Lake Wailes Park takes it's name from Lake Wailes on whose shore it lies. The land that makes up…read moreLake Wales was first surveyed in 1879 by Sidney Irving Wailes. He changed the name of Watts Lake to Lake Wailes after himself. The city of Lake Wales was established near the lake in 1911-12 by the Lake Wales Land Company. The spelling Wales was used for the city, although the lake is still spelled Lake Wailes. The park is visually stunning. Under old oak trees dripping in Spanish moss sit picnic tables. On the north side of the lake is a boat ramp. There is a fishing pier on the west side of the lake with an observation gazebo that offers a beautiful view of the lake. The 2.5 mile Lake Wailes Trail, a lighted and paved hike/bike path winds through the park for exercise enthusiasts. It leads around the lake from the south side to Kiwanis Park on the northeast corner at N. Lake Shore Blvd. and Cephia St. It should be noted that there are no restrooms in the park. This passive park that is perfect for a stroll or a picnic lunch. It is also a great place for bird watchers. Migrating song birds can be spotted in the trees in spring and fall. Around the edge of the lake are Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds. On the shore are Least Bitterns, White Ibises, Anhingas, Florida Sandhill Cranes and winter ducks. Common Loons inhabit the area in winter. The stately trees add to the old Florida look of the area and it easy to see why Mr. Wailes fell in love with the lake and view.

Lake Wailes Park is a peaceful and older park with picnic areas and a 2.5 mile hike along the lake…read more It also has a pier, boat ramp, basketball court, play ground, soccer field and more. It is open from 7am to 7 pm daily and is dog friendly. During my visit there was a large festival going on with lots of family fun activities.

We absolutely loved our stay here! The cabins were super clean and had plenty of room for our…read morefamily to spread out and relax. The views around the property are beautiful, and it was just such a quiet, peaceful place to unplug. Our favorite part was definitely the stocked fishing pond! Getting to teach our boys how to fish there made for some really special memories. But of course, we also enjoyed letting the kids run outside as we sat out on the deck, watching sunset on the dock, playing ping pong, laying in the hammock, swinging on the swings, etc.. The owners are some of the kindest, most welcoming people we've met. They went above and beyond to host our family. You can tell they really care about this campground, and hearing about all the plans they have to make it even better has us excited to come back!! I cannot recommend this place enough. It's the perfect retreat away from reality. We'll be back!! (We're even scheming to see if we can schedule some work or church retreats here)

Thoroughly enjoyed a quick and short getaway at this lakeside retreat! A few days soaking in the…read more"old Florida" charm will revitalize anyone's soul. Tucked away on the shore of Lake Pierce, there are several cabins and RV spots available. The owners were super nice and helpful... they truly were invested in ensuring all guests enjoyed their accommodations while at their retreat. I can see how this place would be a great destination for a family reunion. Unplug from wifi (though they have it available if you need it!) and enjoy one another's company surrounded by nature.... complete with alligator sightings at Lake Pierce and hoots-a-plenty from the resident night owl whom hung out at the basketball hoop nightly during our stay. The cabins were beautifully decorated and glamp level comfy. The kids enjoyed the "game room" and especially loved the fishing at the pond- loads of catch and releases in a day! They were fascinated with being able to find the eel as it randomly popped up to say hello. Cabin costs were a steal so log on to their new website and book yourself a much deserved rest and relaxation few days. Below are some extra points to help you with your packing: Kitchen- can't hurt to bring: Dish scrubbing sponge Extra garbage bags Tips: Broom is behind refrigerator in cabin 8 Bring paper plates and cutlery if you don't like washing your own dishes by hand Bathroom- should bring: Shampoo/conditioner Body soap Lotion Hair dryer (if you need it) Living room: Pull out sofa bed linen and pillows are in a bin in bedroom closet in cabin 8 Other tips: Gas fire pit in center lawn Many other circle fire pits available with free wood behind cabin 5/6 Bring fixings for s'mores! Winn Dixie, Publix and Walmart aren't too far away... InstaCart also delivers here with no issues! They have direct TV and roku in the cabins in case you need to take temporary shelter from the momentary bouts of Florida sky sprinkles Rent a kayak or canoe and take on the massive Lake Pierce

We've been fishing with Shea for 5 years in a row now, and we wouldn't go with anyone else. My son…read morewas 8 on our very first trip with Shea, and now it has turned into a full-blown obsession. Shea's knowledge and professionalism make every trip fantastic, and he consistently puts us on fish. This is and experience we look forward to every year. Highly reecommend!!

Fish with Captain Jim probably a half dozen times. Never been left down. Always had keepers over…read more6lb with multiple fish in the 7,8,9lb class. And a couple over 10 lb. He want let you down!!! Randy Murphy

Reno is a great guide. Took us right to the big bass. Caught about 20, 1 6.5. 1 5.5. And the rest…read morewere 1-2. We missed about 15 because we were all Rockies. Thanks Reno.

cant brag enough on my coaches at anytime fitness ,they stand beside what they say they are going…read moreto do for you They are very supportive they are very encouraging you all of the time. they are very determine to let you meet your goal and that's what I like about this place . you cannot find coach's who cares enough about you alone to meet that goal of yours and I thank each and every one of mind of mind Matt, Tonya, Cindy,. And also want to say thanks to the manger brook she also is great she also is a great encourager, she will even come out of her office and check on every one and talk to us and see how every one is doing and cheer us on, now where can you find that in gym thi s agreat place to go . just don't take me at my wor come and check it for yourself I dare you Dorcas Yelverton

South Lake Howard Nature Park is the perfect place to enjoy a walk. The 17.6 acre area was…read moreoriginally developed to treat stormwater. Stormwater parks help the environment by capturing and retaining stormwater runoff which prevents flooding in the surrounding areas. It cleanses and stores stormwater to recharge the aquifer. The pond plants removes pollutants from the water leaving it clean. Left untreated stormwater leads to algal blooms, muck deposits, fish kills, and other environmental problems. These ponds also attract a variety of wildlife including Florida's beautiful wading birds, alligators and turtles while providing a recreation area for the public. The South Lake Howard Nature Park opened in 2001 and contains stormwater ponds and infrastructure to help clean and filter the stormwater water from the sucrose's and neighborhoods before it enters Lake Howard. At the entrance to the park is a parking lot, picnic pavilions with tables, and restrooms. The first part of the trail into the park is a 1,000 foot boardwalk that takes you over the water. Further into the park are three paved loops measuring a quarter mile, half mile, and mile. At one point you have to cross over 21st West. The paved pathways make it easy for people of all exercise abilities to enjoy the park. As wonderful as the park is, there is even more to come. The city purchased an adjoining property which was the former home of WSIR Radio. They plan on adding more trails, boardwalks, kayak launch, play area, disc golf, an outdoor classroom and other amenities. Keep an eye out for the exciting new developments at South Lake Howard Nature Park.

We went to check out the water park today. And we had a blast…read more It was great for all ages- toddler, preschoolers, and adults. Only thing that disappointed a bit was the strawberry smoothie- because it looked nothing like the picture. Just like a regular juice nice and cold so at least it tasted fine. Restrooms can use a renovation but we're ok. Nice shaded areas and plenty of good lifeguards on site

Nice park with a lot of options for kids. Depending on when you go, there might not be enough space…read morefor all the kids. There could also be bugs bothering you, but probably worst around love bug seasons. There is enough parking, space for picnics near the water whether on the grass or on a table. Overall it's a really nice park to visit so long as it isn't too busy.

The area is very crowded, parkiing was notabundant, difficult to find the office, the room was…read morespacious, very clean, the beds were rustic but extremely high and difficult to access, there was not a step stool available, the beds were hard, no extra blanket, the TV did not work at all, leaving nothing to do but sleep, there was a canteen type food hut, not indoor seating, long wait for food, front office thought there was 2 laces to eat, lot of room noise in room but us almost all night, doors opening and closing often. I think if you are a senior citizen, this is definitely not for you. Also everything runs off of cash mostly, no credit or debit cards. We had a 2 night reservation and had to just leave early day 2. We just forged our payment. Would not go there again.The lady in the office was pleasant and in the air boat office was also pleasant!

Ever wonder where the quintessential southern campsites are located, look no further than Camp Mack…read more- this is where the piney woods meets up with the Florida swampland. You ain't never experienced old Florida charm until you been here, the land of airboats and alligators, a place where the mosquitoes swarm at dusk and the screeching wildlife will wake you before dawn. Ahhh this is the life I love, a place where the internet struggles to connect you with the real world, the only agenda here is rest and relaxation, a place where chores are something you'll look forward to, most consist of filling the yeti with ice and can beer and visiting your neighbors on your golf cart or 4 x 4 ranger. There are no strangers here it seems everybody shares the same mindset. I spent five days here and I didn't want to leave when it came time to break camp. This place is known for its fishing and believe me they are plentiful, it's a simple recipe - catch / clean / fry. I like beer but I'm not a beer drinker I prefer vodka so I stocked up before arriving, finding beer is easy if you like the hard stuff it's a trip to town I'm guessing it at least thirty miles round trip and leaving the camp will break the vibe and there's no reason to do that if you prepare. There are no typical days here every is different but everyday is the same in the sense that you own one hundred percent of your time while you're here, it's a place you can turn your phone off and disconnect for awhile and forget anything else exist - I know I don't do that enough but I do know this is the kind of life we should be addicted too. Okay okay I'll review the place instead of the lifestyle that seems to be the norm here. Things to do: cross the street and you're in a beautiful State Park, find a shady spot down at the boat ramp and watch one of the best shows on earth there seems to be an endless number of unique water crafts being launch or being pulled from the water (airboats, bass boats, skiffs, pontoon boats, jon-boats, etc) I say with the utmost respect this place is like the redneck yacht club where everyone seems to have a buzz e.g people ride in the boats while it's still on the trailer going down the road - yes they are creeping along but it's still fricking awesome. I recommend you leave any pretentious behavior at home and pay attention to the dress code it's very easy to look out of place here - acceptable clothing includes - anything camouflage, women should have a few pairs of short shorts and a ragged pair of cowboy boots and any kind of top you can tie in the front, men shirts are optional but a stained tank top and a pair of Tevas gets you status. After the sunsets fire pit sitting beer drinking attire rules can I get a little yeehaw repeat day two and day three and so on and so on. Other highlights include a visit to the outpost store lots of beer and snacks, a indoor fish cleaning area and a bait shop, a outdoor projection screen, community fire pit, you can rent bicycles and pontoon boats or take a swamp tour on an airboat. They occasionally have live music which I hear is pretty amazing with an outdoor food court and beer for sale. The campsites are large and plentiful with full hookups with concrete or paver pads, they offer up to 50 amps, water and sewer all included unless you're planning on staying awhile then you pay for utilities. There are a few bars and restaurants, maybe restaurants is a stretch but you can buy food on property. There's a lodge onsite if you don't have a camper and still want to experience this unique venue. Theres lots more I don't think it's possible to take it all in at least not in the five days I spent here - I believe having a good cup of hot coffee at sunrise sitting in your favorite chair is nirvana, having a cocktail at sunset in the same chair by the fire pit will rejuvenate you, there's nothing wrong with freeing your soul once in awhile...

Like others have stated this SP is remote, it's definitely a destination, not a place you'll…read morestumble upon unless you're lost of course. When we decided to visit the area over the Thanksgiving holiday the park was an option for camping but not the first option and that was mainly due to the accommodations when compared to the other options right outside the entrance to the park but that's another review. The admission is five bucks a car which is collected a few hundred yards from the main road - the ranger wasn't over friendly as he reach out for the payment using a six foot pole with a pail attached insisting on exact change then offered a map which he passed using the same method. These covid-19 protocols are really getting ridiculous I noticed he grabbed the bill without gloves how did he know I didn't just sneeze on it. The drive to the campgrounds, the park store, the marina, the observation tower, the pavilions pretty much everything is quite a drive, I think the loop is just over six miles at 15 m.p.h - I'm in no hurry the day is as beautiful as the drive. We drove through the campground to validate our decision to stay elsewhere, there's no doubt the value is here but living off the gray and black tanks for a week means super conservative measures since there are no sewer connections. I prefer not to carry a portable dump cart or moving the beast every few days requires a lot of effort especially when I'm supposed to be relaxing and having fun. Another park void of many visitors even on a holiday weekend, the campground seems nearly full but the park amenities aren't being utilized. I witnessed a number of park employees doing their daily chores, everything is so neat and tidy it's almost as if they've been assigned busy work to get their hours in. Like most business I'm sure the revenue had dropped off, fortunately for them the state subsidies them for now but I'm sure if this pandemic continues these places too will start shutting down or implement reduced hours. It's was an interesting drive - a nice place to walk and climb to the top of the observation tower. Honestly to me it's a been there done that type of place, pine trees and palms if your going walk the trails bring plenty of water and enjoy...

One of our favorite places to escape to for the weekend! Lots of wildlife, fishing and other…read moreamenities.

Peaceful park but limited amenities. Definitely bring food and water. The terrain is beach sand and…read moreuphill so bring a walking stick. Great place to burn calories.

My son and I made the trek to Haines City to hike at Catfish Creek Preserve State Park for the…read morefirst time. The 50 minute drive from Southwest Orlando was well worth it for the 5.5 miles hike -- a surprisingly hilly hike for Florida! We arrived around 8:30am and hiked the full 5.5 miles in less than 2 hours, despite the hills. We did not see any other hikers on the trail, but we did see a cyclist returning to the parking lot as we finished up. Thanks to the hills, the hike was pleasantly challenging but never miserable. I'll admit that I was happy getting to the top of some of the hills and finding a slow descent on the other side but at no time did I regret our choice of route. The trails are about 50% send so climbing hills in the sand will really work a hiker's quadriceps!