Florida is one of the United States’ best destinations for outdoor sports, off-roading included. Of course, ATV riding in Miami is sure to be the crown jewel for any off-roading enthusiast’s holiday in the Sunshine State, so here is a great guide of the best places to go, from trails to tours.
Where are the best ATV rides in Miami and around? Our top picks include:
- Apalachicola National Forest
- Miami Motocross Park
- Lazy Springs Recreation Park
- Redneck Mud Park
- Sandlot Off-Road Adventure Park
- Ocala National Forest
- Withlacoochee State Forest
- Big Cypress National Preserve
- Osceola National Forest
Some are a bit of a drive away from Miami itself, but they showcase the best of the state’s trails and excellent forest routes, so we think they’re worth the trip!
ATV Riding in Miami
1. Apalachicola National Forest
Unfortunately for Miami, the closest trail to the city is the South Dade Trail, a paved 21-mile way out of the city restricted to non-motorized travel only. So, we’ll need to head further away to get some ATV riding in Florida!
One of the top destinations is Apalachicola National Forest, near Tallahassee. It offers 100 miles of smooth, flat, sandy, and dusty trails, which can get muddy in the rain.
This is a very popular place for ATV riders, accessed from Silver Lake Recreational Area. There are many picnic tables here; you can swim in the lake or hike a 3-mile interpretive trail. Then, jump on your ATV and enjoy the paths from the OHV trailhead.
You need a permit to ride your ATV in the Apalachicola National Forest, which will cost $10 for three days or $75 for a full year. Trails are open year-round but can close at short notice, so it’s a good idea to check before you go.
2. Miami Motocross Park
Although a motocross park, the Miami MX Park in Hialeah, FL, is close to Miami and allows ATV access.
They offer dirt bike riding lessons, as well as bike and gear rentals if you’re tempted to try it out. Otherwise, you should check with the park when ATVs are allowed.
The park is open on Wednesday afternoons and at the weekend. As a human-made trail riding experience, it’s great to practice skills and get on your ATV quickly near Miami, without commuting a long distance.
3. Lazy Springs Recreation Park
One of the best Florida off road parks awaits you at Lazy Springs, located just east of Fort Myers. The park has a bit of everything: waterskiing, wave running, and fishing in the lakes, as well as mud pits, motocross trails, hilly trails, rocks, and dirt to enjoy on your ATV.
Prices are $20 for a day pass and then $10 per vehicle. You can bring an RV or rent a tent pitch as well, staying overnight for another $10 per RV/camper/tent.
Mud is the keyword for this location, especially in the rainy season. Just take a look at some of their photos to get a taster for what’s in store!
4. Redneck Mud Park
The Redneck Mud Park in Punta Gorda is a one-stop-shop for fantastic events, mud holes, entertainment, great trails, and pretty much anything you could want from an off road park.
They have four mud holes to suit all capability levels and miles of trails crossing 880 acres of land, from wider and more relaxed to narrower, winding routes. Don’t worry about getting stuck in the mud – they have an extraction vehicle just for those situations!
There is enough space for primitive camping at Redneck Mud Park, and trails are accessible from all camping areas to make it easier to get out and ride.
The park features a main staging area where concerts and events take place. Every Friday and Saturday night, head over there for contests where you can win cash and prizes.
The infrastructure at Redneck Mud Park is indeed superb, finishing off with a buggy wash area you can drive through at the end of your stay to wash off your vehicle and even yourself before you head home.
5. Sandlot Off-Road Adventure Park
Sandlot Off-Road Adventure Park features lots of different trails, from single-tracks to professionally designed motocross tracks, mud bogs, and lots of fun spots. There’s even a designated play area for mud lovers riding Jeeps and ATVs.
You can stay in the park on its huge campground with various amenities, including shower rooms, a spray wash station, and an on-site store for any last-minute repair needs.
But Sandlot isn’t just for off-road riding, although that’s a significant part of the attraction. There are four themed paintball courses on the premises, an amphitheater for live concerts, and even a water park with white sandy beaches.
You can think of Sandlot Off-Road Adventure Park as an outdoor park for any interest. They open five days a week, but these times will be subject to seasonal demand.
Prices range from $15 per person as a spectator, passenger in an ATV, and for beach access, while for ATVs, you’ll need to pay $25 for a day pass. However, bear in mind that this gets you access to Florida’s “largest and most epic off-road park.”
6. Ocala National Forest
Florida’s national forests are a paradise for ATV riders, and Ocala is no exception. You’ll have to travel just north of Orlando for its trailheads, but it does have some of the best ATV trails in Florida, with a network of six different trail loops making up 200 miles of riding.
You’ll find tall trees and sandy terrain on these wide tracks, and some of them take you through the Big Scrub ecosystem, a globally imperiled environment that is both awe-inspiring and thought-provoking.
Find detailed information on each trail system, the best trailheads depending on your vehicle, campground, and pass/permit information on the USDA website. We highly recommend the Ocala Adventure Trail, a 47-mile loop passing through one of the world’s most extensive sand shrub pine forests.
7. Withlacoochee State Forest
Close to Cape Canaveral, Withlacoochee State Forest cover over 2,600 acres of off-road land open to ATVs and off-road vehicles. Within it, you’ll find some of the best Florida off road trails at the Croom Motorcycle Area, with routes ranging from basic to challenging and terrain, including hardwood hammocks, scrub, and pits, which are remnants of old mining operations.
Croom Motorcycle Area has its own campground for staying overnight, and there are other accommodation options around.
Withlacoochee State Forest is one of the “10 Coolest Places You’ve Never Been in North America” and has lots more to offer, including amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. Discover bald eagles, foxes, squirrels, gopher tortoises, white-tailed deers, and more.
8. Big Cypress National Preserve
The closest big ATV riding area to Miami is definitely the Big Cypress National Preserve. However, although there are many trails to ride on, they are mostly designated for private property access or to ride to specifically designated activity areas for hunting, fishing, camping, or observing wildlife.
This means there are no mudding areas or designated trails for the exclusive use of ATV riders to practice skills. However, you can off-road here at a slower pace and enjoy the incredible natural surroundings.
Designated trails can be found here, and information on permits and what’s allowed is all here.
9. Osceola National Forest
Within Osceola National Forest, you’ll find a good number of old forest service roads that are opened to all types of motorized vehicles and allow for some excellent ATV riding. Conditions can often be waterlogged, so be ready for mud and swamps!
This riding area is not defined as others where you’d have a designated car park or staging area. Instead, park on the side of Mount Carrie Road and carry on to the trails from there. Alternatively, you can stay at Wiggins or Seventeen Mile Campground, offering direct trail access and primitive camping pitches.
The great thing about Osceola National Forest is there is no need to pay for a day pass. However, you need to have a trail permit to ride here. Make sure you download the motor vehicle use map from the USDA website showing where you can ride and enjoy the trails!
Conclusion – ATV Riding in Miami
What are the 9 best ATV trails in Miami? To summarize, here they are once more:
- Apalachicola National Forest
- Miami Motocross Park
- Lazy Springs Recreation Park
- Redneck Mud Park
- Sandlot Off-Road Adventure Park
- Ocala National Forest
- Withlacoochee State Forest
- Big Cypress National Preserve
- Osceola National Forest
The best ATV riding in Florida is in its national forests and parks, which are a bit of a drive from Miami but offer a great variety of scenery and the opportunity to explore wildlife and a wide range of outdoor activities alongside great ATV trails.
Some of Florida’s finest off-road parks are also definitely worth the detour, impressive in what they offer and the range of amenities on site. Whichever way you choose to go, ATVs are welcome in the Sunshine State, and there are many places to put them to great – if mostly muddy – use!
Kris is an avid off-roader and outdoor enthusiast who loves to brave the elements and take on challenging terrain. He also enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with others so that they, too, can appreciate the ride.
About Kris