Florida has the perfect weather and great terrains for recreational ATV riding. From novice to advanced riders, these ATV parks in Florida are the best destinations to satisfy your need for speed.
For outdoor adventures in Florida that don’t involve sweltering in line at a theme park or lying on the beach, there are more than a handful of public trails and ATV parks that are just waiting to be explored.
In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best ATV parks in Florida. Whether you’re looking for an easy ride or something more challenging, there’s a park for you! So grab your ATV helmet, and let’s go ATV riding in Florida.
Where Can You Ride ATVs in Florida?
As we mentioned, there are a few public ATV parks, but most of the ATV parks in the state are private.
You should take note that many of Florida’s ATV parks are only open on select weekends for riding and special events. We urge you to check the park’s website or give them a call before making plans.
You’ll also notice that there are far more ATV trails in northern Florida than in the rest of the state. That’s because of the favorable terrain and abundance of forest and scrubland compared to the rest of Florida.
No matter where you choose to ride, you’ll find that mudding and mud parks are a big deal in Florida. Swamps and puddles are just a year-round fact of life in this climate.
We’ll cover both public offroading trails and private ATV parks so you can find your perfect offroading vacation in the Sunshine State.
Tips for Offroading in Florida
Hitting off road trails and mud parks in Florida is an awesome way to spend a day or a weekend, but the subtropical climate and geography pose some unique risks that you should prepare for.
Before you head out on your adventure, here are a few things you should know.
- Wear protective clothing – Biting insects and sunburns are the two biggest dangers while four-wheeling in Florida. Long pants and shirts that are both lightweight and breathable will help keep you protected, but at the very least, wear high-SPF sunblock and bug spray on exposed skin.
- Be wary of critters – Alligators and snakes will likely steer clear of Florida ATV trails, especially if there’s significant traffic. Choose break spots carefully and check your surroundings for red ant nests before finding a spot to relax.
- Know your poisonous plants – Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and poisonwood all grow in Florida’s forests and scrublands.
- Keep an eye on the sky – Florida’s legendary storms can occur in all seasons, and without much warning. If you are riding and you know a storm is imminent, don’t wait to seek shelter under a permanent structure. At the very least, get off your vehicle and away from standing water and large trees.
As you can see, there’s so much more to Florida than Disney World and sunbathing.
The offroading trails and mud parks in Florida are incredibly diverse, providing ample opportunities to get outside and enjoy an afternoon or weekend of mud and sunshine.
Best ATV Parks in Florida
Despite Florida’s lack of mountainous terrain, it’s got a huge range of trails and parks suitable for riders of all abilities.
Private and commercial OHV parks are widespread throughout the state, and there are private off-roading events in Florida all through the year — gotta love the weather in the tropics.
In addition to dedicated ATV parks in Florida, off-road vehicles are also allowed in many state and national forests.
The Swamp Offroad Park, Sunny Hills, Florida
The Swamp is a family-friendly offroad park covering 500 acres of wooded terrain. It is only open on the first and third Saturdays of the month and is well worth the $10 admission fee.
The name may give you an idea of the terrain you’ll be facing in the Swamp — in addition to some serious mud, you’ll also find wide, sandy trails, a newly built obstacle course, and a fun hill climb.
According to the Swamp website, this Florida ATV park allows anything on four wheels, so use your imagination and be prepared to get dirty!
Clear Creek OHV Trails, Blackwater River State Forest, Milton, Florida
With 53 miles of wooded, loose-dirt trails, and a large, flat staging area, Clear Creek OHV Trails offer up family-friendly riding Friday through Sunday, from 9 am – 4 pm. ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles are permitted, but not jeeps or dune buggies. The park is owned by the state of Florida but maintained by Blackwater Forestry Center.
There is a small training track for kids, and riders under 16 must take an ATV training course. Camping is available nearby in Blackwater River State Park.
Apalachicola National Forest, Tallahassee, Florida
If you’re looking for smooth, flat trails through beautiful Florida woodlands, check out Apalachicola National Forest just outside of Tallahassee.
From the Silver Lake OHV Trailhead, you’ll find 56 miles of trails dedicated to all types of OHVs.
The Springhill Motorcycle Trailhead provides another 40+ miles of trails that are for motorcycle use only.
Trail passes are required ($10 for three days) and can be purchased locally or at Recreation.gov.
Iron Horse Mud Ranch
Open on select weekends, Iron Horse Mud Ranch features a vast array of mud holes, bogs, and ponds for mudding with all types of four-wheelers.
There are more than 100 acres of ATV/UTV trails, a professional freestyle arena, and a mega truck obstacle course.
Jellystone Park Campground, Madison, Florida
You’ve likely heard of the super family-friendly Jellystone campgrounds located across the country.
The Jellystone Park in Madison, Florida, has all the amenities you’d expect from a Jellystone (waterslides, swimming, and mini-golf), as well as 90 acres of easy ATV trails. Dirt bikes, ATVs, and UTVs are permitted. Jeeps and other SUVs are not.
Choose from more than 160 campsites or 16 cabins during your stay, but be sure to book your reservations far in advance. This is the only Jellystone in Florida, and it books up quickly.
Graveyard Mud Bog, Jasper, Florida
Covering 15 miles of off-road trails, as well as lots of mud holes, Graveyard Mud Bog welcomes trucks, ATVs, and side x sides for an old-school mudding experience.
The trail system meanders through a hardwood oak forest, leading to some lovely swamps and springs.
Shady campsites are available with your admission price, and special events are offered regularly.
The Graveyard Mud Bog is currently only open on select weekends, so be sure to call ahead.
Hogwaller Campground & ATV Resort
Hog Waller is open on selected weekends year-round and has special weekends for ATVs and separate weekends for jeeps and trucks.
The park features a six-acre mud bog, plus 50 miles of trails, and camping is permitted onsite.
Trails are beginner-friendly and mostly mud, so be prepared to get dirty! Night riding is permitted, and all participants must sign a waiver before riding.
Florida Cracker Ranch, Bunnell, Florida
Located just north of Daytona Beach, Florida Cracker Ranch is an outdoor adventure park covering more than 1,000 acres, with miles of trails to explore.
It is only open to members, which are subject to a background check before joining. In addition to ATV riding, members can enjoy camping, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, and skeet shooting.
All activities at Florida Cracker Ranch are family-friendly.
Mallory Swamp ATV Trail, Mayo, Florida
This free public trail system is located in the Mallory Swamp Wildlife Management Area and includes 35+ miles of wide, flat trails that are mostly hard-packed with some sandy areas.
The trails are mostly for beginners and open daily, except during hunting season from late September to late April. Note: GPS directions are not accurate to this location.
Osceola National Forest, Lake City, Florida
While the forest service roads in Osceola National Forest are not designated ATV trails, they are open to all vehicles and provide more than 100 miles of mud and gravel trails crisscrossing 200,000 acres of forested land.
Most trails in this region are wide and flat and suitable for novice riding. While there is no staging area for ATVs, the forest is free to use, and no permit is required, but OHVs must stick to marked roads only.
The best access to the forest roads within the national forest is off of Mount Carrie Road.
Ocala National Forest, Fort McCoy, Florida
With multiple staging areas and designated ATV trails, the Ocala OHV Trail System is a robust system with more than 125 miles of shaded, sandy trails that are perfect for beginner and intermediate riders. Camping is available at both Delancey West Campground and Big Scrub Campground, but no hookups are available.
A permit is required to ride the trails, which can be purchased at local staging areas for $10 for three days or $75 per year.
Revolution Off Road, Clermont, Florida
With just five miles of trails on 230 acres, Revolution Off Road may not be the best choice for experienced riders.
Private vehicles are not permitted. Instead, you sign up for a tour with a rental, which may include an ATV, side by side, or an amphibious “Mucky Duck”.
All experiences are guided, two-hour excursions, and drivers must be 18 years old. Helmets are provided onsite.
Bone Valley ATV Park
Bone Valley is a relatively new ATV park in Florida, maintained by Polk County in Fort Meade.
15 miles of hard-packed trails are great for novice and intermediate riders, and there are plenty of hill climbs and freestyle areas.
Amenities include picnic areas, a concession stand, and clean restrooms. The cost is $15 per resident rider and $20 per non-resident, and the park is open Friday through Monday from 8 am to 5 pm (October to May), and 8 am to 7 pm (June to September).
Croom Motorcycle Area at Withlacoochee State Forest
Croom Moto Park is located west of Orlando and South of Ocala, and slightly north of Tampa.
2600 acres of dedicated trail riding system managed by the Florida State Forest is located west of Orlando and slightly south of Ocala.
This is an ATV enthusiasts' heavenly playground.
Don’t have your ATV with you? No problem. You can rent an ATV in Florida at Croom ATV Rentals nearby.
Lazy Springs Recreation Park, Felda, Florida
Lazy Springs Recreation Park is open Friday evenings and all day Saturday and Sunday, providing visitors with man-made hard-pack trails for motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, SUVs, and various swamp buggies.
There is a separate motocross track, an obstacle course for high-clearance vehicles, lakes for fishing, and primitive camping.
This is one of the few Florida ATV parks where you can find ATV rentals, just outside the entrance to Lazy Springs Recreation Park.
Recommended ATV Protective Gear
Fun ATV Riding Clothes
While protective gear is essential on the trail, it’s ok to look cute and share your wilder riding side with the world. I’m a big fan of ball caps and love this adorable “ATV hair, Don’t Care” hat from Sew Vivid Design on Etsy. Be sure to Check out all this cute ATV apparel.
Get Our FREE ATV Pre Ride Inspection Checklist Now!
Recommended ATV Riding Resources
- Top ATV Trails Near Me in the Southeast
- Must-Have ATV Accessories
- ATV Riding Clothes– Everything you need to get started
- ATV Trails Near Me Facebook Group
More Recommended Resources
Still looking for more vacation ideas in Florida? If you’re looking to save more on your trip, you better check out these cheap family vacations in Florida.
And if you’ll be bringing your baby in one of your beach vacations, you might want to read these 10 practical tips for taking your baby to the beach. Number 2 is my favorite!
Ame
Tuesday 31st of May 2022
Plant Bamboo is a great mud park in Okeechobee Florida. Lots of mud with some event and open year around.