Fun, Fishing and More at Florida's Fisheating Creek

If you’re looking for a slice of old Florida, where cypress heads are as abundant as the wildlife and where you can immerse yourself in nature, but still have all the modern conveniences, Fisheating Creek Outpost is your place. Camping, fishing, hunting, swimming and hiking are just a few of the outdoor opportunities found here.

A gem tucked along U.S. Highway 27, the Outpost is located within the 18,274-acre Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area in Glades County. The creek is a 50-mile tributary on the west side of Lake Okeechobee; it courses through a vast ecosystem of marsh and scrub habitat where wildlife thrives.

The name is said to be derived from what the Creek/Seminoles called it, Thlothlopopka-hatchee, meaning, “The creek where fish are eaten.” There’s evidence folks have been eating fish along this waterway for at least 3,000 years. Mounds and other earthworks along the banks of Fisheating Creek have been dated to 1000 BCE. These features are thought to be the works of the Belle Glade people, who subsisted by netting fish and harvesting turtles, snakes and alligators. The creek was also their canoe highway to Lake Okeechobee and other settlements.

Camping here is a popular choice by many. Bring your tent and sleep under the oaks or along the banks of the creek at one of the 68 tent sites offered. If an RV is more your route, there are 52 allocated RV sites, with 48 having full hookup for electric, water and sewer. Reservations for sites must be made in advance and can be completed online via the outpost website (fisheatingcreekoutpost.com). Availability tends to wane several months ahead, so plan accordingly. Both RV and tent sites provide bathroom and shower facilities for your convenience.

You’ll also discover the Riverside Café, a food-truck-inspired eatery available at the Outpost during the peak camping season, usually from October to April or so.

There is a boat ramp located at the campground where small boats can be launched. I will advise to be mindful of water level with outboards. You can also launch paddlecraft here. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent through the camp store.

Want to cool off after your paddle? Check out Depot Lake on the north side of the Outpost, a spring-fed lake designated for swimming, with a small beach, rope swing, picnic pavilion and restrooms.

If You Go

• Fishing: Panfish and bass inhabit the tea-colored waters of Fisheating Creek and are a blast to catch. An ultralight outfit with a crappie jig or nightcrawler will catch just about anything that swims. A 5-weight fly rod and popping bug can also drum up some explosive action. Target the downed trees and deep creek bends for best success.
• Water Level: Water levels can drop and rise quickly, depending on the weather. High water may have you floating over downed trees you didn’t know existed, low water may cause frequent portages. An up-to-date water level chart can be found at www.fisheatingcreekoutpost.com. Recommended minimum water level with fewest portages are as follows: kayak–1.5 feet, canoe–2 feet. Although, in my experience, these portages are often a breeze.
• Camp Store: Although you should plan on bringing all food and camping supplies, the store at the entrance of the Outpost sells various camp essentials including firewood and ice, as well as some food. A small tackle selection and nightcrawlers are also available. If that doesn’t suffice, Labelle is the nearest town, roughly 13 miles to the southwest.

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• This article was featured in the April 2024 issue of Florida Sportsman magazine. Click to subscribe.

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