Top 8 Lakes in Volusia County

For hiking and cycling, Trail to Lake Monroe Park offers lovely paths. Lake Beresford also features trails on its eastern side that extend to Blue Spring State Park. Additionally, Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge has fifteen miles of trails for walking, biking, or horseback riding. You can find more hiking options in the area, such as the 'Lake Woodruff Spring Garden Creek and Pools Loop', by exploring the easy hikes in Volusia County guide.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Trail to Lake Monroe Park offers spacious lawns, picnic areas, and a playground. Blue Spring State Park is family-friendly, especially in summer for swimming and kayaking. De Leon Springs State Park also provides a natural setting for exploration, and Green Springs Park features a playground and picnic pavilions.

Volusia County is known for its excellent fishing lakes. Lake Monroe is a prime spot for anglers seeking Florida largemouth bass. Lake Beresford is also popular for largemouth bass, black crappie, warmouth, and sunfish. Lake George, Florida's second-largest freshwater lake, is a hotspot for sunfish, bluegill, striped bass, and black crappie. For a quieter experience, McGarity Lake in Deltona offers two fishing piers and a floating dock.

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is an ideal spot for nature photography and birdwatching, providing critical habitat for a wide array of birds, fish, and mammals across its 22,000 acres of marshes, swamps, and streams. Blue Spring State Park and De Leon Springs State Park are excellent for observing manatees during colder months, along with alligators, turtles, and various other wildlife.

Swimming is permitted in some areas, notably at Blue Spring State Park and De Leon Springs State Park, where the spring-fed waters maintain a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit. However, swimming and water activities are prohibited in these spring areas during manatee season (mid-November through March). Swimming is generally not recommended in other lakes due to the presence of alligators.

Yes, De Leon Springs State Park is a historical wonder where visitors can swim in springs once inhabited by Native Americans. Lake Helen is also recognized as a historical site. Green Springs Park in Enterprise showcases one of Florida's unique green sulfur springs, offering natural beauty and historical intrigue.

DeLeon Springs State Park offers kayaks and paddleboats for rent, providing opportunities to observe wildlife. Blue Spring State Park also allows kayaking during the summer months. Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is suitable for boating, including paddling, allowing you to explore its diverse ecosystem.

McGarity Lake in Deltona, located within Campbell Park, offers a peaceful escape. It's a lesser-known spot perfect for relaxing, fishing, or birdwatching in a quiet, secluded setting. Painter's Pond Park in Deland also provides a serene oasis with a scenic pond and trails.

The best time to visit depends on your activity. For manatee viewing, the colder months (mid-November through March) are ideal at Blue Spring State Park and De Leon Springs State Park. For swimming and water activities in the springs, summer is preferred as these activities are restricted during manatee season. Generally, cooler, drier months (fall to spring) are more comfortable for hiking and cycling.

Yes, many lakes offer public access. Trail to Lake Monroe Park provides a boat launch, camping locations, and a large parking lot. McGarity Lake in Campbell Park has fishing piers and a boardwalk. Green Springs Park offers paved trails, picnic pavilions, and a playground with free admission. Most state parks, like Blue Spring State Park and De Leon Springs State Park, also have well-maintained facilities.

You can find a variety of routes for different activities. For hiking, options include the 'Ormond Beach Central Parks Loop' and the 'Lake Woodruff Spring Garden Creek and Pools Loop'. Cyclists can enjoy routes like the 'Spring-to-Spring Trail' or the 'De Leon Springs State Park loop from DeLand'. Explore more options in the hiking in Volusia County guide or the road cycling routes in Volusia County guide.