Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area - Image 1
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Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area

4.5
·209 reviews·Basinger, United States

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 content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Cooler months (Oct-Apr)

Pleasant temperatures for hiking

CrowdLow
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Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area - Image 1

Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area

Best Time

Cooler months (Oct-Apr)

Pleasant temperatures for hiking

CrowdLow

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.

4.5
(209 reviews)

"Absolutely beautiful though. The trails are marvelous and it's so cool. Walking through a canopy of trees and foliage."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Enigmatic Devil's Tree

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

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

Free Boondocking Campground

Designated camping area

Enjoy a peaceful, well-kept dry camping experience with friendly hosts and even horse facilities.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wild: What to Know Before You Go

Hickory Hammock offers a natural escape with diverse activities. Be prepared for potentially swampy trails, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is a must. While some find the trails limited, others rave about the peaceful atmosphere and free camping. Check for controlled burns as they can impact wildlife viewing.

Devil's Tree & Beyond: Navigating the Area

The famed Devil's Tree is a unique attraction, but not always on the main paths. Follow specific directions from the parking lot near the restrooms to find it. While the campground is well-maintained and free, amenities are basic. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance, but be aware of distant highway noise.

Best Times

When
Cooler months (Oct-Apr)
Why
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings
Why
Best for wildlife spotting
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Trails can get swampy, especially after rain. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety. Reddit

📍 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. Reddit

🏕️ Free Camping Available

Enjoy peaceful dry camping with friendly hosts. Horse facilities are also available. Reddit

🦋 Wildlife Viewing

Visit early mornings for the best chance to see local wildlife. Control burns may affect sightings. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Trails can get swampy, especially after rain. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety. Reddit

📍 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. Reddit

🏕️ Free Camping Available

Enjoy peaceful dry camping with friendly hosts. Horse facilities are also available. Reddit

🦋 Wildlife Viewing

Visit early mornings for the best chance to see local wildlife. Control burns may affect sightings. Reddit

🐴 Horseback Riding

The trails are noted as being great for horseback riding, with barn facilities available. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(209 reviews)

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

Peaceful and well-kept
Free camping
Unique Devil's Tree

What People Dislike

Limited trail variety
Wildlife impacted by burns

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. Reddit

Yes, there is a parking lot available, particularly near the restrooms and campground area, which serves as a good starting point for exploring. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Generally, WMA access in Florida is free for recreational activities like hiking and camping, though specific permits might be required for hunting or fishing. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, typically there are no tickets required for general entry and recreation at Florida Wildlife Management Areas like Hickory Hammock. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, camping is available and is often free (boondocking/dry camping). The campground is described as well-kept with helpful hosts. Reddit

Yes, if you plan to hunt or fish, you will need the appropriate Florida hunting or fishing licenses and potentially a WMA permit. Reddit

As it's primarily a boondocking area, reservations are usually not required. It's typically first-come, first-served. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Based on reviews, there are restrooms available, particularly near the parking lot and campground. Reddit

Activities include hiking, horseback riding, camping, hunting, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Reddit

Yes, there's a park for young children located behind the restrooms, making it a family-friendly destination. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For personal photography, no special permit is usually required. Commercial photography or filming might need authorization from the FWC. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hickory Hammock WMA is a great spot for families looking for an affordable nature outing. There's a park for young children located behind the restrooms, providing a dedicated space for them to play. Reddit The trails offer a chance for kids to explore the outdoors, walk through tree canopies, and discover the natural environment. The free camping option also makes it an attractive destination for a family getaway, with basic amenities available. Reddit

🏕️ Budget Travelers & Campers

For budget-conscious travelers, Hickory Hammock WMA is a gem. The campground offers free boondocking (dry camping), eliminating accommodation costs. Reddit Reviewers consistently praise the peaceful atmosphere and the helpfulness of the camp hosts, making it a comfortable and welcoming place to stay. It's an ideal location for those who enjoy a more rustic camping experience without the expense of traditional campgrounds. Reddit

🐴 Equestrians

Horseback riders will find Hickory Hammock WMA particularly appealing. The area is noted for its suitability for horseback riding, with trails that can accommodate equestrian use. Reddit Furthermore, the WMA offers barn facilities for horses, providing a convenient and safe place for your equine companions during your stay. This makes it a destination that caters specifically to those who wish to explore the trails on horseback. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend of the Devil's Tree

The Devil's Tree is a significant draw for visitors to Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area, often sought out for its eerie reputation and striking appearance. Described as a magnificent, sprawling tree with limbs stretching far and draped in Spanish moss, it's a unique natural spectacle. Finding it requires a bit of navigation: from the parking lot, face the restrooms, take the walkway to the right along the canal, and after a short distance on a sand path, look for a large opening on the left. About 50 yards down on the left, you can't miss this fabulous tree. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Camping and Facilities at Hickory Hammock

Hickory Hammock WMA offers a free boondocking (dry camping) experience that many visitors find incredibly peaceful and well-kept. The campground area is noted for its cleanliness, with hosts described as great, helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable about the area. This makes it an attractive option for those looking for a budget-friendly outdoor stay. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Exploring the Trails and Wildlife

The trails at Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area offer a chance to immerse yourself in a natural environment, featuring canopies of trees and foliage. Visitors describe them as 'marvelous' and 'cool,' providing a pleasant walking experience. While one reviewer mentioned a perceived limitation in the number of distinct trails, the existing paths are well-suited for hiking and offer varied scenery. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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