Florida Lakes

• Where is Lake Crescent located?
  • Lake Crescent is in northeastern Florida and stretches over 15,960 acres.
• What is Lake Crescent known for?
  • The lake is best known for its beautiful scenery and clean water.
• What is the Crescent Lake Conservation Area?
  • Located at the lake’s south end, the 3,528-acre Crescent Lake Conservation Area provides water storage for the lake and protects wildlife.
  • Visitors can frequently see bald eagles, waterfowl, and osprey.
• What activities are available near Lake Crescent?
  • Between the Crescent Lake Conservation Area and the nearby Haw Creek Preserve, visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, biking, and simple camping.
• Can you fish in Lake Crescent?
  • Yes, fishing is available, and a good angler can catch bass, catfish, crappie, and panfish.
• What makes Lake Crescent a great spot for nature photographers?
  • The scenery changes around every corner, with picturesque bold cypresses providing many photo opportunities.
  • Visitors can capture images of bald eagles ascending from their perches.
• What types of boating are allowed on the lake?
  • The lake is enjoyed by kayakers, canoers, and bass boaters.
  • No motorboats are allowed.
• Where can I find a map of Lake Crescent?
  • View the Map.

• Where is Cypress Lake located?
  • Cypress Lake is 4097 acres of clear water located in Osceola County.
• What waterway is Cypress Lake a part of?
  • Cypress Lake is one of several lakes that make up 56 miles of the Kissimmee Waterway.
  • All the lakes in this waterway are shallow, often only six feet in depth.
• What makes Cypress Lake a great destination?
  • The lake’s lush surroundings and diverse wildlife create a relaxed atmosphere even before you arrive.
  • It serves as a wintering ground for many waterfowl.
  • Bald eagles, red-shouldered hawks, and elegant herons make Cypress Lake a fantastic spot for nature photographers.
• What is the best way to explore Cypress Lake?
  • Airboat rides are the most popular means of exploring the lake.
  • There are many boat tours available to introduce visitors to the lake’s diverse wildlife.
• Is fishing available on Cypress Lake?
  • Yes, fishing is superb at Cypress Lake, with species such as black crappie, largemouth bass, and bluegill.
  • Visitors can bring their own boat or rent one on the lake.
• What can visitors expect when spending a day on Cypress Lake?
  • Whether you catch something or not, visitors will enjoy a lovely day on the tranquil water.
  • The experience includes sun in your face and a cold drink in your hand.
• Where can I find a map of Cypress Lake?
  • View the Cypress Lake Map.

Romantic Lakes

• Where is Deer Point Lake located?
  • Deer Point Lake is located north of Panama City.
• What is the primary purpose of Deer Point Lake?
  • The lake primarily serves as a source of public water.
  • It is also used for irrigation and recreation.
• How large is Deer Point Lake?
  • The lake stretches over 4,572 acres of water.
• What recreational activities are available at Deer Point Lake?
  • Visitors can enjoy fishing, camping, canoeing, and much more.
  • The lake provides a lush, subtropical environment that makes it a popular getaway destination.
• What wildlife can be found at Deer Point Lake?
  • The lake serves as an important watershed for wildlife and fish.
  • It is a nesting ground for osprey.
• Is Deer Point Lake a good fishing destination?
  • Yes, it is a popular fishing destination known for its shellcracker.
• Are there camping facilities at Deer Point Lake?
  • The lake has two fish camps and several primitive campsites.
• What is unique about the canoeing experience at Deer Point Lake?
  • The lake features a 22-mile-long canoe trail on Econfina Creek.
  • The upper portion of the trail has rapids, providing a challenge even for experienced canoeists.
• Where can I find a map of Deer Point Lake?
  • View the Deer Point Lake Map.

• Where is East Lake Tohopekaliga located?
  • East Lake Tohopekaliga, or East Lake Toho, is located south of Orlando in central Florida.
• How large is East Lake Tohopekaliga?
  • The lake is circular in shape and covers 11,968 acres.
  • It is the second-largest lake in Osceola County.
• What water system is East Lake Toho a part of?
  • East Lake Toho is part of the chain of lakes on the Upper Kissimmee River.
  • Together, these lakes form the headwaters of the entire Everglades system.
• What communities are located around East Lake Tohopekaliga?
  • The three communities on the lake are Narcoosee, St. Cloud, and Runnymede.
• Why do tourists visit East Lake Toho?
  • The lake’s spectacular beauty attracts large numbers of tourists every year.
  • Its clear water and depths of up to nine feet create the perfect environment for outdoor activities.
• What is the best way to explore the lake?
  • The best way to explore East Lake Toho is on an airboat, a flat-bottomed boat that glides over even the shallowest water.
  • Airboats bring visitors very close to the wildlife that inhabits the lake, including alligators.
• What amenities are available at Chisholm Park?
  • Chisholm Park offers picnic areas, kids’ playgrounds, a ball field, a volleyball court, and a boat ramp.
  • Visitors can also enjoy a nice sandy beach.
• What types of fish can be caught at East Lake Tohopekaliga?
  • The lake is a popular destination for fishing, offering species such as black crappie, catfish, bluegill, redear sunfish, and especially largemouth bass.
• Where can I find a map of East Lake Tohopekaliga?
  • View the East Lake Tohopekaliga Map.

Lakes for Families

• Where is Johns Lake located?
  • Johns Lake is located between Orlando and Clermont in central Florida.
• How large is Johns Lake?
  • The lake covers 2,419 acres.
• How is Johns Lake divided?
  • Johns Lake is divided into east Black Lake and west Clear Lake.
  • The two sections are connected through a series of channels.
• What makes Johns Lake great for boating?
  • The lake is fairly shallow and has a winding coastline that forms many coves and islands.
  • The mostly undeveloped coastline provides a peaceful and unspoiled setting.
• Why is Johns Lake popular for fishing?
  • Bass fishing is the main attraction, drawing many fishermen to the lake.
  • The lake’s irregular bottom and fluctuating water levels create a perfect habitat for largemouth bass.
  • Other fish species found in the lake include black crappie, bluegill, and shellcracker.
• Are there campgrounds at Johns Lake?
  • There are several campgrounds nearby, but none directly on the lake.
• What is the Oakland Nature Preserve?
  • Located just north of Johns Lake, the Oakland Nature Preserve is a 120-acre park.
  • The preserve features wonderful hiking trails and a 3,000-foot-long boardwalk that extends deep into the native wetlands.
• Are there golf courses near Johns Lake?
  • Yes, there are a number of first-class golf courses in the area.
• Where can I find a map of Johns Lake?
  • View the Johns Lake Map.

• What is Lake Apopka known for?
  • Lake Apopka was once known as a world-class bass fishery with clear water and numerous fishing camps.
• What caused the decline of Lake Apopka?
  • Agriculture, the construction of a levee on the north shore, and municipal waste from Winter Garden led to severe pollution.
  • By 1980, the lake had turned pea green in color, with frequent fish deaths.
• When did efforts to restore Lake Apopka begin?
  • The Lake Apopka Restoration Act was initiated in 1985 to begin the recovery process.
• What actions were taken to restore the lake?
  • The USDA and the St. Johns River Water Management District reclaimed most of the farmland and flooded the lake.
  • However, high levels of pesticides in the fish led to bird deaths, requiring the lake to be drained again.
• How is Lake Apopka improving today?
  • A "marsh flow-way" system now filters the lake water, improving its quality.
  • Native plants have started to return, bringing fish populations back with them.
• What outdoor activities are available at Lake Apopka?
  • There are several nature preserves in the area.
  • Visitors can explore three hiking trails and a 2.9-mile-long equestrian trail.
• Where can I find a map of Lake Apopka?
  • View the Lake Apopka Map.

Lakes For Photographers

• Where is Lake Blue Cypress located?
  • Lake Blue Cypress is located about 20 miles from Vero Beach.
• How large is Lake Blue Cypress?
  • The lake stretches across 6,555 acres.
  • It is approximately seven miles long and three miles wide.
• Why is Lake Blue Cypress named this way?
  • The lake is known for the cypress trees that surround it, giving the water a bluish glow in the bright morning sun.
• What river does Lake Blue Cypress feed into?
  • The lake serves as the headwater of the St. Johns River, which eventually flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
• What kind of environment surrounds Lake Blue Cypress?
  • The lake is surrounded by 29,000 acres of swamps, marshes, and cypress forests.
• What facilities are available at Blue Cypress Park?
  • Located on the lake's west bank, the park features:
    • Two boat launches
    • Two covered pavilions
    • A floating dock
    • Simple camping
• What activities are popular at Lake Blue Cypress?
  • The lake is a popular spot for canoeing and hiking.
• Is swimming recommended in Lake Blue Cypress?
  • The lake is never deeper than nine feet, but it is not great for swimming.
• Why is Lake Blue Cypress a great fishing destination?
  • The lake is full of bluegill, chain pickerel, catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, shellcrackers, and warmouth.
• What is Middleton's Fish Camp?
  • Middleton's Fish Camp is the only fish camp on the lake and offers:
    • Cabins and tent camping
    • Boat rentals
    • A bait shop
    • A boat ramp
    • A picnic area
• Why is Lake Blue Cypress popular among nature photographers?
  • The lake features 130-foot-tall cypress trees covered in green moss, providing a stunning natural setting.
  • The area’s lively wildlife and lush environment make it a great location for photography.
• Why do kayakers enjoy Lake Blue Cypress?
  • The large expanse of clear water is very attractive to kayakers.
• Where can I find a map of Lake Blue Cypress?
  • View the Lake Blue Cypress Map.

• Where is Lake Como located?
  • Lake Como is located in Putnam County, Florida.
• What makes Lake Como unique?
  • It is an unusually clear and blue lake.
  • It is home to very few plant and fish species.
• How large and deep is Lake Como?
  • The lake covers 245 acres.
  • It has an average depth of 10 feet, which is fairly deep for a Florida lake.
• What bodies of water and landmarks are near Lake Como?
  • To the east is Lake Crescent.
  • To the north is Dunns Creek, which eventually turns into the St. John’s River.
  • To the west is Welaka State Forest, a protected habitat for plants, birds, and animals.
• What amenities and activities are available at Welaka State Forest?
  • The forest features campsites, picnic areas, and a dining hall.
  • There are many hiking trails, including the well-known Mud Spring Trail and Sandhill Horse Trail.
• What is the Welaka National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium?
  • The Welaka National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium covers 54 acres of water.
  • It raises striped bass, largemouth bass, and sturgeon.
  • The aquarium is part of the local school education program.
• What attractions are available for birdwatchers?
  • The park features an observation tower and a ¾-mile interpretive trail.
  • The area is home to cranes, white ibis, bald eagles, and ospreys.
• Where can I find a map of Lake Como?
  • View the Lake Como Map.

Lakes for Hikers

• Where is Lake Dora located?
  • Lake Dora is located in Eastern Central Florida.
  • It is part of the Harris Chain of Lakes.
• What makes Lake Dora a popular destination?
  • The lake is very large, full of wildlife and fish.
  • It features miles of waterways for boaters to enjoy peaceful surroundings.
  • Since it is only a half-hour from Orlando, it can get busy with visitors escaping the city's hustle.
• What is the history of fishing at Lake Dora?
  • In the past, Lake Dora was famous for first-class bass fishing.
  • About twenty years ago, agricultural run-off made the lake too polluted for fishing.
  • A massive restoration effort greatly improved water quality, returning most of the former agricultural land to wetlands.
  • The bass fishery is back, and fishermen can also catch black crappie, catfish, and bluegill.
• What water activities are popular on Lake Dora?
  • The lake is great for water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and wind surfing.
• Where can I find a map of Lake Dora?
  • View the Lake Dora Map.

• What makes Lake Eloise a charming destination?
  • Lake Eloise is lined with bald cypress trees smothered with Spanish moss.
  • The picturesque shore is dotted with quaint cottages, creating a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
• Where is Lake Eloise located?
  • Lake Eloise is part of the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes.
  • It is one of 554 lakes in Polk County.
• What historical significance does Lake Eloise have?
  • Lake Eloise was home to Cypress Gardens, one of Florida’s earliest tourist attractions, which opened in 1936.
  • Cypress Gardens covered 167 acres and was home to 8,000 plant species from more than 90 countries.
• What recreational activities are available at Lake Eloise?
  • The lake is a superb place for water skiing.
  • It is also a popular fishing spot, full of crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass.
• How can visitors access Lake Eloise?
  • The lake can be accessed only through the canal.
  • There are several nearby boat ramps for convenient entry.
• Where can I find a map of Lake Eloise?
  • View the Lake Eloise Map.