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Highlands Hammock
Overview
Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring, FL, is one of Florida’s oldest and most biologically diverse state parks. Established in 1931, it offers a window into the state’s natural history with its ancient hardwood hammock and towering, moss-draped oaks. RVers will find a peaceful atmosphere where the preservation of nature takes center stage, providing a rustic yet comfortable escape from more urban environments for those seeking a quiet Florida retreat.
Location & Surroundings
Located just off the main highways in Sebring, the park is nestled within the Lake Wales Ridge region. This unique geological setting creates a variety of habitats, ranging from cypress swamps to pine flatwoods. The environment is defined by its lush canopy cover, which provides ample shade and a sense of deep seclusion even though the city's modern amenities and dining options are only a short drive away from the park entrance.
Amenities & Park Features
The RV campground offers well-maintained sites featuring water and electric hookups for a comfortable stay. Facilities include clean bathhouses, a dump station, and laundry services. Visitors can explore the landscape through several unique park features:
- Multiple elevated boardwalks crossing through the cypress swamps.
- Narrated tram tours that highlight local wildlife and history.
- A dedicated Civilian Conservation Corps Museum.
There are also designated bike paths and paved loops that make navigating the park easy and scenic.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
While the park itself offers miles of hiking, nearby Sebring provides plenty of variety for day trips. Racing fans can visit the famous Sebring International Raceway, while water enthusiasts can head to the shores of Lake Istokpoga for world-class bass fishing. Those looking for local culture can explore the historic downtown Circle in Sebring, which features unique local eateries, antique shops, and a charming community atmosphere that complements the natural park experience.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is perfect for nature photographers and hikers who want to explore Florida’s interior ecosystems. It is ideal for families seeking an educational trip focused on wildlife and historical preservation. Because of its quiet and shaded environment, it is best for travelers who prioritize a scenic, natural setting over modern resort amenities like swimming pools or clubhouses, offering a true Old Florida experience that is increasingly rare.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Tanya Brault
Neat place to enjoy nature! Bug spray reccomended. The Cyprus trees are my favorite. Lots of trails. Saw some water snakes and wild dogs.
Nick Myers
We had a great time and my grandson loved the open areas and walking trails with tons of foliage and random animal interactions.
Ron Rogers
We’ve been coming here since we first got married and have always loved the old Florida feel of this park. Recently we returned with fat tire bikes to explore the bike trail. Even though it was hot, we had a great time. Saw several tortoises and two deer along with lots of nice scenery.
JB Benitez
Took a walk in Highland Hammock and I’m pretty sure I met every single mosquito in Florida. Seriously — it’s like they were hosting a reunion on the trails. That said, the park is absolutely gorgeous. Shady roads lined with massive trees, peaceful trails (well-maintained for the most part), and that classic Florida swampy magic. I walked for over two hours with a friend who's training for the James Way, and the vibes were strong. Bring bug spray. Industrial strength. Maybe a flame thrower. But once you’re prepared, it’s an incredible spot to walk, train, or pretend you're in a National Geographic special.
Lisa Sykes
What a lovely park. Clean no debris. Trails were lovely and easy to walk. My sister and I spent the morning there enjoying a perfect day in Florida. I guess the only thing bad was there wasn’t a bathroom once you got out into the park. But that was a minor complaint.
Martin Pfoutz
We liked the trails we walked. Loop road after camp store is one way. Very nice slow speed drive. Had to pull the park's map from the state website. Found the loop road, the cam sites, camp store, CCC museum, and more, but some of the icons were confusing .
Victoria Violet
This was a lovely park. Went on a Tuesday so there weren't many people there. You can see how the weekends would be super busy though. They have tram rides and bike rentals, camping areas, playgrounds, bike paths and walking paths. The walking trails are very well marked, clear and easy to navigate. No worries of getting lost or even off the path. The trails are all relatively short and mostly shaded. We did the entire park within a few hours. That being said, the place was beautiful. There were so many old trees and even an old growth forest area. The trees were so big and gorgeous. There was a Cyprus swamp area that felt other worldly. The one disappointment was that the catwalk was closed so our trek through the Cyprus swamp was on the main boardwalk only. We did see a lot of animals including 3 alligators, a bobcat, and lots of interesting birds. Right outside of the park we saw turkeys, cows, and some wild hogs. It's a nice place for easy peaceful walks, with restrooms, benches, and even a small shop.
Jamie Buckley
A great park with a lot of short hikes to do and a ton of biodiversity. We didn’t manage to see any gators but we did see a water moccasin. Be sure to check out the store on your way out to get the homemade key like, orange and tootsie roll ice cream!
Mark Stern
We really enjoyed our short stay at the park's campground despite the lack of any privacy on the campsite (106). We had neighbors on all 4 sides. So close that I felt like I couldn't even fart outside my camper. The trails are fantastic. We enjoyed walking our dogs & cycling in various areas of the park. We are pleased that they are closing to rework the campground area to eliminate sites. Hoping this will improved the camping experience once they reopen. All the staff was friendly, and the park was clean. We were also surprised that given the number of occupied campsites and their proximity to each other, folks were respectfully quiet compared to many campgrounds we frequent. We saw many kinds of wildlife including deer, a tortoise, a family of boar, a hawk, and ibis. We'll definitely be back once they reopen.