Welcome!
Avon Park Air Force Range is a 106,000 acre military training facility located in Polk and Highlands Counties, in South-Central Florida. (See our official mission statement) The Fish, Wildlife, and Outdoor Recreation Program works in coordination with the Air Force to provide recreational opportunities to the public and military personnel.
As the largest wildlife management area in the southwest region of Florida, APAFR is known as a world-class destination for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, birding and outdoor educational opportunities for all ages.
Visiting public can be given a pass at the front gate and proceed straight down the road about one mile to the Outdoor Recreation Office, or "Building 600". It looks like a log cabin.
Visitors MUST pick up permit(s) and register all vehicles at Building 600 (Outdoor Recreation Office) All persons visiting range must view safety video and have photo ID. To drive any vehicle out on the range, a current driver's license, vehicle registration and insurance must be shown. Anticipate 10-20 minutes per person to check all required forms and obtain permit. (See "Fees" for more information.) Hunters require additional steps.
As of July 1, 2016 all individuals age 18 or older MUST purchase their own permit. Purchase your permit in building 600 or online via Avon.isportsman.net
Hunt permits purchased at this point now include a $50 late fee. The late fee will not apply to Companion hunt, companion non-hunt, small game permits, or military discounted permits for the 2016-2017 hunt season.
Miss the Hunt Safety Brief? You need to make an appointment for a make-up viewing of the Safety Brief. Make-ups start Saturday Sept. 3rd, They will ONLY be offered every ODD hour, on the hour. (7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM... and so on...) 10 persons per timeslot, appointments have priority over walk-ins. Anticipate long wait times without an appointment on opening weekends.
Appointments available by PHONE 863-452-4254, Press "0" for staff.
Annual Permit Holders may sign in / out using the kiosks outside, and only need to visit the office if they are bringing a guest, changing vehicles, or need assistance.
For hours and schedules, call 863-452-4254
- Press 1 for Current Public Recreation Schedule
- Press 2 for the Military Recreation Schedule
- Press 3 for the Current Road/Campground Closures Notice
- Press 0 at any time to speak to a staff member
Purchase your permit through https://avon.isportsman.net
Must attend Hunt Safety Brief or visit Outdoor Rec Office for actual permit.
Must attend Hunt Safety Brief or visit Outdoor Rec Office for actual permit.
Directions to the Range:
From the city of Avon Park, FL, Follow Highway 64 East all the way out... it ends at the main gate of Avon Park Air Force Range. There is a guard at the gate. Tell them you are headed to the Building 600. You will be handed a pass, and then proceed following the curvy road as straight as you can, make NO turns, and the Outdoor Recreation Office is a dark brown "Log Cabin" type building less than a mile in, to your left. Parking is on the side or in the back.
CAUTION: GPS systems might lead you wrong - we've had people get stuck in orange grooves. At NO point should your tires leave asphalt to get here! The sand road through the orange grove is NOT a shortcut!
From the city of Avon Park, FL, Follow Highway 64 East all the way out... it ends at the main gate of Avon Park Air Force Range. There is a guard at the gate. Tell them you are headed to the Building 600. You will be handed a pass, and then proceed following the curvy road as straight as you can, make NO turns, and the Outdoor Recreation Office is a dark brown "Log Cabin" type building less than a mile in, to your left. Parking is on the side or in the back.
CAUTION: GPS systems might lead you wrong - we've had people get stuck in orange grooves. At NO point should your tires leave asphalt to get here! The sand road through the orange grove is NOT a shortcut!
Thank You to the Federation of Christian Sportsmen for their support and assistance with our youth programs!