State Parks Near Lake Wales, Florida
12 state park units lie within 50 miles of Lake Wales. The closest is Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park, about 8 mi northeast of town. 3 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park8 mi northeast
- Within 25 miles
- 3of 12 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 92 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 01 with free entry
State parks near Lake Wales, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Lake Wales; driving distance is usually longer.
Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park
Things to do include horseback riding, hiking, and picnicking. Camping is available: 2 campsites, including tent sites and primitive or hike-in sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park →Lake Kissimmee State Park
The park supports horseback riding, historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and biking. Water access includes a boat ramp.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Kissimmee State Park →Paynes Creek Historic State Park
Visitors come for historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, biking, wildlife watching, and fishing. On the water side, there is a boat ramp. For overnight stays there are campsites (tent sites).
Hours, fees and rules for Paynes Creek Historic State Park →Highlands Hammock State Park
The park supports horseback riding, historic sites, wildlife watching, fishing, and biking. Camping is available: 158 campsites across 4 camping areas, including tent sites and primitive or hike-in sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Highlands Hammock State Park →Alafia River State Park
The park supports horseback riding, biking, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. For overnight stays there are 32 campsites across 3 camping areas (RV sites with full hookups and tent sites).
Hours, fees and rules for Alafia River State Park →Lake Louisa State Park
Visitors come for horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, boating, swimming, and biking. Water access includes a boat ramp.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Louisa State Park →Colt Creek State Park
The park supports horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, boating, wildlife watching, and fishing. On the water side, there is a boat ramp.
Hours, fees and rules for Colt Creek State Park →Hillsborough River State Park
The park supports historic sites, swimming, fishing, wildlife watching, and hiking. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming pool. For overnight stays there are 110 campsites across 3 camping areas (tent sites).
Hours, fees and rules for Hillsborough River State Park →Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
The park supports horseback riding, historic sites, wildlife watching, biking, and hiking. Overnight options include 35 campsites across 2 camping areas, with tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park →Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park
Visitors come for fishing, hiking, and picnicking.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park →South Fork State Park
South Fork State Park is a park in Manatee County, about 22 miles east of Palmetto.
Hours, fees and rules for South Fork State Park →Wingate Creek State Park
In Manatee County, about 24 miles northwest of Arcadia, Wingate Creek State Park covers about 615 acres.
Hours, fees and rules for Wingate Creek State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Lake Wales
- Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park 8 mi northeast · 2 campsites
- Lake Kissimmee State Park 14 mi east · 66 campsites
- Paynes Creek Historic State Park 24 mi southwest · Campground listed
- Highlands Hammock State Park 31 mi south · 158 campsites
- Alafia River State Park 35 mi west · 32 campsites
+ 4 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Lake Wales
- Highlands Hammock State Park 31 mi south · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Lake Louisa State Park 38 mi north · Cabins or other roofed stays
Swimming near Lake Wales
- Lake Louisa State Park 38 mi north · Beach, pool or swim area
- Hillsborough River State Park 41 mi west · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Lake Wales
- Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park 8 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
- Lake Kissimmee State Park 14 mi east · Hiking trails listed
- Paynes Creek Historic State Park 24 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
- Highlands Hammock State Park 31 mi south · Hiking trails listed
- Alafia River State Park 35 mi west · Hiking trails listed
+ 5 more in the list above
Fishing near Lake Wales
- Lake Kissimmee State Park 14 mi east · Fishing listed
- Paynes Creek Historic State Park 24 mi southwest · Fishing listed
- Highlands Hammock State Park 31 mi south · Fishing listed
- Alafia River State Park 35 mi west · Fishing listed
- Lake Louisa State Park 38 mi north · Fishing listed
+ 3 more in the list above
Free state parks near Lake Wales
- Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park 8 mi northeast · No entrance fee listed
Questions about state parks near Lake Wales
What is the closest state park to Lake Wales?
Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park is the closest, about 8 miles northeast of Lake Wales in a straight line. Next are Lake Kissimmee State Park and Paynes Creek Historic State Park.
How many state parks are near Lake Wales?
12 state park units are within 50 miles, and 3 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Lake Wales have camping?
9 parks list camping, the nearest being Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park, Lake Kissimmee State Park and Paynes Creek Historic State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Lake Wales?
None of the parks listed here say dogs are allowed. Check each park page before bringing a pet.
Are there free state parks near Lake Wales?
1 park list no entrance fee: Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park. Camping and some activities can still cost extra.
State parks near other cities
- Near Bartow, FL14 mi west
- Near Lakeland, FL24 mi northwest
- Near Plant City, FL32 mi west
- Near Sebring, FL32 mi south
- Near Orlando, FL40 mi northeast
- Near Zephyrhills, FL42 mi northwest
- Near Tampa, FL54 mi west
- Near Apopka, FL54 mi north
Or see all Florida state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.