Belmore Wildlife Management Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Belmore Wildlife Management Area is a 6,500-acre conservation area in Clay County, Florida, known for its lush vegetation and diverse wildlife.
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Summary
It is home to a variety of endangered and threatened species, including the Florida black bear, gopher tortoise, and red-cockaded woodpecker.
Visitors to Belmore Wildlife Management Area can enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, and fishing in the many lakes and streams on the property. There are also designated hunting areas for various game species, including deer, turkey, and waterfowl.
One of the highlights of Belmore Wildlife Management Area is the extensive network of trails that allow visitors to explore the different habitats in the area. The trails range from easy to moderate difficulty and offer opportunities to see wildlife up close.
Interesting facts about the area include the presence of several historic structures, including a 19th-century homestead and a Civil War-era cemetery. The area was also used for logging and turpentine production in the early 20th century.
The best time to visit Belmore Wildlife Management Area depends on personal preference and the desired activities. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and optimal wildlife viewing opportunities, while summer is ideal for fishing and water activities. Hunting season runs from September through January.
Overall, Belmore Wildlife Management Area is a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities and opportunities to explore Florida's unique ecosystems.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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