West Region Recreation

What can you do on District Lands?

Hunting, hiking, fishing, camping, bird-watching, horseback riding, nature study, cycling, geocaching, stargazing, and more!

The Northwest Florida Water Management District had acquired more than 212,000 acres of land in the Florida panhandle.  Over the years, we’ve expanded public recreational opportunities on land purchased with public dollars.

Each year we take steps to enhance and expand recreational use of all District-owned property throughout our 16-county region. Activities at each location are compatible with natural resources protection and intended land use priorities.

We invite you to explore recreational opportunities on your public lands. The recreation section of our website is packed with information on lands available for public use and access – as well as maps, descriptions, GPS coordinates and contact information.

Campfire ban in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa counties

Beginning November 1, 2023, the Northwest Florida Water Management District is banning all campfire burning on its lands in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties. This ban is in place because of drought conditions and wind activity in the area.

Any change in the status of the ban will be posted on the District’s website. Users can also find more information about potential risks for wildfires from the Florida Forest Service at: https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Wildland-Fire/Current-Wildfire-Information.