One of Florida’s first state parks, home to a museum highlighting the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
The Setting
First opening in 1931, this park is one of the earliest examples of grass-roots public support for environmental preservation. Local citizens, with the financial assistance of the Margaret Shippen Roebling family, acquired the property and constructed trails and basic facilities in 1930. In 1934, a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp began working on a botanical garden project on land adjacent to Highlands Hammock Park.
When Florida’s state park system was established in 1935, Highlands Hammock became one of the first parks. In 1941, the park and gardens merged as the CCC camp closed due to impending war. During those years, the CCC had planted thousands of plants, constructed roadways, dams, bridges and buildings. Although the gardens never became a reality, the park’s natural beauty endures.
Palm trees and massive live oaks, heavy with bromeliads and Spanish moss, characterize the hammock. One oak, measuring 36 feet around, is 1,000 years old. Minimal light filters down to the forest floor, covered with ferns, shrubs and small palms. White-tailed deer, raccoons and bobcats may be glimpsed in the shadows. A cypress swamp borders a blackwater stream in the lowest elevations. A stroll across the elevated boardwalk along the Cypress Swamp Trail offers views of ibis, anhingas, herons, alligators and turtles. Pine forests, marshes and globally imperiled scrub vegetation surround the hammock.
The Facility
The family campground with 159 sites at Highlands Hammock State Park offers water, and electric hookups, a dump station and access to restrooms with shower facilities. Nearly all sites offer some shade, and are close to nature trails, the picnic area, CCC Museum and the Hammock Inn concession.
Camping Tips
• Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.
• Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a hand-held leash no longer than 6 feet and be well behaved at all times.
• Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station.
Park Features
Encompassing more than 9,000 acres, this park is known for its beautiful old-growth hammock, cypress swamps, the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum and an abundance of wildlife. Nine different nature trails take visitors through lush, jungle-like foliage and deep into the heart of one of the oldest state parks in Florida.
Natural fun is waiting for visitors at Highlands Hammock. A large picnic area with convenient facilities, horse trails and playgrounds make this park ideal for family gatherings. In the winter months, enjoy special programs like walks, slide shows and evening tours.
Visitors can ride the tram for a one-hour tour, learn about park history and natural communities while traveling through remote areas and along the historic “South Canal.” Take photos of alligators and other wildlife. Hikers can enjoy one of the leisurely half-mile trails or bike the 3.1-mile Loop Drive. Bicycle rentals and bicycle trail maps are available at the ranger station. The bike trails link to the county’s multi-use path and several miles of paved routes through Sebring, including one around Lake Jackson.
Early park history can be experienced at Florida’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum. Housed in a CCC-built structure, the museum offers a glimpse of life in the CCC camps. Visitors can hear a “Fireside Chat” with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, try on a CCC jacket and view early films and photos of park construction. Food, beverages, snacks and some camp supplies are available in another historic CCC building.
Address
5931 Hammock Road
Sebring, FL 33872
Learn more about this park and book your reservation online 
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