Description

15185 BROAD ST, BROOKSVILLE, FL. 34601 The McKethan Lake Pavilions are in Hernando County just north of the Withlacoochee Visitor Center on Broad Street/US-41 north of Brooksville south of Floral City. It is part of the Withlacoochee State Forest Headquarters Tract. It provides a place for individuals or groups to meet to enjoy the outdoors in a peaceful setting. It is home to various species of wildlife and is considered a bird sanctuary. Facilities include a dirt boat ramp for canoes, kayaks or other non-motorized vessels, three picnic pavilions with grills, restrooms, a two-mile nature trail and two mile paved loop enjoyed by hikers and bikers. Open for day use only, this is an ideal place for weddings, special events and other gatherings or to spend the day bird watching, grilling, picnicking, enjoying nature, hiking, fishing, etc.

Geography:

The Withlacoochee River, Little Withlacoochee River, and Jumper Creek have all been designated as Outstanding Florida Waters, and each meanders through this forest which spans across 5 counties and exceeds 165,000 acres. Withlacoochee is a Native American word meaning "crooked river". This accurately describes the Withlacoochee River as it makes its 70-mile journey from the Green Swamp, in northern Polk County, to the Gulf of Mexico at Yankeetown. Complementing the natural water features are the open pine sand hills, dense woodlands, and canopied roads and trails. Tree species found on the forest include slash pine, longleaf pine, pond and bald cypress, maple, southern magnolia, hickory, and various species of oak. There is also an abundance of colorful wildflowers during the Autumn, including goldenrod, thistle, and blazing star. These natural features create excellent habitat for bald eagles, fox squirrels, gopher tortoise, white-tail deer, and turkeys, to name a few. For additional information about Withlacoochee State Forest, please Click Here.

Facilities:

General Information
1.Facility open from 8:00 a.m. to 30 minutes before Sundown. This time varies with EDT.
2.Entrance fee applies for all visitors.
3.There are sidewalks from Pavilion A to the restrooms.
4.Facility has a playground area for children.
5.No pets are allowed.
6.No Consumption or Possession of Alcohol Permitted.
7.Everything taken in must be taken out; trash must be removed from trash receptacles at pavilions and placed in nearby Trash House.
8.Facility shall be left neat, clean and ready for next activity/user.
9.Safety around the lake shall be observed at all times.
10.Warning alligators, snakes and other wildlife are part of the Natural Habitat.
11.Do not feed or molest wildlife, including alligators, per Florida Statute 379.412 and Florida Administrative Code 68A-25.001.
12.All users shall comply with rules outlined in the Florida Administrative Code Chapter 5I-4.

Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 11 Month(s) in advance.

Season Schedule

• General Rules