Cypress Lake Fish Camp...Going...Going...Gone!

Florida fishing camps are ubiquitous throughout the state.  Many started out years ago as a deep hole at the end of a bumpy dirt road where airboaters and fishermen would launch their rigs.  As time marched on a natural evolution followed which included adding a few hunting/fishing shacks on stilts.  Alligators would often float up to the structures if the squatters living there tossed out the remains of their hunting and fishing trips.  Wild hogs were common and birds were heard throughout the day and night.  Eventually cattle replaced many of the hogs.  A small business would start up.  Ramp fees, a small store, and maybe a little restaurant would allow an owner to make a modest living.  Cabins, and maybe an rv park would soon provide all the ingredients for a great place to fish, hunt, relax, or in my case, to photograph wildlife.

Northern Parula found in cypress swamp south of fishing camp

Limpkin hunting snails along channel

Pileated Woodpecker photographed near boat ramp

Cypress Lake Fish Camp and RV Resort was a great example of a Florida fishing camp.  The roar of airboats, constant parade of fishing boats, and in the winter snowbirds in their RV's created a friendly mix of inhabitants. Wildlife coexisted nicely alongside their human counterparts.  Large alligators were often seen as one motored down the main channel to the lake.  An unafraid barred owl often flew from one favorite perch to another and hooted over the RV's.  Throw in nesting Sandhill Cranes, noisy Red-shouldered Hawks, Limpkins feeding on snails by the boat docks, and vultures roosting in the cypress swamp south of the R.V.s and you felt you were living in "Old Florida".  Photography was magnificent.  Warblers, vireos, and woodpeckers were numerous in the cypress swamp while wading birds dominated the grassy area between the lake and camp.

Glossy Ibis photographed in front of fish camp

Sandhill Crane nest photographed in front of fish camp

Red-shouldered Hawk

Progress marches on, however, and several months ago the camp was sold.  The snowbirds were told they must all be out by May-never to return.  The squatters to the north of the boat ramp will leave and their shacks will be destroyed.  The quaint former restaurant will now sell novelties such as dried alligator heads to tourist who have come to see "Wild Florida".  Latest rumors have 150 live alligators being added to the pond which now is shielded from non-paying eyes on the road side by a newly constructed fence.  A parrot cage already contains inhabitants and a boardwalk/nature walk will travel through the cypress swamp to the south.  You will need a ticket to see this new "Wild Florida". 

I will miss this example of old Florida.  Hopefully I can find another fish camp somewhere down another road.