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. The Three Lakes Prairie Lakes Unit
Recreation Guide is a useful resource when visiting this
area.
Hunting
Turkey Call, a publication of the National
Wild Turkey Association, has named Three Lakes one of the five top
producers of turkeys among Florida's wildlife management areas. The
deer, squirrel, and quail population on Three Lakes are fair; and
the feral hog population is good.
Fishing
Lake Kissimmee:
34,948-acre lake, 3rd largest in Florida Largemouth
bass, bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), and black crappie
(specks) outstanding. Boat access is available at Overstreet
Landing, just north of Three Lakes.
Lake Jackson:
Catch and release only for largemouth bass.
Minimum 12-inch size limit for black crappie.
Bluegill and redear sunfish of good size. Once completely covered
with aquatic vegetation, this newly restored 1020-acre lake is not
the largest lake in the chain but may be most productive; many bass
weighing over 10 pounds have been caught here since 1994.
Boat access available off of Boat Ramp Road within the Three Lakes
Prairie Lakes Unit.
Lake Marian:
Bluegill and redear sunfish caught here in great
numbers in late spring and throughout summer. This 5,739-acre lake
has long been known for outstanding black crappie fishing. Black
crappie are often caught trolling during winter and summer; in the
spring anglers fish along the grass line. Boat access is
available just south of Three Lakes at the Kenansville Boat
Ramp.
Parker Slough and Jackson
Canal:
Outstanding catfish spots. Shore fishing
only.
Borrow Pits:
There are several borrow pits found on the east
side of Three Lakes that provide additional fishing
opportunities. Access is available via hiking.
Reference the map
of Prairie Lakes Unit of Three Lakes WMA 
to locate boat ramp(s). Fishing
license information.
Wildlife Viewing
The expansive prairie combined with the diversity
of natural communities supply ample opportunities for wildlife
viewing. Due to its unique and high quality birding opportunities,
this area is part of the Great
Florida Birding Trail. An observation tower overlooking
Lake Jackson allows additional opportunities for wildlife viewing.
You may request a copy or download or print
the Three Lakes Bird List . Visit the Wildlife page for more information about the
area's wildlife.
Request a copy of the Three Lakes WMA - Sunset Ranch Trail
Guide.
Hiking
Within Three Lakes are 29.4 miles of trails, 24.3
miles of which are part of the Florida National
Scenic Trail. Trails can be very wet at times.
Biking
Roads within Three Lakes are well suited for
mountain biking.
Horseback Riding
Permitted on existing named and numbered road
system except that horses may be ridden on firelanes during the general gun-dog season in that portion
of the area east of the Florida Turnpike by hunters possessing
quota permits for the general gun-dog season. During the small game season, persons hunting from
horseback are not restricted to named and numbered roads.
Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when
riding on public lands. For more detailed information go to
Nicole's Law . All horseback riders must have
proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses
when on state lands.
Paddling
Lake Jackson, Marian, and Kissimmee all offer
paddling opportunities. Windy conditions on the largest of these
lakes may make paddling difficult at times. While paddling, you can
take advantage of excellent opportunities for fishing and bird
watching. Reference the map
of Prairie Lakes Unit of Three Lakes WMA to locate boat ramp(s).
Scenic Driving
Visitors to the Prairie Lakes Unit can follow a 10
mile interpretive drive. Pick up a guide at the Prairie Lakes
entrance kiosk.
See vehicle use regulations.
Camping
On the Prairie Lakes Unit, primitive camping is
allowed at designated
campsites on non-hunting days. A no-cost camping
permit is required from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission and can be obtained by calling (352) 732-1225. On the
rest of Three Lakes, camping is permitted only at hunter-designated
camping areas
during hunting season and at designated
campsites on the Florida Trail throughout the
year.
Persons with Disabilities