When we last visited Colt Creek we were looking for the start of their campground. This is a beautifully maintained state park near Lakeland, which up until last year was strictly day use, or tent or equestrian camping..no campground for RVs. There is now an outstanding 33 site campground and rumors it will get bigger with a second loop of 30 or so sites in the future.
Our site is #11. Like all the sites it has 50/30/20 amp service and water. There are 4 pull through sites, 6 tent only sites and 23 back in sites. All are pretty good size, pea gravel, level and laid out for privacy. There are shrubbery barriers and the sites are well defined. There is no sewer, but the loop has a two lane dump station. There is little shade through-out the campground.
A Gulf Fritillary flits around the foliage between sites in the campground.
The loop road is paved and pretty wide. The turns are good for big rigs. The parking area on the left is for the six tent only sites.
A view of the loop with sites on the right and the very clean bathhouse/laundry.
Two of the six tent only sights.
Designers of the campground made good use of the large limestone rocks unearthed during construction. There are several formations throughout the sites.
Designers of the campground made good use of the large limestone rocks unearthed during construction. There are several formations throughout the sites.
Mac Lake. The largest of the three lakes. Fishing is good here and it is big enough to enjoy canoeing/kayaking. No power boating.
One can fish from the shore or this t-shape pier. On shore there are one large pavilion, two small pavilions and a small gazebo. The park holds many events throughout the month and the pavilions can be reserved. The large pavilion is screened, has cooking facilities, rest rooms, etc.
A quarter mile nature trail is an interesting easy hike through the flatwoods near the pavilions.
A cormorant sits on a post at the pier. Most of the their time is spent in the lake diving for a meal.
The park is big on horse back riding and has a day use corral, with parking area, restrooms and a pavilion with grill. There is a 10 mile trail and a 7 mile trail for equestrian, bike and hike use. There are two small lakes for fishing and this area is the trailhead for the 10 mile trail. There is also a primitive equestrian campground at the trailhead of the 7 mile trail south of the rv campground.
Dubious view of Middle Lake.
In other words: Don't Feed The Alligators.
Dubious view of Middle Lake.
In other words: Don't Feed The Alligators.
There is a small butterfly garden near the equestrian corral.
Main Park Drive is a wide paved road leading to the campground and then on to the primitive equestrian and primitive campgrounds. Almost three miles long it is a great biking road.
Just outside the entrance to the campground Colt Creek passes under the road. This is usually a great place to see alligators, tortoises, and a wide variety of birds. But, we didn't see much this visit.
A group of Ibis scours the creek floor for food.
While another group searches in a nearby lea.
The Flatwoods Trail (10 mile long loop) crosses the road just before the campground.
Colt Creek near the group camping area south of the campground.
Some of the flora in the park.
The Flatwoods Trail (10 mile long loop) crosses the road just before the campground.
Colt Creek near the group camping area south of the campground.
Some of the flora in the park.
