Fort Cooper State Park

About Fort Cooper State Park

During the Second Seminole War, the sparkling waters of Lake Holathlikaha were a welcome sight for sick and wounded soldiers. With soldiers stationed there, Georgia's first volunteer battalion was set up to provide a camp that allowed volunteers to hold their own in several battles against the Seminoles.

The park's diverse natural environment provides refuge for many plants and animals, including endangered species and wildlife such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, birds of prey and other endangered and endangered species.

Fishing at Holathlikaha Lake is a popular activity, but swimming is only possible if the lake level is high enough. Private boats are not allowed on the lakes, but pedal boats and canoes can be rented.

Visitors to the park can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and camping, as well as fishing. The park's self-guided trails offer some of the best bird and wildlife watching in Citrus County.

Wildlife in Fort Cooper State Park is abundant and birds of prey such as squirrels, raccoons, owls, foxes, coyotes and other wildlife are very common. The hotel is located on the west side of the park, a short walk from the entrance to the parking lot.

In April 1836, during the Second Seminole War, Major Cooper was ordered to stay behind to protect the sick and wounded as General Winfield Scott marched south into what is now Tampa. He gave his life for his country and the park is named after him.

A field fortification was erected on the western slope of Lake Holathlikaha, and Major Cooper held this position for three months, awaiting reinforcement.

There were several skirmishes with the Seminoles, but the location of the fort was well chosen, and General Scott returned to lead the men of Fort Cooper into a new battle. The volunteers kept their camp at Lake Holathlikaha, which they moved into near Fort Cooper, for the next three months.

The western steep slope offers a view of the edge of a hardwood hammock begging through a wagon road lying on the ceiling of long deciduous trees.

At high water levels, Lake Holathlikaha offers excellent freshwater swimming opportunities, and you can rent a canoe or pedal boat in the park. Private boats are not allowed, but canoes and pedal boats can be rented in each park for a fee of $5 per day or $10 per week.

At high water levels, Lake Holathlikaha offers freshwater fishing and you can rent a canoe or pedal boat in the park for a fee of $5 per day or $10 per week.

At high water levels, Lake Holathlikaha offers freshwater fishing and you can rent a canoe or pedal boat in the park for a fee of $5 per day or $10 per week. Private boats are not allowed, but canoes and pedal boats can be rented for the same fee as a private boat for up to three days a week.

The beach area offers opportunities for volleyball, horseshoes and playgrounds, but a fishing license is required. Hardwood hammocks at Holathlikaha Lake can be begged for a fee of $5 per day or $10 per week or up to three days a week.

Nearby there is a covered barbecue area (prices see homepage) and under a large shady tree there is a gazebo that can accommodate 60 - 70 people.

A self-guided nature trail on the east side of the park gives visitors an insight into the wildlife of the region. This trail offers some of the best bird watching in Citrus County and great views of Lake Okeechobee and the Florida Keys.

Located in the park, it is an ideal setting for relaxing outdoors, such as a lounge, picnic area or picnic table. The lounges are equipped with folding tables and chairs and can accommodate 50 to 60 people. They are available for camping, hiking, picnicking, fishing and other outdoor activities for all ages.

Kitchens are equipped with stoves, refrigerators and microwaves, and small kitchens can be rented separately for $5 per person or $10 per day for a fully equipped kitchen.

Pets are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash and all are allowed to walk the paths and playgrounds.