Did you know Lake June in Winter Scrub Preserve State Park protects one of Florida’s most endangered natural communities? This 845-acre hidden gem preserves ancient sand dunes that formed over 11,500 years ago, creating a unique “Florida desert” with one of North America’s highest concentrations of rare and endemic plants. Unlike Florida’s popular tourist destinations, this remote wilderness offers a glimpse into the state’s primordial landscape that few visitors ever experience.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park is located near Lake Placid, Florida, approximately 12 miles south of Sebring. The park sits on the western shore of Lake June-in-Winter, offering visitors a chance to explore one of Florida’s most distinctive ecosystems.
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Directions to Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park:
- From US Highway 27, turn west onto Lake June Road
- Follow Lake June Road around the lake
- Turn south onto Daffodil Street
- Continue for approximately 2 miles to reach the park entrance
- GPS Coordinates: N 27° 17.792 W 81° 25.469
The nearest major airports are Orlando International Airport (MCO) about 145 km (90 miles) northeast and Tampa International Airport (TPA) approximately 160 km (100 miles) northwest. From either airport, you’ll need to rent a car to reach this remote natural area.
Explore at Your Own Pace
Rent a car to easily access Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park and discover other natural wonders in the area.
Best Time to Visit Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park
| Season | Months | Weather | Recommendation |
| Winter | December – February | 16-24°C (60-75°F), dry | Highly Recommended |
| Spring | March – May | 21-29°C (70-85°F), moderate humidity | Recommended |
| Summer | June – September | 27-35°C (80-95°F), high humidity, afternoon thunderstorms | Challenging |
| Fall | October – November | 21-27°C (70-80°F), decreasing humidity | Recommended |
The best time to visit Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park is during the cooler, drier months from November through April. Winter (December-February) offers ideal hiking conditions with comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall. The scrub’s white sand can become extremely hot during summer months, making hiking uncomfortable and potentially dangerous without proper preparation.
Pro Tip: If visiting during summer (June-September), plan your hike for early morning hours before 10:00 AM to avoid afternoon heat and thunderstorms. Always bring more water than you think you’ll need, as the scrub environment can be deceptively dehydrating.
Getting Around Locally
Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park is a primitive natural area with limited infrastructure. The park is best explored on foot via established trails and fire lanes. There are no paved roads within the preserve itself, only natural sandy paths.
Park Navigation:
- The park entrance has a small parking area near the picnic pavilion
- Trail maps are available at the entrance kiosk (bring your own if possible)
- Trails follow established fire lanes through the white sugar sand
- The Tomoka Trail offers a shorter 0.8 km (0.5 mile) loop experience
- The longer Scrub Trails (Bobcat, Eagle, and Deer) create a challenging 5.1 km (3.2 mile) circuit
The nearest town is Lake Placid, about 10 minutes east of the park, where you can find gas stations, restaurants, and basic supplies. Sebring, approximately 30 minutes north, offers more extensive services including lodging options and larger grocery stores.
Where to Stay
While Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park doesn’t offer on-site accommodations, several lodging options are available in the surrounding area. Most visitors choose to stay in nearby Lake Placid or Sebring.
Lake Placid Lodging
The closest accommodations to the park, offering small motels, vacation rentals, and lakeside cottages with easy access to Lake June-in-Winter.
Distance: 10-15 minutes from park
Sebring Options
More extensive lodging choices including chain hotels, B&Bs, and resorts. Perfect for visitors who want more amenities while still being within a short drive.
Distance: 30 minutes from park
Highlands Hammock Camping
For outdoor enthusiasts, Highlands Hammock State Park (30 minutes away) offers full-facility campgrounds with sites for tents and RVs.
Distance: 30 minutes from park
Find Your Perfect Stay
Browse accommodations near Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park and secure the best rates for your Florida nature getaway.
Note: Accommodations in Lake Placid can be limited, especially during winter months when seasonal visitors are most numerous. We recommend booking well in advance if planning to visit between December and April.
Dining & Local Cuisine
There are no dining facilities within Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park, so visitors should plan accordingly. The park has a picnic pavilion with tables (no grills), making it perfect for packed lunches. For restaurant options, you’ll need to head to nearby towns.
Local Dining Options:
- Lake Placid (10-15 minutes) – Several family-owned restaurants serving American classics, seafood, and Southern cuisine
- Sebring (30 minutes) – Wider variety including steakhouses, ethnic restaurants, and chain establishments
- Roadside Produce Stands – Seasonal fruit stands can be found along US-27, offering fresh Florida citrus and local honey
“Don’t miss trying the fresh Florida citrus when visiting during winter months. The local groves produce some of the sweetest oranges and grapefruits you’ll ever taste.”
Picnic Preparations:
For the best park experience, consider packing a picnic lunch to enjoy at the pavilion overlooking Lake June-in-Winter. Grocery stores in Lake Placid and Sebring offer everything you’ll need for a perfect outdoor meal.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park offers a pristine wilderness experience focused on natural attractions rather than developed facilities. The park’s main draw is its remarkable scrub ecosystem and the rare wildlife that calls it home.
Top Attractions:
Florida Scrub-Jay Habitat
The park is home to the threatened Florida scrub-jay, a bird species found nowhere else in the world. These curious, intelligent birds are often spotted along the trails and may even approach quiet observers.
Lake June-in-Winter
The park features three miles of undeveloped lakefront along one of Florida’s cleanest lakes. While there’s no formal beach, visitors can access the lakeshore for fishing or launching lightweight canoes and kayaks.
Ancient Sand Dunes
Walk atop sand dunes that formed thousands of years ago when sea levels were much higher. These ancient geological features create Florida’s own version of a desert landscape.
Rare Plant Communities
Botanists consider this area a treasure trove with one of North America’s highest concentrations of endemic plants. Look for unique species like scrub mint, pygmy fringe tree, and sand squares.
Enhance Your Visit
Discover guided tours and activities in the Lake Placid and Sebring area to make the most of your Florida adventure.
Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Hiking Trails:
- Tomoka Trail – 0.8 km (0.5 mile) loop crossing a fern-lined stream, perfect for beginners and families
- Bobcat Trail – Part of the longer trail system, offering views of mature scrub habitat
- Eagle Trail – Features an eagle nest in a tall slash pine and diverse scrub vegetation
- Deer Trail – Leads to a viewpoint overlooking Lake June-in-Winter
Water Activities:
While the park doesn’t have a formal boat launch, visitors can carry lightweight canoes or kayaks to access Lake June-in-Winter. The lake offers excellent opportunities for:
- Paddling along the undeveloped shoreline
- Fishing for bass, crappie, and panfish (Florida fishing license required)
- Wildlife observation, especially water birds and occasional otters
Wildlife Viewing:
The park is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Patience and quiet observation may reward visitors with sightings of:
Birds
- Florida scrub-jays
- Bald eagles
- Ospreys
- Short-tailed hawks (rare)
- Various woodpeckers
Mammals & Reptiles
- Gopher tortoises
- Florida scrub lizards
- Eastern indigo snakes
- White-tailed deer
- Occasional bobcat or black bear
Important: The white sugar sand trails can be challenging to walk on and extremely hot during summer months. Proper footwear, sun protection, and plenty of water are essential for any outdoor activities in the park.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Park Safety:
- Hydration – Bring more water than you think you’ll need; the scrub environment is deceptively dehydrating
- Sun Protection – Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential as there is minimal shade on trails
- Proper Footwear – Hiking boots or sturdy shoes are recommended for the challenging sandy terrain
- Wildlife Awareness – Observe wildlife from a distance and never feed or approach animals
- Cell Service – Mobile coverage can be spotty; inform someone of your plans before hiking
Park Regulations:
Prohibited Activities
- Use of ATVs and UTVs
- Flying drones
- Removing plants or disturbing wildlife
- Camping (no overnight facilities)
- Fires (no grills available)
Visitor Etiquette
- Stay on marked trails to protect fragile vegetation
- Pack out all trash (limited facilities)
- Keep pets leashed at all times (discouraged due to wildlife)
- Maintain quiet for wildlife observation
- Pay entrance fee ($2 per vehicle, exact change required)
Hours: The park is open from 8:00 AM until sunset, 365 days a year including holidays.
Visitor Comments About Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park
“A hidden gem for nature photographers! I spotted three Florida scrub-jays and a gopher tortoise during my visit. The white sand trails are challenging but worth every step for the unique ecosystem you get to experience.”
“We kayaked along the lakeshore after hiking the Tomoka Trail. The contrast between the desert-like scrub and the clear lake was stunning. Bring plenty of water and sun protection though—it gets hot even in winter!”
“As a botanist, I was amazed by the diversity of endemic plants. The pygmy fringe trees were in bloom during our April visit, and we spotted several rare scrub mint plants. A true botanical treasure in central Florida.”
Practical Travel Tips
What to Bring:
- Water (at least 1 liter per person per hour of hiking)
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Insect repellent (especially during warmer months)
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Camera with zoom lens for wildlife photography
- Field guide to Florida scrub plants and wildlife
- Packed lunch or snacks (no food available in park)
- $2 in exact change for entrance fee
Nearby Attractions:
- Highlands Hammock State Park – 30 minutes north, offers boardwalks through old-growth cypress swamps
- Lake Placid Murals – The town features over 40 colorful murals depicting local history
- Archbold Biological Station – Research center with occasional public tours of Lake Wales Ridge ecosystems
- Fisheating Creek – Popular paddling destination with abundant wildlife
- Sebring International Raceway – Historic racetrack hosting various motorsport events
Complete Your Florida Adventure
Consider adding a cruise to your Florida itinerary. Many cruise lines depart from nearby ports like Tampa and Port Canaveral.
Florida’s Ancient Dunes Await Your Discovery
Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park offers a rare glimpse into Florida’s ancient past, preserving an ecosystem that has largely disappeared from the state. While it may lack the amenities of more developed parks, its natural treasures—from the brilliant blue Florida scrub-jays to the delicate endemic plants growing in blindingly white sand—provide an authentic wilderness experience that can’t be found anywhere else.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, wildlife photographer, botanist, or simply someone seeking to explore Florida beyond the theme parks and beaches, this hidden gem rewards those willing to venture into its distinctive landscape. Pack plenty of water, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to discover one of Florida’s most unique and endangered natural communities.
The above is subject to change.
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