Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner    -    James R. Karels, Director
Tiger Bay
State Forest:
• Map: TBSF (pdf, 971k)
• Map: TBSF Trailwalker Trails (pdf, 477k)
• Map: TBSF Trailtrotter Trails (pdf, 520k)
Links:
• Tiger Bay SF (SJRWMD)
• Wildlife Management Areas
- Tiger Bay
- Rima Ridge Unit

State Forests:
• Find a State Forest
• Fees and Information
• Recreation Programs
• Recreation At-A-Glance
• Recreation Guide (pdf, 5M)
• State Forests Brochure (pdf, 623k )
• Volunteer Opportunities
‘Nicole's Law’ for state forest equestrian riders under 16 years of age.
Campers- help ensure the health the Florida's forests. Use firewood from the area where you plan to burn it: More Tips
Friends of Florida State Forests, Inc
Protect forests for the future with Friends of Florida State Forests
Wetland restoration is an integral part of the Division of Forestry’s management of state forest resources. More
Resource Management Plans guide management activities on state forests. More.
Big Shoals map
Total Acreage: 27,395
Counties: Volusia

Tiger Bay State Forest

Tiger Bay State Forest consists of large areas of swamp with embedded pine islands and a large pine ridge area. The purchase of this forest began in 1977 under the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program, with additional acquisitions made in 1994 and 1998. Tiger Bay State Forest is located among several publicly owned lands which create wildlife corridors for species listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern. Roaming habitat is available for the Florida black bear as well as potential nesting and foraging area for the bald eagle.

Tiger Bay State Forest was severely impacted by the 1998 Summer Wildfire Firestorm. Approximately 15,000 acres of the forest were burned during these catastrophic wildfires. Restoration included extensive salvage timber removal and reforestation efforts have been completed.

Location

Tiger Bay State Forest is located in the central section of Volusia County, approximately 7 miles west of Daytona Beach, Florida. The forest extends north and south of US Highway 92.
Three forest access points are located off of US Highway 92:
  • To access the Rima Ridge Tract, go 4 miles west of the I-95/US 92 interchange on US 92 and turn north (right) onto Indian Lake Road for approximately 1 3/4 miles, this road takes you into the forest;
  • The South Entrance leading to Rattlesnake Pond is 6 miles west of I-95/US 92 interchange on US 92, the entrance is on the south (left) side of the road;
  • The North Entrance is 7 miles west of the I-95/US 92 interchange on US 92, the entrance is on the north (right) side of the road. Access to the Rima Ridge Tract is also available by taking SR 40 approximately 5 miles west of I-95, the entrance is on the left side of the road. Tiger Bay State Forest office headquarters is located on the north side of US Highway 92, one-half mile west of the South entrance. Parking for horse trailers is available at the headquarters.

Natural Features

Photo of wetland in Tiger Bay State Forest.
PHOTO: Wetlands in Tiger Bay State Forest.
Tiger Bay State Forest was named after its largest physiographic feature, Tiger Bay, an extensive wetland that provides a critical aquifer recharge for the local area. Pine islands are dotted throughout the extensive hydric swamp forest and comprise 40% of the property. Also found on the forest are two lakes, Indian Lake and Scoggin Lake, and several ponds. Coon Pond is a natural water body, while Rattlesnake Pond, Woody Pond, and Ranch Pond are man-made ponds that are available to the public for fishing. Three additional unnamed man-made ponds are also located on the forest.

Recreation

Trailtrotter logo Trailtrotter Program Explore the forest on horseback
Logo for Trailwalker program.
Trailwalker Hiking Program

Recreational activities include hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, picnicking, boating, fishing, hunting, nature study and photography. Horseback riding and bicycling are allowed on forest roads designated for their use only. Tiger Bay State Forest contains 1 hiking trail (Buncombe) in the Florida Division of Forestry's Trailwalker Hiking Program and 1 equestrian trail (Rima Ridge) in the Division’s TrailTrotter Program.

There are two primitive camping areas on Tiger Bay State Forest.  An equestrian campground has been added to the Rima Ridge Tract with four primitive campsites, four small horse corrals (16’ x 16’ each), and a non-potable water supply. Contact Tiger Bay State Forest to obtain State Forest Use Permits for either of the primitive camping areas.

Tiger Bay State Forest is managed as a Wildlife Management Area by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Indian Lake and Rattlesnake Pond are open for fishing and small boat use. Hunting for whitetail deer, hogs, and small game is permitted during designated seasons.

Wildlife Management Areas

In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida's forest resources, the Division of Forestry has developed rules which apply to all State Forest visitors. Find out more about state forest fees and rules.

Trails

Campsites

Other
Hike
Bike
Horse
Canoe
Camp
sites
with
Electric
Leashed Pets OK
More Activities
checkmark
Nature
Trail
none
checkmark
checkmark
checkmark
Primitive*
Youth Groups
none
checkmark
Picnicking, Fishing (boat ramp), Hunting
* State Forest Use Permit Required
Photo of a Prickly Pear cactus in bloom.
PHOTO: Prickly Pear Cactus in bloom.

Contact Us

  • Division of Forestry
    Tiger Bay State Forest
    4316 W. International Speedway Blvd.
    Daytona Beach, FL 32124
    Telephone: 386/ 226-0250 or
    Email Tiger Bay State Forest
Division of Forestry Shield
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Download Document Viewers