Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area park
Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area
1. Biodiversity: Three Lakes WMA is home to a remarkable variety of flora and fauna. It encompasses several distinct habitats, including freshwater marshes, prairies, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks. Visitors can explore the area's rich biodiversity by observing a wide range of species, including alligators, black bears, deer, wading birds, and numerous fish species.
2. Recreational Activities: The WMA provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish in the area's lakes and canals. Additionally, boating, canoeing, and kayaking are popular activities on the lakes and waterways within the area.
3. Birdwatching: The abundant birdlife in Three Lakes WMA makes it a paradise for birdwatchers. Over 150 bird species have been recorded here, including colorful residents like the sandhill crane, limpkin, and roseate spoonbill. The diverse habitats within the area attract both migratory birds and year-round residents, making it a prime spot for avian enthusiasts.
4. Hiking and Wildlife Viewing: The WMA offers several well-maintained trails for hiking and wildlife viewing. The Prairie Lakes Trail, for example, is a popular 7.6-mile loop that allows visitors to explore the pine flatwoods and marshes while observing wildlife. Additionally, several observation platforms provide fantastic opportunities to spot alligators, birds, and other creatures.
5. Hunting Opportunities: Three Lakes WMA is managed as a wildlife conservation area, allowing regulated hunting during specific seasons. This makes the area a significant attraction for hunters, offering opportunities for deer, turkey, and waterfowl hunting.
Interesting Facts:
- Three Lakes WMA is part of the northern Everglades ecosystem, a critical region for water conservation and wildlife preservation.
- The area is named after the three primary lakes within its boundaries: Lake Jackson, Lake Marian, and Lake Kissimmee.
- In the past, the land was used for cattle grazing, but it has since been restored to its natural state.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Three Lakes WMA is during the cooler months between November and April. During this time, the temperatures are more comfortable, and the mosquito population is reduced. This period also coincides with the peak bird migration season, making it an excellent time for birdwatching. However, it is advisable to check for specific seasonal closures, hunting dates, and weather conditions before planning a visit.
Please note that it is always recommended to verify the information provided by consulting official websites or contacting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which manages Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- 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 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.
- 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.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Town Of Kicco Campsite | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| River Ranch Property Owners Association | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Three Lakes Campsite | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Family Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Avon Park Af Range Military | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Buster Island Primitive Camp Site | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area
What can I do at Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area.