Closures and Updates

February 17, 2020

The Northwest Florida Water Management District has closed the Cotton Lake, Williams Lake, and Bluff Springs recreation sites within the Escambia River Water Management Area. All three sites are in areas impacted by rising water levels following recent rains. 

February 6, 2020

The Northwest Florida Water Management District re-opened Rattlesnake Lake North recreation site within the Econfina Creek Water Management Area.

January 28, 2020

In anticipation of upcoming renovations, the District is not accepting camping reservations for the Otto Hill recreational site. The District does not have a timeline for the re-opening of Otto Hill. Monitor this page and the District’s Recreation Site Closures page as well as our Facebook and Twitter pages for updates on the renovations.

January 6, 2020

The Northwest Florida Water Management District has re-opened Williford Spring recreational site within the Econfina Creek Water Management Area.

November 14, 2019

The Northwest Florida Water Management District has re-opened all 10 campsites at Florida River Island recreation area within the Apalachicola River Water Management Area.

November 7, 2019

The Northwest Florida Water Management District has re-opened nine of the 10 campsites at Florida River Island recreation area within the Apalachicola River Water Management Area..

November 6, 2019

The Northwest Florida Water Management District has re-opened the campsites at Pine Ridge Equestrian Trail within the Econfina Creek Water Management Area.

October 24, 2019

The Northwest Florida Water Management District has re-opened the campsites at Christoff Landing within the Chipola River Water Management Area.

October 16, 2019

The Northwest Florida Water Management District has closed Williford Spring Recreation Area to complete the next phase of repairs stemming from Hurricane Michael.

District contractors are now repairing the boardwalk leading to Econfina Creek and the canoe/kayak launch that allows paddlers to access the spring. Both structures were severely damaged by downed trees during Hurricane Michael.

The contract requires the repairs to be completed by February 15, 2020 (120 days).

October 3, 2019

The District has re-opened Sparkleberry Pond recreation site within the Econfina Creek Water Management Area.

September 13, 2019

The District has returned the recreation sites at Pitt/Sylvan springs and Williford Spring to normal operating hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week).

The boardwalk and walking paths from Pitt to Sylvan are now repaired and open. The walking trails from Sylvan to Williford are still closed but the clearing is underway now.

Walsingham Campsite is repaired and ready for campers. Reservations can be made by visiting the Camping Reservation System. (Note: Use Google Chrome to make reservations.)

May 7, 2019

Walsingham Park is now open. Nearby Seashell, Longleaf, and Devil's Hole recreation sites remain closed.

April 24, 2019

Perdido River WMA

The Frank Reeder Loop Road and Sand Landing Recreational Area north of Highway 90 are temporarily closed for road repairs.

March 25, 2019

Hurricane Michael severely impacted several NWFWMD Water Management Areas (WMAs) and their associated recreation areas.

Access to non-improved areas in the hurricane-impacted Econfina Creek, Chipola River and Apalachicola River WMAs (including the Fitzhugh Carter Area, Beaverdam Creek Wildlife Management Area and the NWFWMD portions of the Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area and the Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area) is currently allowed for hunting, hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and nature appreciation, in accordance with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Management Area rules for these areas (available at http://myfwc.com/hunting/wma-brochures). Vehicle access may be limited in many areas by closed gates. All roads behind closed gates are designated as closed to motor vehicle traffic. Day-use sites remain closed in these areas. The current status of designated (reservation permit required) campsites within the Econfina Creek WMA, Chipola River WMA and Apalachicola WMA can be found in the campsite list below. Disbursed (backcountry) camping is allowed in the NWFWMD-owned portions of the Apalachicola WMA and the Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area, except in areas posted as “No Camping,” and is not allowed in the Chipola River and Econfina Creek WMAs.

All other District lands and recreation sites are open for normal operations.