Manager's Message

Be sure to join us on Saturday December 6, 2008 for our Kick-Off event of the Trek Ten Trails sponsored by Polk County's "Friends of the Parks" organization. Colt Creek State Park was one of 10 places (including Lake Kissimmee State Park) chosen to showcase trail opportunities throughout Polk County this year. If you would like more information about Trek Ten Trails and to download a fact sheet for any of this years highlighted trails please visit their website at http://www.friendsoftheparks.net and follow the link.

Want to take a ride on the Wild Side? If so be sure to join us the first Saturday of each month at 9am for a tram tour of Colt Creek. There is no additional charge for the tour just the $2.00 per vehicle entrance fee. Reservations are required as seating is limited to 28 riders. The tram takes visitors on a guided tour of the park to explore its natural beauty and to discuss its history and what the future holds for Florida’s 160th State Park

All trails are open at this time and with the cooler weather, recreational trail use is beginning to pick up. Although it is getting a little cooler, remember to still bring plenty of drinking water, sunscreen and insect repellant so that you can better enjoy “the Real Florida”.

For more information about the park please feel free to give us a call at (863) 815-6761.

We hope to see you out at the park real soon.

Updated 11/12/08
- Scott Spaulding, Park Manager

Welcome to 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.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Colt Creek State Park, please call (863) 815-6761.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

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.

Park Fees

Day Use Entrance Fee: $2.00 per vehicle/up to 8 people and $1.00 per person for individuals who walk or bike in.

Primitive Youth Camp Fee is $2.00 per Adult and $1.00 per Child per night (please see our Activities page for more information).

Colt Creek State Park

16000 State Rd 471
Lakeland, Florida 33809
Phone: (863) 815-6761
Fax: Contact Park for More Information