access | Katie’s Landing — 262 Wekiva Park Dr, Sanford (via SR 46) |
| Northern Access | Fechtel Tract — via SR 44 (Pine Lakes area) |
| Wildlife Corridor | Connected to Ocala National Forest |
Park Sections
| Section | Access | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Southern (Katie’s Landing) | SR 46, Sanford | Paddling launch, fishing, restrooms, picnic tables |
| Northern (Fechtel Tract) | SR 44, Pine Lakes | Equestrian trails, horse stalls/corrals, primitive camping (equestrian only) |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking/Biking | Multiuse trails — Sand Hill Nature Trail + forest roads |
| Horseback Riding | Fechtel Tract — equestrian trails + facilities (stalls, corrals) |
| Paddling | Wekiva River + Blackwater Creek — launch from Katie’s Landing |
| Fishing | River + creek fishing from canoe/kayak |
| Wildlife Viewing | FL black bears, sandhill cranes, alligators, river otters, wood storks |
| Camping | ⚠️ Primitive equestrian only (Fechtel Tract) — must be camping with horses |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp here without horses?
No — camping at Lower Wekiva River Preserve is restricted to equestrian campers only. You must be camping with horses to use the primitive campsites at the Fechtel Tract. For general camping nearby, try Wekiwa Springs State Park, which offers a full campground with tent and RV sites just a few miles away.
Where do I launch a canoe or kayak?
The primary paddling launch is Katie’s Landing (262 Wekiva Park Drive, Sanford) on the southern end of the preserve. From there you can paddle the Wekiva River and Blackwater Creek through pristine forest. There are no watercraft rentals at the park — bring your own canoe or kayak.
