|
Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail
Purchase a Paddling Guide
—
Camping Sites and Trip Options
Camping Permits
—
Trail Updates
— Frequently Asked Questions
Paddling and Camping Tips
—
Contact Information
Primitive campsites have been established on the Big Bend Wildlife
Management Area for use by through paddlers on the Big Bend Saltwater
Paddling Trail. Paddlers must possess an approved permit from the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to use these sites. Permits
are required in order to conserve and protect this
beautiful but fragile coastal wilderness, and to ensure adequate
camping space for paddlers. The use of the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling
Trail guide is strongly recommended. This unique guide may be purchased
on-line.
|
ü |
|
New! We now have a new reservation system for
the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Go on-line to
check trip availability, reserve campsites, and download
permits by accessing this link:
reservation system. |
|
ü |
|
For safety reasons canoes and solo paddlers
are not allowed on the trail. |
|
ü |
|
Separate
applications must be submitted for each trip. |
|
ü |
|
You must provide your Social Security
Number (SSN) as required by State and Federal law when
applying for any recreational permit. This site is
secured and your SSN is not shared with any other sources. |
|
ü |
|
Applications may be submitted up to six
months in advance. |
|
ü |
|
If you are unable to complete your paddling
trip please cancel your reservation on-line. This will
give another group the chance to use the campsites you no
longer need. |
|
ü |
|
There is no fee at this time for permits.
|
|
ü |
|
One permit will apply for each paddling
group. |
|
ü |
|
You may purchase a copy of the
Big Bend Saltwater Paddling
Guide on-line or by calling (850) 488-5520. |
|
ü |
|
An applicant may apply for no more than one
trip per month. |
Permit Provisions
We ask you to abide by the following permit rules to ensure
protection and the future enjoyment of this paddling trail.
1. CAMPING is allowed for only the permitted dates and sites and only
within defined camping areas on designated sites. All sites are limited
to a capacity of 8 people and 4 tents.
2. FIRES shall be built within established fire rings; keep them
small and monitor at all times. Collect only dead wood from the ground
that can be broken by hand. No cutting of standing trees. Extinguish
fires completely when leaving the campsite.
3. SOLID HUMAN WASTE shall be deposited in catholes dug 6 to 8
inches deep and located at least 200 feet from water, campsites and
trails. Cover all waste completely and pack out all toilet tissue and
hygiene products.
4. FOOD AND TRASH should be stored securely to avoid attracting
animals. Repackage food to minimize waste and pack out all food and
trash.
5. WILD ANIMALS should be observed from a distance and never fed. If
animals move away or appear disturbed, you are too close.
6. PETS are not allowed at any campsite.
7. The permittee must have THIS PERMIT in possession while camping on
the area.
8. EMERGENCIES – if emergencies such as severe weather force paddlers
to remain at a campsite beyond their permit limitations, campers must
accommodate other permitted parties.
9. The permit is NONTRANSFERABLE.
10. Go to this link for detailed
RULES AND REGULATIONS. Rock Island - (Hickory Mound Unit); Spring Warrior Creek -
(Spring Creek Unit); Sponge Point and Dallus Creek – (Tide Swamp Unit);
Sink Creek and Butler Island - (Jena Unit). All units are part of the
Big Bend Wildlife Management Area. |
