Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness Area

Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness Area is a sprawling 1.3-million-acre federally protected wilderness in Florida, managed by the National Park Service. This is true backcountry—no roads, motors, or mechanized travel are permitted. Visitors must travel on foot or by paddle, and the wilderness operates under strict Leave No Trace principles.

The landscape is subtropical and water-dominated, shaped by sawgrass marshes, sloughs, and hardwood hammocks. Recreation centers on hiking, backpacking, and paddling through remote terrain where solitude and pristine natural conditions are the draw. Access is limited to designated routes and primitive camping; advance planning and self-sufficiency are essential. Seasonal water levels, heat, and humidity are defining factors in when and how to visit this wild, little-developed landscape.