Chipola River
Wildlife Management Area

Quota permits are not required for hunting in this area.  Camping is allowed with landowner permit.  Recreational access is allowed.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says that the Upper Chipola River WMA consists of approximately 7,300 acres in Jackson County lying north of Florida Caverns State Park. The area encompasses the upper watershed of the Chipola River, including its two main tributaries, Marshalls Creek and Cowarts Creek, as well as, portions of the spring-runs of Hayes and Waddell Springs. 

Access to this area is almost exclusively by boat and a boat ramp is located at Christoff Landing. Parking and walk in access is available along county-maintained roads at Cowarts Creek and Christoff Landing, as well as near the Hwy. 162 bridge. Additional hunting and recreation access to the southern portion of the area is through the State Park via the "Management Trail." 

Subject to water levels, this multi-use trail is suitable for hiking, horseback riding and off-road biking. Camping is allowed only at designated sites. A primitive campsite is located immediately west of Christoff landing. Squirrel and deer hunting are good in the floodplain forests that border the creeks and the river. In the fall, the forests are ablaze with the foliage of Florida maple and basswood. The area is home to the rare Barbour’s map turtle as well as to numerous alligators, egrets, herons, ospreys, and songbirds. 

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