Pine Lake Preserve
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Pine Lake Preserve is a natural area located in Florida, popular among tourists for its unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife.
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Summary
The preserve spans over 1,700 acres and offers hiking trails, kayaking opportunities, birdwatching, and camping facilities.
One of the main reasons to visit Pine Lake Preserve is to observe the rare Florida scrub habitat, which is home to a variety of endangered and threatened species such as the Florida scrub jay, gopher tortoise, and Eastern indigo snake. The preserve also contains several lakes and ponds, offering opportunities for fishing and boating.
Some of the specific points of interest in Pine Lake Preserve include the Pine Lake Trail, which takes hikers through the heart of the preserve and offers scenic views of the lakes and scrub habitat. The preserve also contains several primitive campsites for those interested in overnight camping.
Interesting facts about Pine Lake Preserve include that it was once used as a bombing range during World War II and still contains remnants of the military activity. The preserve is also home to a rare type of plant called the Florida rosemary, which is only found in a few locations in the state.
The best time of year to visit Pine Lake Preserve is during the cooler months from October to April, as the summers can be hot and humid. However, visitors should be aware of the mosquitoes and other biting insects that can be prevalent in the area during certain times of the year.
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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.
Related References
Bonita Springs Community Park
Hidden Cypress Preserve
Crew Wildlife Management Area
North Collier Regional Park
Cocohatchee River Park