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Pond at catfish creek

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park

Located along the beautiful Lake Wales Ridge

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

Fees

No fee required for day use. Primitive camping is $5 per night.

Location

4335 Firetower Road
Haines City FL 33844

Get directions

Contact Info

863-696-1112

Park Menu

  • Experiences & Amenities
  • History
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Welcome to Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park

Located along the beautiful Lake Wales Ridge, Catfish Creek Preserve covers more than 8,000 acres of scrub, sandhill and flatwoods in addition to 65 acres of submerged land.

The preserve offers 6 miles of hiking trails, 7 miles of equestrian trails, a covered pavilion, fishing and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The preserve is home to numerous rare plants, such as the scrub morning glory, scrub plum, pygmy fringe tree and cutthroat grass, and several protected animal species including the Florida scrub-jay, bald eagles, gopher tortoises and Florida scrub lizards.

When you visit the preserve, make sure you are prepared for the rugged conditions typical of the scrub habitat. Bring plenty of water and be prepared for the challenging trails.

Enjoy your visit and experience one of the rarer habitats in Florida.

Plan Your Visit

Park Manager Andy Noland standing at Catfish Creek surrounded by saw palmetto, oaks, and a lake behind him
Learn

Manager's Message

Located along the beautiful Lake Wales Ridge, Catfish Creek offers something for everyone with 6 miles of hiking trails, 7 miles of equestrian trails, a covered pavilion, fishing, primitive camping and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Trail at Catfish Creek
Learn

Hiking and Equestrian Trails at Catfish Creek

The preserve offers 5.5 miles of hiking trails and an 8-mile horseback riding trail through some of Florida’s rarest and most pristine natural areas.
Scrub along one of the ridges at Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park
Learn

Removing Exotic Plants in the Lake Wales Ridge

Battling exotic and invasive plants on 14,000 acres at Lake Kissimmee and Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek state parks in Central Florida requires constant attention. The Lake Wales Ridge and surrounding areas provide vital habitat for endemic species such as the scrub blazing star and pygmy fringe-tree.

Experiences

Camping Primitive
Camping Primitive
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Picnicking
Picnicking
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Historic Site
Historic Site
Parking
Parking
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities

Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Photo Gallery

Monument of Allen David Broussard at Catfish Creek
FPS employee at catfish creek staring at a pond and tree line
Flatwoods at Catfish Creek
Horseback at Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park
Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park
Scrub habitat at Catfish Creek
Scrub Jay perched on a branch at Catfish Creek
Buck in the burn zone at Catfish Creek
Scrub habitat at Catfish Creek
Learn

Ecology of the Upland Scrub and Sandhill Communities

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park protects a mosaic of 15 unique natural communities, from high and dry scrub to low floodplain marsh.
Sunset at Catfish Creek
Learn

Florida’s Ancient Sand Dunes on the Lake Wales Ridge

The Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park is located on the eastern edge of a topographic feature called the Lake Wales Ridge.

People Make the Parks

Park Service Specialist Patrick Sullivan

Staff Spotlight

Having grown up in South Florida camping and fishing in Florida State Parks instilled a sense of wonder and awe for the outdoors in Patrick at a young age.
Volunteer

Volunteer With Us!

Help fulfill the Florida State Parks mission. Assist park employees in preserving, interpreting and restoring ...the Real Florida!
Florida State Parks Foundation

Florida State Parks Foundation

The statewide nonprofit partner meeting critical funding needs for universal access, conservation, education and preservation.

Park Map

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Florida State Parks

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Contact the Statewide Information Line:

(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:

FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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