Rock Springs Run Wildlife Management Area

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Parks

Florida

Nearby: Rock Springs Run State Reserve Wekiwa Springs Concession

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rock Springs Run Wildlife Management Area is a 14,000-acre protected area located in the state of Florida.

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Summary

It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including alligators, black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and many species of birds. The area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

One of the main attractions of Rock Springs Run Wildlife Management Area is its natural springs, which provide a refreshing spot for swimming and kayaking. Visitors can also explore the area's many trails, which wind through forests, marshes, and wetlands. Other points of interest include the historic Fort Lane site, the Rock Springs Run State Reserve, and the Wekiva River.

Interesting facts about Rock Springs Run Wildlife Management Area include its designation as a Florida Outstanding Waterway and a Florida Birding Trail site. The area is also part of a larger conservation area that protects critical habitat for wildlife and provides important ecosystem services like water filtration and carbon sequestration.

The best time of year to visit Rock Springs Run Wildlife Management Area depends on personal preferences and the activities you're interested in. The summer months can be hot and humid, but offer the best swimming conditions. Spring and fall are popular times for hiking and wildlife viewing, while winter can be a good time for fishing and camping. Overall, the area is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing Florida's natural beauty and wildlife.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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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