Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area is a sprawling protected area located in the state of Florida, covering approximately 63,000 acres.
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Summary
It offers a diverse and unique ecosystem, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Here is a summary of what makes Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area worth visiting:
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.
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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
Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Area
Prairie Lakes Unit - Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area
Kicco Wildlife Management Area