Split Oak Forest keeps Orlando's growth edge sandy and wild
Split Oak Forest crosses the Orange-Osceola county line, where protected habitat, public trails, and a planned road project now share the same map.
Split Oak Forest lies on the Orange-Osceola county line about 16 miles south of Orlando. Both counties own it, while FWC manages the wildlife area.
Its pine woods, oak hammocks, marshes, swamps, and scrub support gopher tortoises and other native life. Marked trails let visitors move through those habitats close to the metro growth edge.
The map is still changing. In 2025, both counties signed a deal for the planned Osceola Parkway Extension. It lets the road affect 60 acres in return for 1,550 acres of added protected land and money for the area. The road and land trade are now part of the forest’s present story.
Check the current map, road-project status, closures, and visitor rules before going. State rules generally close public access from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise. Stay on marked routes, and give wildlife and work areas room.
Where to see it
Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area in Orange and Osceola counties, south of Orlando. Check FWC and county pages for access, trails, maps, closures, habitat rules, and current visitor guidance before going.
Place paths
Direct subjects and contextual connections are labeled separately so an example does not read like a local rule.
Official sources
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Split Oak Forest
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Planning Your Visit
- Osceola County - Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area
- Florida Administrative Code 68A-17.005 - Public Access
- Orange And Osceola Counties - 2025 Split Oak Agreement
Last checked against these sources: July 31, 2026.
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