Fort Drum Florida Camping Geology

Fort Drum, Florida, is a 21,000-acre Wildlife Management Area, WMA, made up of a variety of geographical areas and diverse habitats that support a number of animals and birds. Fort Drum allows tent camping in six campsites, and is open for numerous recreational activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing and rock hounding for geology buffs, although, because of its WMA status, regulations apply.

Fort Drum WMA

The ecology of Fort Drum consists of dry prairie, hardwood swamp, pine flatwoods and floodplain marsh, all maintained by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission whose goal is to sustain the native wildlife of the area in their natural habitats. Some of the ways they accomplish this is through species restoration, habitat management and restoration, surveying, monitoring, regulating hunting and fishing as well as through outreach and education.

Geography and Rock-hounding

Fort Drum Crystal Mine, also known as Ruck's Pit, is a site where "rock-hounders" can search for fossils and minerals, and is the only location in the world where calcified marine clam shells can be found. Although the area is closed to the general public, rock hounders can contact the owner, who will open the area by reservation seven days per week for $30 per person per day, as of 2010. Limits are one five-gallon bucket and one matrix per person.

Campgrounds

Fort Drum features six campgrounds at which tent camping is permitted. The campgrounds are primitive, with port-o-lets and a lack of potable water. Each site features an iron grill and picnic table. Three of the campgrounds are located at Horseshoe Lake, two on Hog Island and one group site is close to the end of the entrance road. All campsites are first come, first served. Horseshoe Lake campgrounds reportedly have a poison ivy issue. Hog Island gets extremely wet, though the campgrounds tend to stay dry.

Recreation

Recreation at Fort Drum WMA includes hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, paddling, backpacking, horseback riding, biking and camping. The area features five miles of trails. Hunting includes deer, wild turkey and wild hogs. Children under 16 are required to wear helmets while riding horseback. Fort Drum is open to public recreation year round, except during special-opportunity hunts requiring a special-opportunity permit. Birdwatching sightings might include species such as Florida sandhill cranes, wood storks, crested caracas and eagles.

Regulations

The Fort Drum WMA has numerous regulations for hunting and land use, which can be accessed in full on the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission website. Regulations that affect camping include the prohibition of trailer or RV camping. During special-opportunity hunting events, only those with special-opportunity hunting permits are allowed to camp at Fort Drum, and camping gear may only be taken into the area from 8 a.m. onward one day prior to the opening of the special-opportunity hunt, and removed prior to 6 p.m. one day following the close of the hunt.