Total Acreage: 27,395
Counties: Volusia
March 22, 2012 Notice:
Due to extremely low water levels, the Boat Launch at Indian Lake is temporarily CLOSED to vehicles to protect the shoreline. Access to the boat launch will reopen when sufficient rainfall raises water levels.
Tiger Bay State Forest
Tiger Bay State Forest consists of large areas of swamp with embedded pine islands and a large pine ridge area. The purchase of this forest
began in 1977 under the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program, with additional acquisitions made in 1994 and 1998. Tiger Bay State Forest is located among several publicly
owned lands which create wildlife corridors for species listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern. Roaming habitat is available for the Florida black bear as well
as potential nesting and foraging area for the bald eagle.
Tiger Bay State Forest was severely impacted by the 1998 Summer Wildfire Firestorm. Approximately 15,000 acres of the forest were burned during these catastrophic wildfires.
Restoration included extensive salvage timber removal and reforestation efforts have been completed.
Location
Tiger Bay State Forest is located in the central section of Volusia County, approximately 7 miles west of Daytona Beach, Florida. The forest extends north and south of US Highway 92.
Three forest access points are located off of US Highway 92:
- To access the Rima Ridge Tract, go 4 miles west of the I-95/US 92 interchange on US 92 and turn north (right) onto Indian Lake Road for approximately
1 3/4 miles, this road takes you into the forest;
- The South Entrance leading to Rattlesnake Pond is 6 miles west of I-95/US 92 interchange on US 92, the entrance is on the south (left) side of
the road;
- The North Entrance is 7 miles west of the I-95/US 92 interchange on US 92, the entrance is on the north (right) side of the road. Access to the
Rima Ridge Tract is also available by taking SR 40 approximately 5 miles west of I-95, the entrance is on the left side of the road. Tiger Bay State Forest office
headquarters is located on the north side of US Highway 92, one-half mile west of the South entrance. Parking for horse trailers is available at the headquarters.
Natural Features
PHOTO: Wetlands in Tiger Bay State Forest.
Tiger Bay State Forest was named after its largest physiographic feature, Tiger Bay, an extensive wetland that provides a critical aquifer recharge for the local area. Pine
islands are dotted throughout the extensive hydric swamp forest and comprise 40% of the property. Also found on the forest are two lakes, Indian Lake and Scoggin Lake, and
several ponds. Coon Pond is a natural water body, while Rattlesnake Pond, Woody Pond, and Ranch Pond are man-made ponds that are available to the public for
fishing. Three additional unnamed man-made ponds are also located on the forest.
Recreation
Recreational activities include hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, picnicking, boating, fishing, hunting, nature study and photography. Horseback riding and bicycling are allowed on forest roads designated for their use only. Tiger Bay State Forest contains 1
hiking trail (Buncombe) in the Florida Forest Service's
Trailwalker Hiking Program and 1
equestrian trail (Rima Ridge) in the Florida Forest Service’s
Trailtrotter Program.
There are two primitive camping areas on Tiger Bay State Forest. An equestrian
campground has been added to the Rima Ridge Tract with five primitive campsites, five small horse corrals (16’ x 16’ each), and a non-potable water supply. Contact Tiger Bay State Forest to obtain State Forest Use Permits for either of the primitive camping areas.
Tiger Bay State Forest is managed as a Wildlife Management Area by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Indian Lake and Rattlesnake Pond are open for
fishing and small boat use. Hunting for whitetail
deer, hogs, and small game is permitted during designated seasons.
Wildlife Management Areas
In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida's forest resources, the Florida Forest Service has developed rules which apply to all State Forest visitors. Find out more about state
forest fees and rules.
Trails |
Campsites |
Other |
Hike |
Bike |
Horse |
Canoe |
Camp
sites |
with
Electric |
Leashed Pets OK |
More Activities |
 Nature Trail |
none |
|
|
Primitive* Youth Groups |
none |
|
Picnicking, Fishing (boat ramp), Hunting |
* State Forest Use Permit Required
- Florida Forest Service
Tiger Bay State Forest
4316 W. International Speedway Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32124
- Telephone: 386/ 226-0250
- Email Tiger Bay State Forest
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