Birding

Part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, Fort Cooper State Park provides an excellent opportunity for bird watching enthusiasts.

Participation Requirements

Camping, Primitive

Three primitive tent camping sites are available for groups of up to 20 people in a wooded area at the southern end of Lake Holathlikaha. A fourth campsite will accommodate up to eight people. Campground amenities include portable toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, grills and potable water. Call the park at (352) 726-0315 for reservations.

Camping, Youth

Three primitive tent camping sites are available for groups of up to 20 people in a wooded area at the southern end of Lake Holathlikaha. A fourth campsite will accommodate up to eight people. Campground amenities include portable toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, grills and potable water. Call the park at (352) 726-0315 for reservations.

Canoeing & Kayaking

Enjoy Lake Holathilikaha and all its natural beauty by canoe or paddle boat. Canoes and paddleboats are available for rent at the park. $5.00 per hour, includes tax. Private boats are not allowed.  Due to the low lake water level, canoes and paddleboats can not be rented as this time.  5/23/2011

Family Reunions

The Recreation Hall is an ideal setting for a family reunion. This rustic building has air conditioning, heat and a fireplace, and can accommodate up to 50 people. Rental  includes use of folding tables and chairs. The kitchen comes equipped with a stove, refrigerator, and microwave. The rental fee is $100 per day, plus tax. Call (352) 726-0315 for more information.

Fishing

The park has paddleboats and canoes available for rent ($5 per hour, includes tax). Private boats are not allowed. A fishing license may be required.  Due to the low lake water level, paddleboats and canoes can not be rented at this time.  5/23/2011

Hiking/Nature Trail

Nearly five miles of self-guided nature trails give visitors a glimpse of the area's wildlife. The trails offer some of Citrus County's best birding.

Participation Requirements

Meetings & Retreats

The Recreation Hall is set within the park. This is an ideal setting for a small wedding, family reunion, birthday party, baby shower or a fun business meeting. It's a rustic building with air conditioning, heat and a fireplace. It can accommodate up to 50 people and use of folding tables and chairs is included. The kitchen comes equipped with a stove, refrigerator and microwave.

Pets

Pets are welcome in the park as long as they are on a six foot leash. They are permitted in the picnic area, hiking trails and playground but are not allowed on the beach area, in the water, in the paddleboats and canoes or in our primitive campground.

Picnic Pavilion

Nestled under large shade trees is a pavilion that will accommodate between 60 to 70 people. Great for large outdoor parties! A covered BBQ pit is located nearby. The rental fee is $40 per day, plus tax.

Picnicking

The hardwood hammock, along Lake Holathlikaha, is an excellent picnic area complete with grills, tables and a pavilion. The beach area accommodates volleyball, horseshoe, and playground activities.

Playground

Nestled among large oaks and overlooking Lake Holathlikaha, a playground is available for children.

Restroom Facilities

Two restroom facilities are located in the picnic area.

Swimming

Due to low lake water conditions, our swimming area is closed at this time. Contact the park for water conditions, (352) 726-0315. With higher water levels, Lake Holathlikaha offers excellent fresh water swimming. Sunbathing along the edges of the Lake is a popular activity.

Weddings

The Recreation Hall is an ideal setting for a small wedding. This rustic building has air conditioning, heat and a fireplace. It can accommodate up to 50 people. Use of folding tables and chairs is included with rental. The kitchen comes equipped with a stove, refrigerator and microwave. Rental fee is $100 per day, plus tax. Call (352) 726-0315 for more information.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife at Fort Cooper State Park is abundant. Sightings of deer, turkey, opossum, bobcat, birds, and many other species is very common.

Participation Requirements