Recreation (updated
yearly)
In support of the resource management goals and objectives for the area and to provide
a quality experience for all area users, the following recreation activities
are allowed.
Dan Miller
|
Caravelle is one of only a handful of wildlife management areas that offer
special opportunity dove hunts. These hunts are very popular and draw
people from as far away as Tampa and Orlando. A supervised youth hunt
is also available on the area. The hog and quail populations are fair.
The deer population is good, and the turkey, dove and gray squirrel
populations are excellent.
Largemouth bass, channel catfish, white catfish, and brown and yellow
bullheads may be caught on the Ocklawaha River. Fishing is good in May
and June between the Rodman Reservoir and St Johns River. Excellent
fishing on Camp Branch Creek. Fishing
license information.
Florida black bears are found in the river swamps. The rattling calls
of sandhill cranes can be heard along the marshes where they nest. This area is part of
the Great
Florida Birding Trail. Visit the Wildlife
page for more information about the area's wildlife. You may
also
request a copy or download or print the
Caravelle Ranch
Bird List -
pdf file.
Liz Sparks
|
Is available on over 20 miles of multi-use trails. The Florida
National Scenic Trail traverses area. With assistance from the St.
Johns River Water Management District, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission has recently completed an eight-mile trail.
Download the Caravelle Ranch trail guide.
Over 20 miles of multi-use trails.
Over 20 miles of multi-use trails; expanded area for parking trailers.
Paddlers may put in at the Rodman Dam Road boat launch and paddle approximately
7 miles down the Ocklawaha to the Highway 19 boat ramp. The river traverses
extensive hardwood swamp. In the fall, scarlet hibiscus are brilliant
along the river edges. A historic landing on the Ocala National Forest
on the river’s south shore offers a scenic spot to picnic and
hike.
Permitted during hunting season at
designated
campsites (pdf file) in campground. During
non-hunting periods, camping is permitted
at primitive campsites along the
Florida
Trail and in
camping
areas (pdf file) managed by the St.
Johns River Water Management District.
