Lake Okeechobee Recreation
Lake Okeechobee offers a wide range of outdoor recreation activities for locals and tourists visiting South Florida.
Annual Events
Big O Hike
The annual Big O Hike is held every November on the Florida Trail surrounding Lake Okeechobee. The Big O Hike spans 9 days and participants hike the entire 110 mile circuit around Lake Okeechobee. Shuttles drop off hikers each day for the 7 to 14 mile daily hike. Camping and after hike activities are centered around the KOA campground in Okeechobee. Tent and RV campers are welcome and if you don't want to camp there are hotel and motel options nearby.
Speckled Perch Festival
Started in 1965, the Speckled Perch Festival is the oldest festival in Okeechobee. The festival is held in March at Flagler Park in Okeechobee Florida. The festival features a parade, food, classic car show, arts and crafts and entertainment for the whole family. There is no admission charge for the 2 day event.
Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo
The Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo is held each March at the The Okeechobee County Cattlemen’s Association rodeo arena located at 1885 U.S. 441 N. Lake Okeechobee, FL. The rodeo begins on Friday night and continues thru Saturday and Sunday. The annual rodeo is a great family event and discount or free admission for children is normally available. For more information see the Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo website.
Fishing
One of the most popular activities at Lake Okeechobee is fishing. Numerous fish species inhabit the lake with the most popular being largemouth bass, speckled perch, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. A Florida fishing license is required by all fisherman over the age of 16. See the Lake Okeechobee Fishing page for more information.
Marinas & Boat Rentals
Boating enthusiasts will find many options for spending a day out on the lake. For boat owners numerous marinas and lake access ramps are located throughout the lake. If you do not own a boat, there are a number of Lake Okeechobee Marinas that offer fishing boats and pontoon boats for rent.
Lake Okeechobee Boat Rental Locations
Roland Martin Marine Center (800) 473-6766 and Jolly Roger Marina (863) 983-7402 both located near Clewiston on the south shore of the lake.
Lake O Boat Rentals (772) 597-1027 located on the north east side of the lake.
Airboat Boat Rides
There are a number of airboat tour operators located throughout the lake. Most locations offer airboat sightseeing tours as well as guided hunting and fishing charters. Airboat charters provide an exhilarating way to experience Lake Okeechobee under the supervision of an experienced guide.
Camping and RV Parks
Numerous camping options are available for both RV and tent campers. See the Lake Okeechobee Camping page for more information.
Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST)
The Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. The 110 mile trail surrounds the entire lake. The trail sits on top of the Herbert Hoover Dike making it a great vantage point for viewing the numerous species of wildlife that inhabit the lake. Most sections of the trail are paved making the trail a popular attraction for bikers and hikers.
Nature Watching
Nature watchers have plenty of opportunities to witness the vast variety of animals and exotic plants that inhabit the Lake Okeechobee area. Native animal species one might see include manatees, alligators, snakes, bobcats, along with numerous species of birds including wild turkeys, egrets, osprey, kites and waterfowl.