Undeveloped state conservation land in Land O' Lakes with trail access and minimal infrastructure. No facilities, no crowds — a clean operating environment with no competition for space. Sits close enough to Cypress Creek Preserve to pair the two in a single day.
At a glance
Entry
Free
Hours
District lands are open from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes...
The vertical went out in the field with coax run back to the car.
Hours
District lands are open from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset, under Chapter 40D-9 Florida Administrative Code, unless the District authorises otherwise.
Access
State conservation area. No facilities.
Setting up
Where to operate
Open ground for the antenna, coax back to the vehicle. No tables or benches — bring your own surface and seating.
Antennas
An 18.3 ft telescopic vertical in the field, coax to the car, DigiPi on car USB. A fresh X6200 battery was swapped in before this session after the first park ran off the internal supply.
Before you go
Conditions to plan for
Open sandhill and pine flatwoods with little shade. The preserve is burned frequently by design — expect recently burned ground, and check for active burn closures before travelling.
Park rules
Southwest Florida Water Management District land. The District advises checking whether an area is closed or access limited due to weather, management activity or hunting season before travelling. Prescribed burning is its primary management tool, so temporary closures are routine.
