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.
Eglin Air Force Base Florida's largest military base is also a major destination for outdoor recreation, thanks to well-managed habitats across a former national forest.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
Cimmaron Trail Sunny sandhill communities transition to the deeply shaded Yellow River floodplain along the well-maintained Cimarron Trail at Eglin Air Force Base. 
Florida Trail, Alaqua 12.8 miles. With significant botanical beauty, rugged climbs, and nice campsites, the Alaqua section of the Florida Trail in Eglin Air Force Base is one of the most scenic parts of the trail statewide.
Florida Trail, Alaqua East Take on some rugged terrain on this round-trip hike to Alaqua Creek to discover the beauty of the undulating landscape, including an ancient magnolia-beech forest cradled between floodplains.
Florida Trail, Alaqua West Experience a little bit of all of the best that the Florida Trail in Eglin has to offer with this scenic 6.6-mile round-trip hike across hilly terrain punctuated by the tributaries that flow into Alaqua Creek.
Florida Trail, Catface 14.2 miles. Climbing to the highest elevations along the Florida Trail, the challenging Catface section traverses hilly terrain along the northern edge of Eglin Air Force Base.
Florida Trail, Eglin East 41.8 miles. Simultaneously rugged and scenic: that's the beauty of a backpacking trip across the Alaqua, Catface, and Titi sections of the Florida Trail in Eglin Air Force Base.
Florida Trail, Titi 14.8 miles. Paralleling the floodplain of Titi Creek and its tributaries, this hike on the Florida Trail across Eglin will surprise you with its mature longleaf pine forests and its steep descents into creek basins.
Trout Point Nature Trail PERMANENTLY CLOSED. Explore a fragile coastal scrub on a waterfront boardwalk inside NAS Pensacola.