Highlands Hammock State Park Campgrounds

Welcome to Highlands Hammock State Park

One of Florida’s oldest parks, opening to the public in 1931, Highlands Hammock was established when local citizens came together to promote the Hammock as a candidate for national park status. During the Great Depression, prior to World War II, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed additional park facilities and the beginnings of a botanical garden. Acquired by the state in 1935, it has grown over the years and now has 15 distinct natural communities in its more than 9,000 acres that include large tracts of pine flatwoods, hydric hammock, cypress swamp, and baygall. Several of the communities are designated as imperiled or of concern, such as the Florida scrub, scrubby flatwoods, and cutthroat seep. It is one of the highest ranking parks in Florida for endemic biodiversity. The park is known for its beautiful old-growth hammock and thousand year old oaks. Ferns and air plants are abundant. Black bear and the Florida panther tread softly through the hammock and may be glimpsed occasionally.

An elevated boardwalk with an historic catwalk traverses cypress swamp, and visitors may observe alligators, birds and other wildlife. Many visitors enjoy bicycling the scenic three mile loop drive or hiking the park’s nine nature trails. Picnicking, bird-watching, and ranger-guided tours of the park are other popular activities. The tram tour, which is fully accessible, allows visitors the unique opportunity to view birds, alligators, turtles, deer and other wildlife relatively close-up, in areas of the park that are restricted to public access. Catch-and-release fishing and picnicking are available at the nearby Seven Lakes management unit. Highlands Hammock provides a full-facility campground, as well as a youth / group tent campground. A recreation hall is available for rental, as are several picnic pavilions. A museum showcasing the history of the CCC is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Highlands Hammock is located on Hammock Road (County Road 634), four miles West of U.S. 27 in Sebring.

Fees:
Admission Fees

• $6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
• $4.00 per single occupant vehicle.
• $2.00 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, and passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
• $40.00 bus admission.

Camping Fees
Family Campground: $22.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity. Primitive Wilderness Campground: $18.00 per night, plus tax. Does not include water and electricity. Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older or who hold a social security disability award certificate or a 100 percent disability award certificate from the federal government are permitted to receive a 50 percent discount on current base campsite fees. Proof of eligibility is required. To make a reservation, call 1-800-326-3521 or book online at www.reserveamerica.com . All Youth / Group Camp reservations are made through the park. Call 863-386-6094 to make a reservation and for more information.

Tram Tour Fees

• $5.00 per adult.
• $3.00 per child, aged 6 to 12. Free, children aged 5 and younger.
• $70.00 plus tax: private tram tour, by advance reservation only. Tram can accommodate approximately 30 people.

Recreation Hall
$100.00 per day, plus tax: daily rental of Recreation Hall. This large facility holds up to 250 people and has central heat and air conditioning to ensure that guests are comfortable year round. Attractive banquet tables and folding chairs are in the building as a convenience. Kitchen facilities (hot water, stoves, refrigerators, microwave, and wash sinks) offer the added advantage of preparing meals on the premises. A large BBQ grill is conveniently located just outside the back kitchen door. Both men’s and women’s restrooms are located inside the building. Picnic tables that provide additional seating are located just outside the main entrance on the patio. The large front lawn offers plenty of space for recreational activities, and there is playground for young children. Reservations are accepted up to 11 months in advance. Rental fee payment is required when reserving the facility. Call (863) 386-6094 for details or to make reservations. Regular park entrance fees of $6.00 per vehicle (up to 8 persons) or $4.00 per single occupant vehicle still apply.

Picnic Pavilions
The picnic area has five small pavilions (Alligator, Owl, Bear, Otter, and Bobcat) close to restrooms, playground, CCC Museum, and the Hammock Inn. Daily rental of these pavilions is $30.00, plus tax. Panther Pavilion is a large pavilion that rents for $50.00, plus tax. Electricity is available at Panther and Alligator Pavilions. Kosove, which rents for $50.00, plus tax, is located in the Primitive Wilderness area near the park’s ball field. No restrooms are close to Kosove. Two small pavilions located at Seven Lakes, Kite and Eagle, rent for $30.00, plus tax. All pavilions have barbecue grills. Alligator Pavilion has a large built-in fireplace grill. Regular park entrance fees of $6.00 per vehicle (up to 8 persons) or $4.00 per single occupant vehicle apply.
Amphitheatre

The Amphitheatre, which rents for $25.00, plus tax, is located on the Loop Drive and may be reserved for outdoor weddings and services. Regular park entrance fees of $6.00 per vehicle (up to 8 persons) or $4.00 per single occupant vehicle apply.

Hours of Operation
The Park is Open From 8:00 AM Until Sunset, 365 Days a Year, Including All Holidays