Experiences
Bicycling
Located at parking lot #2 is a half-mile paved connection to the Withlacoochee State Trail, a 47-mile paved multi-use trail.
Birding
As part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, the park offers more than 5 miles of self-guided trails with excellent bird and wildlife viewing.
Camping, Primitive Group
A primitive group camp is available for organized groups. Three sites are available that can accommodate up to 25 people and one smaller site for eight or fewer. The camp is nestled in an oak hammock with a fair amount of shade.
There are no showers or electricity. Portolets and potable water are available. There is a picnic table, grill and fire ring at each site.
- An adult chaperone, 21 years of age or older, is required per 10 children.
- Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 60 days in advance for youth groups and 30 days in advance for adult groups by calling the park directly.
Geo-Seeking
Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures or information in various places around the park.
Please check the Geocaching website for the most up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.
Hiking
Approximately 5 miles of easy to moderate self-guided nature trails, including the Dogwood Trail, the Fort Site Trail and the Sand Hill Loop, meander through hammock and sandhill natural communities within the park.
Some trails include benches and interpretive signs that provide insight into the surrounding areas.
Walking and Running
There are approximately 5 miles of self-guided nature trails in the park, and a half-mile paved connection to the Withlacoochee State Trail, a 47-mile paved multi-use trail.
Weddings
The Lake Lodge / Recreation Hall is an ideal setting for small weddings and receptions. The rustic building overlooking Lake Holathlikaha has air conditioning and a full kitchen, and can accommodate up to 47 people.
- A beautiful gazebo is also available for the ceremony or as a great location for pictures. Call the park for details and available dates for your special day.
Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Fort Cooper State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all of our visitors. These amenities include:
- Interpretive exhibits.
- Picnic facilities with tables and grills.
- Restrooms.
- Parking areas.
- Sidewalks throughout the picnic area.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.
Historic Site
In April 1836, Major Mark Anthony Cooper built a fort near Lake Holathlikaha’s edge to protect sick and wounded soldiers left behind during the Second Seminole War. The fort was placed under siege by Seminole warriors for 16 days, until Army relief troops broke the occupation.
Fort Cooper was then utilized as a reconnaissance, observation and dispatch post until 1842 by various U.S. Army detachments until it was abandoned.
Today nothing remains of the original fort. However, through the efforts of volunteers and park staff, a replica has been erected of the southwest corner of the fort in its approximate original location.
To learn more, follow the Seminole Heritage Trail and visit the fort site on the Fort Site Trail. The trail is approximately 1.5 miles round-trip and includes a series of interpretive kiosks about the battle of Fort Cooper and Seminole history in this area.
Interpretive Exhibit
Environmentally-friendly and durable interpretive stations including multiple kiosks and signs are strategically located throughout the park along maintained pathways.
Visitors are able to study a single panel to learn a segment of Seminole history or upon completing the entire trail will gain an overview of Seminole life. The Fort Cooper Seminole Heritage Trail outlines Florida Seminole lifestyle and culture in the Cove of the Withlacoochee Region.
Nature Trail
Approximately 5 miles of easy to moderate self-guided nature trails, including the Dogwood Trail, the Fort Site Trail and the Sandhill Loop Trail, meander through hammock and sandhill natural communities within the park.
Some trails include benches and interpretive signs that provide insight into the surrounding areas.
Pets
Pets are welcome as long as they are on a leash no longer than six feet. They are permitted in the picnic area and on hiking trails.
- Due to the sensitive nature of the beach area, where endangered nesting and resting shorebirds or turtles can easily be disturbed, pets are not allowed here or in the water.
- See our Pet Policy.
