Overview & Suitability
The Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area (WMA) – Route 60 Unit (60 Hunter Campground) is a vast, ecologically significant natural reserve situated in southern Osceola County near Kenansville, Florida. Spanning approximately 3,000 hectares, this specialized unit is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to protect dry prairie habitats and critical species such as the endangered Florida grasshopper sparrow. While the area is highly popular among hunters, hikers, and wildlife observers, parking and access are uniquely tailored. Standard passenger vehicles can access and park at the designated trailhead and hunt camp parking areas, but off-road exploration is restricted to street-legal vehicles. The 60 Hunter Campground located here offers primitive, dispersed parking and camp setups suitable for rugged RVs, trailers, and campers, though standard passenger cars can also park at designated trailheads for day-use activities.
Access, Dimensions & Clearance
- Maximum Vehicle Clearance: There are no height-restrictive overhead barriers or multi-level garages in this open-air, natural setting. However, natural clearance issues from low-hanging tree branches and dense palmettos exist along unpaved roads.
- Road Conditions & Access: The main entry to this unit is located 14.7 miles west along State Road 60 from Yeehaw Junction. Access into the interior requires navigating unpaved roads (such as Road 10) which are composed of packed and loose sand. After heavy rainfall, these pathways can develop deep, muddy holes. High-clearance and four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles are strongly recommended.
- Navigation: Many roads are narrow and may not comfortably accommodate two large passing vehicles. Navigation requires careful planning, especially when towing trailers or driving large RVs.
Parking Rates, Tariffs & Booking
- Daily-Use Fee: Entry and parking within Three Lakes WMA require a Daily-Use Permit. The current rate is $3.00 per person or $6.00 per non-commercial vehicle.
- Payment Methods: Fees are paid via an onsite self-service envelope system (iron ranger) at the area's entrance fee stations. Visitors must place cash in the provided envelope and display the physical hang-tag on their vehicle's rearview mirror. Alternatively, a valid Wildlife Management Area Permit or a state sportsman's/lifetime license exempts visitors from this fee.
- Camping & Booking: For overnight stays at the 60 Hunter Campground, a no-cost camping permit is required (highly recommended to be booked online in advance via the FWC reservation portal). There are no designated, numbered sites; campsites and associated parking are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Security & Amenities
- Security: As a remote, unstaffed wilderness area, there are no active security gates, CCTV cameras, or on-site security guards. Law enforcement patrols are periodically conducted by FWC officers. Park visitors are advised to secure all valuables and avoid leaving items visible inside parked vehicles, especially during overnight stays.
- Amenities: Facilities at the 60 Hunter Campground and Route 60 Unit trailheads are highly primitive. The site features a vault (vaulted) toilet and a game cleaning station. There are no hookups (no water, electricity, or sewer connections) or waste dump stations. Visitors must bring their own supplies and pack out all trash.
Strategic Alternative
The Route 60 Unit parking and trailhead serve as an excellent starting point and strategic staging area for hikers tackling the southern segments of the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST). Additionally, it acts as a quiet, cost-effective alternative for outdoor enthusiasts exploring nearby eco-tourism destinations such as Lake Marian (famous for crappie and bass fishing) and the Kissimmee River Basin. While not a traditional transit parking lot, it provides secure, designated dirt-road parking for backcountry travelers exploring the vast, unspoiled wilderness of Central Florida's dry prairies.
