Military reservations are lands managed by a branch of the military, such as Air Force bases and training camps. Because of Florida’s pivotal role during World War II for training aviators, we have many military bases around the state.
Some have reservations surrounding them that permit public access for outdoor recreation when not being used for training exercises. The largest of these is Eglin Air Force Base, which encompasses a former national forest.
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Recreation on Military Reservations
Visiting a military reservation for recreation generally requires adherence to a clear set of rules, which are posted at entry kiosks and found on their websites.
Most require either a permit in advance or a check-in, check-out system for access to their lands. Eglin Air Force Base is the only reservation that requires a permit that carries a fee. They also offer the most in the way of trails and camping.

Other military reservations with public outdoor recreation:
When you plan to hike, bike, paddle, or camp on a military reservation, it’s always necessary to call ahead or check online to ensure that the destination you’re headed for is not going to be used for military training when you plan to visit.
National Security Alerts can also suddenly close access to a base, post, or station.
Trails on Military Reservations







