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
Anderson Pond Recreation Area A trio of interconnected trails loop a landscape of lush forests and clear streams in folded landscapes on this 2.1 mile hike at Anderson Pond on Eglin Air Force Base.
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, Camp Blanding Explore the high ground of Keystone Heights through sandhills and scrub on undulating terrain across forests managed by the Florida National Guard at Camp Blanding. 
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.
Fort Barrancas Part of the Third System of coastal defenses built in the 1840s by the Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Barrancas is the showy centerpiece of a National Park unit inside Naval Air Station Pensacola.
Trout Point Nature Trail CLOSED TO VISITORS. Explore a fragile coastal scrub on a waterfront boardwalk inside NAS Pensacola.