
Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area
Discover a tranquil Florida escape with hiking, free camping, and the legendary Devil's Tree. Perfect for nature lovers and budget travelers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking

Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a tranquil Florida escape with hiking, free camping, and the legendary Devil's Tree. Perfect for nature lovers and budget travelers.
"Absolutely beautiful though. The trails are marvelous and it's so cool. Walking through a canopy of trees and foliage."

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can get swampy, especially after rain. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
📍 Find the Devil's Tree
From the parking lot, face restrooms, take the right walkway. Look for a large opening about 50 yards down on the left.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Enigmatic Devil's Tree
Off a side path near the main parking lot
A magnificent, sprawling tree draped in Spanish moss, rumored to be haunted. A must-see for the curious!

Serene Hiking Trails
Throughout the WMA
Explore lush canopies and varied landscapes on well-maintained trails, perfect for a peaceful nature walk.

Free Boondocking Campground
Designated camping area
Enjoy a peaceful, well-kept dry camping experience with friendly hosts and even horse facilities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: What to Know Before You Go
Devil's Tree & Beyond: Navigating the Area
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can get swampy, especially after rain. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
📍 Find the Devil's Tree
From the parking lot, face restrooms, take the right walkway. Look for a large opening about 50 yards down on the left.
🏕️ Free Camping Available
Enjoy peaceful dry camping with friendly hosts. Horse facilities are also available.
🦋 Wildlife Viewing
Visit early mornings for the best chance to see local wildlife. Control burns may affect sightings.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can get swampy, especially after rain. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
📍 Find the Devil's Tree
From the parking lot, face restrooms, take the right walkway. Look for a large opening about 50 yards down on the left.
🏕️ Free Camping Available
Enjoy peaceful dry camping with friendly hosts. Horse facilities are also available.
🦋 Wildlife Viewing
Visit early mornings for the best chance to see local wildlife. Control burns may affect sightings.
🐴 Horseback Riding
The trails are noted as being great for horseback riding, with barn facilities available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hickory Hammock WMA is praised for its peaceful atmosphere, free camping, and unique attractions like the Devil's Tree. Visitors appreciate the well-kept grounds and friendly hosts. Some note limited trail variety and potential impacts on wildlife viewing due to controlled burns.
"Weren't there specifically to see the devil's tree. Yes you heard that correctly. I like to find haunted scary places. This wasn't so scary. Absolutely beautiful though. The trails are marvelous and it's so cool. Walking through a canopy of trees and foliage couldn't find it on the regular trail, but if you are looking for it when you park in the parking lot, you're going to face the restrooms. You're going to see a little walkway to the right along the canal followed from the cement to the little sand walkway. About two blocks give or take on the left hand side. You're going to see a large opening go through there. I would say maybe 50 yd down on the left. You can't miss this tree. It is fabulous. It's limb stretch out so far. It is one of the most beautiful trees you could see with the Spanish moss hanging from it. If that's what you're looking for. It's going to be an easy find if you follow these directions. Enjoy the trails. They have a park for the young children behind the restrooms. Get out, get some air even if it's just for an hour or so and take a friend or even your furry friends with you"
Silver Sage Empress
"The campground is beautiful. And it’s free! The hosts were so great! Helpful, friendly and very knowledgeable of the place 🥰
I really recommend this area. The only problem for me and hubby was that there is only one trail to do 😟"
Daniela Perez
"Beautiful wildlife viewing area. Wear good shoes because it could be swampy. They just did a control burn so not much wildlife. It is very peaceful but you can hear the highway. No restroom."
Donna Lange
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hickory Hammock WMA is accessible by car. Specific directions can be found on official Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) resources. It's generally located in the central Florida region.
Yes, there is a parking lot available, particularly near the restrooms and campground area, which serves as a good starting point for exploring.
While GPS can be helpful, it's always a good idea to cross-reference with a map or official directions, as rural areas can sometimes have spotty GPS reception.
Hickory Hammock WMA is located in a more rural area. Nearby towns might include Frostproof or Avon Park, but it's best to check a map for precise proximity.
Generally, WMA access in Florida is free for recreational activities like hiking and camping, though specific permits might be required for hunting or fishing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, typically there are no tickets required for general entry and recreation at Florida Wildlife Management Areas like Hickory Hammock.
Wildlife Management Areas are generally open from dawn to dusk for most recreational activities, but specific hours can vary. It's best to check with the FWC for the most current information.
Yes, camping is available and is often free (boondocking/dry camping). The campground is described as well-kept with helpful hosts.
Yes, if you plan to hunt or fish, you will need the appropriate Florida hunting or fishing licenses and potentially a WMA permit.
As it's primarily a boondocking area, reservations are usually not required. It's typically first-come, first-served.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trails offer a mix of experiences, including walking through tree canopies and along canals. Some visitors note there might be limited trail variety, but they are generally considered marvelous and cool.
It's a wildlife viewing area, but sightings can be impacted by factors like recent controlled burns. Early mornings are recommended for the best chances.
Based on reviews, there are restrooms available, particularly near the parking lot and campground.
Activities include hiking, horseback riding, camping, hunting, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Yes, there's a park for young children located behind the restrooms, making it a family-friendly destination.
📸 📸 Photography
The Devil's Tree, with its sprawling limbs and Spanish moss, is a prime photographic subject. The natural canopy and canal-side paths also offer beautiful scenic shots.
Nature photography, landscape shots, and capturing the unique atmosphere of the Devil's Tree are popular. Wildlife photography is also an option, especially in the early morning.
Early mornings offer soft light for wildlife and landscapes. The Devil's Tree can be photogenic throughout the day, but consider the light for its mossy details.
For personal photography, no special permit is usually required. Commercial photography or filming might need authorization from the FWC.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and the expansive Devil's Tree. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏕️ Budget Travelers & Campers
🐴 Equestrians
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Devil's Tree
While some visitors find it 'not so scary,' its imposing presence and the local lore surrounding it make it a compelling point of interest. It's a testament to the area's natural beauty and the stories that can emerge from it. Remember to wear appropriate footwear as the path to it can be sandy and potentially damp.
Beyond its legendary status, the tree is simply one of the most beautiful you could see, offering fantastic photographic opportunities. It's a reminder that even in conservation areas, there are often hidden gems and local legends waiting to be discovered.
Camping and Facilities at Hickory Hammock
While it's dry camping, meaning no hookups for water or electricity, the atmosphere is a major draw. Visitors appreciate the tranquility and the opportunity to connect with nature. For those traveling with horses, the WMA even provides barn facilities, adding to its appeal for equestrian campers.
Basic amenities like restrooms are available near the parking lot and campground. The presence of a small park for children behind the restrooms also makes it a viable option for families. It's a place where you can truly get out, get some air, and enjoy the natural surroundings, even if just for an hour or a full camping trip.
Exploring the Trails and Wildlife
For those interested in wildlife viewing, the WMA is a designated area. However, it's important to note that recent controlled burns can temporarily impact the abundance of visible wildlife. Visiting in the early morning is generally recommended as the prime time for spotting local fauna.
The area is also noted as being suitable for horseback riding, suggesting the trails are robust enough for equestrian use. The combination of hiking, potential wildlife encounters, and equestrian opportunities makes Hickory Hammock a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit