Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area
This site lies between the Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers and features hardwood river swamps, pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks and improved pastures punctuated with small depression ponds. Over 120 bird species have been recorded including Limpkin, Barn Owl, Hairy Woodpecker, Purple Gallinule, Sandhill Crane, Least Bittern, Eastern Bluebird and Eastern Meadowlark. During the hunting dates, visitors can drive into the area, providing an opportunity to search for wintering sparrows such as Chipping, Field, Henslow’s, Savannah, Swamp, and Song; Bachman’s Sparrows are present year round. Winter ducks such as Hooded Merganser may be present on Rodman Reservoir and the Cross Florida Barge Canal in winter. From March to August, Swallow-tailed Kites can be found flying along the creek or catching dragonflies over the pastures. There are three hiking loops that lead through a hammock where you can watch for songbird migrants in spring and fall. If your visit falls outside of hunting dates, the entrance to the property is approximately two miles south of the check station entrance on the east side of the road. You may also enter through the man gate at the main entrance.
Site Information
This Site is Free to Enter
View Seasonal Hunting Information
Managing Agency
FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Operational Hours: Open to public access year-round.
Size: 12,397 acres
