Wilderness Area Lake Woodruff

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Parks

Florida

Nearby: Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Wilderness Alexander Springs

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Woodruff Wilderness Area is a scenic nature reserve located in the state of Florida.

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Summary

Here is a summary of some of the reasons to visit, points of interest, interesting facts, and the best time of year to visit, verified across multiple independent sources.

Reasons to Visit:
1. Breathtaking Natural Beauty: Lake Woodruff Wilderness Area offers stunning landscapes with diverse habitats, including marshes, swamps, and hardwood hammocks.
2. Wildlife Observation: The area is home to a rich variety of wildlife, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching and animal sightings. Over 220 bird species have been recorded in the area.
3. Recreational Activities: Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, wildlife photography, and nature trails.

Points of Interest:
1. Lake Woodruff: The area is named after Lake Woodruff, a 21,500-acre freshwater lake. The lake is a significant attraction for fishing enthusiasts.
2. St. Johns River: The St. Johns River, which borders the area, provides opportunities for boating and sightseeing while enjoying scenic views.
3. Hontoon Island State Park: Adjacent to Lake Woodruff Wilderness Area, Hontoon Island State Park is accessible by boat and offers camping, picnicking, and hiking possibilities.

Interesting Facts:
1. Protected Wilderness: Lake Woodruff Wilderness Area is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, ensuring its preservation and protection for future generations.
2. Manatees and Alligators: The area is known for its population of West Indian manatees, which can often be spotted in the St. Johns River. However, visitors should be cautious of alligators and follow safety guidelines.
3. Historical Significance: The Lake Woodruff area has historical significance, as it was inhabited by Native American tribes and later used for logging during the 19th century.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Lake Woodruff Wilderness Area is during the winter months (December to February) when the weather is mild, and wildlife activity is more pronounced. Spring (March to May) is also a great time to visit when wildflowers are in full bloom. However, it is important to check weather conditions and avoid the peak mosquito season during the summer months.

Sources:
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/lake_woodruff/
- Visit West Volusia: https://visitwestvolusia.com/lake-woodruff-wilderness-area/
- Florida Rambler: https://www.floridarambler.com/florida-state-parks/lake-woodruff-wilderness-area-natural-beauty-canoeing-birding/
- Florida Hikes!: https://floridahikes.com/lake-woodruff
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: https://myfwc.com/viewing/recreation/wmas/lead/lake-woodruff/

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WILDERNESS AREA LAKE WOODRUFF

Parks • Parks • Recreation

December 5, 2025

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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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