Fort Cooper Days Cannon Firing

Fort Cooper State Park

700 acres of canopy forests and nature trails tell the story of a land in conflict

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

Fees

$3 per vehicle. Please use the honor box to pay fees. Correct change is required.

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Location

3100 S. Old Floral City Road
Inverness FL 34450

Get directions

Contact Info

352-726-0315

Welcome to Fort Cooper State Park

With over 700 acres of nature at its best, Fort Cooper offers a spot for relaxing, hiking, studying nature and learning about Florida's rich history.


Pay Online, Single-Use Day Pass

Lake Holathlikaha is popular for fishing, birdwatching and watching bats at sunset from the bathhouse.

As part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, the park offers nearly 5 miles of self-guided trails with excellent bird and wildlife viewing. The park's diverse natural areas provide a refuge for many plants and animals, including threatened and endangered species.

A paved pathway connects the park to the multi-use paved Withlacoochee State Trail. Park visitors can enjoy the picnic facilities and playground under a hardwood hammock near the lake.

The Seminole Heritage Trail is a series of four interpretive kiosks that provide insight into the lives of the Seminole people who lived in this area and the reason for Fort Cooper's construction.

Plan Your Visit

a man in uniform stands in a pine forest holding a pinecone and smiling
Learn

Manager's Message

We have been working hard restoring the sandhill community through prescribed burns and hardwood removal. If you look closely at the pine trees, you will see the evidence of fire on the tree trunks.
a sandy trail between trees.
Learn

Travel the Seminole Heritage Trail

Explore the history of Florida’s first people and the conflicts that eventually led to the battle at Fort Cooper.
a large group of people waits to go on a guided hike on a trail
Learn

Ranger Programs at Fort Cooper

The best way to experience any state park is through the eyes of those who work there, and these free programs are the perfect start to a fun-filled adventure in your state park.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Picnicking
Picnicking
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Weddings
Weddings
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities

Fort Cooper State Park Photo Gallery

Fort Site at Fort Cooper
a line of men loads muskets while kneeling.
a man plays a native american flute into a microphone.
Sand Hill at Fort Cooper
a large lake lies behind a sea of amber grasses, with trees on the far shore
a barred owl flies through the sunlight, looking up.
a bench looks out at a broad lake next to a palm tree.
Turkey's at Fort Cooper
pine trees and wiregrass grow in an open and sunny habitat.
Learn

Sandhill Restoration

Sandhill is a natural community at Fort Cooper State Park that is currently in the process of being restored. Absence of frequent natural fires has allowed invading oak hammocks to dominate this landscape. Now, less than 3% of this critical natural community remains.
a small cannon stands next to a tree, with a picket fence in the background.
Learn

History of Fort Cooper

Imagine it is the early 1800s and your home is burned to the ground. You are forced to move from your village to an unknown wilderness. Could you find sustenance and keep your family together?

People Make the Parks

a park ranger stands on a lake shore, surrounded by trees and golden grasses.

Staff Spotlight

As the only full-time park ranger at Fort Cooper, Penny wears many hats.
a woman stands beside a lake with binoculars.

Volunteer Spotlight

Gail can usually be found around the edge of Lake Holathlikaha at the park searching for birds.
Friends of Fort Cooper State Park

Friends of Fort Cooper State Park

Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

This Park is Recognized by:

Native American Heritage Trail

Park Map

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