Fort Cooper State Park, one of Florida’s Hidden Gems

With many potential adventures to be had, Fort Cooper State Park should be on the bucket list for people touring the west coast of Florida. It is located about 40 minutes south west of Ocala. The park is not overly crowded adding to its charm. All its qualities make Fort Cooper the perfect destination to get out, have fun, and while still social distancing.

At the edge of historic Inverness, Florida lies a hidden jewel of the Florida State Park system. Fort Cooper State Park is a bastion of wildlife including alligators, deer, bobcats, and most of all birds. In fact, this park forms an important part of the Great Florida Birding Trail providing the fauna of the park over 700 acres on which to nest and graze.

Upon arriving at the park, visitors come across the ranger station. Here patrons pay the $3 per person fee and can also get maps and information pamphlets. The park rangers can also assist you with understanding the park rules and with emergencies in the park. This information is especially important so you can follow the park rules and avoid a fine.

Fishing and boating are popular activities on Lake Holathlikaha. The staff enforces a strict no-private boat rule. Only park rental canoes and paddleboats are allowed on the water. For those wishing to partake in fishing and boating on the lake, it is recommended that you arrive early as the number of boats and canoes is limited.

If you are the adventurous type, the park offers other activities like hiking and swimming. Although some patrons may be skittish about swimming in the same waters as alligators, Fort Cooper allows swimming whenever the water level on the lake is high enough.

There are plenty of other activities on the more cautious side, for a whole family to enjoy. Fort Cooper is perfect for bird watching. The Lake and park are home to many species of birds. During our visit, we observed several common moorhen swimming in the marsh, as well as various heron snatching fish from the water with their long beaks.

The park offers visitors facilities for tent camping and for picnics. If you want to plan an activity such as a birthday or anniversary, you can reserve the spacious pavilion that includes BBQ grills and adequate parking spaces for guests.

First-time patron Jason Lawrence said he was impressed at the quality of the facilities of the park, as well as how close it was to his father’s home in Inverness. Lawrence plans on going fishing here with his father when he visits him in the future.