Lake Shipp Park in Winter Haven is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Looking for a peaceful picnic spot, exciting water activities, or just a place to enjoy nature? This local favorite has it all - without the fuss. Stay tuned as this guide walks you through the park’s offerings, ensuring your visit is both enjoyable and memorable.
Lake Shipp Park offers a multitude of recreational activities including boating, jet skiing, fishing, and a playground for kids, making it a great destination for family fun and nature enthusiasts.
The park is home to diverse wildlife and provides scenic views that are perfect for photographers and birdwatchers, plus it’s part of the Chain of Lakes, offering further exploration opportunities.
Visitors to Lake Shipp Park can also enjoy amenities like picnic areas, a boat ramp, and fishing pier, but remember there’s a fee for some activities and facilities like pavilion rental and fishing tournaments.
Nestled in the delightful city of Winter Haven, Lake Shipp Park offers visitors:
A gateway to nature’s wonder
Lake Shipp, a freshwater lake known for its unique near-round shape and expansive 276-acre surface area
A concrete boat ramp, facilitating easy access for all sorts of aquatic adventures.
Boasting a lively lakeside ambiance and a variety of amenities, Roe Park, located on the west side, caters to all tastes. Some of its features include:
A dock
Birdwatching spots
A playground
Picnic areas
Its beauty and family-oriented atmosphere are well-loved by many, and its almost completely round shape as a host for bass tournaments marks it as a favored spot among fishing enthusiasts.
Lake Shipp Park is brimming with amenities that enhance your visit’s enjoyment. It houses a playground, fishing pier, boat ramp, and picnic areas, fostering a fun and relaxing environment. Supplementary facilities include restrooms, bench swings, and a rentable covered pavilion for events. To keep the park tidy and pleasant, trash cans are strategically placed throughout the area.
Open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the park offers the following amenities:
Boat ramp, attracting boating enthusiasts
Fishing pier, with specific regulations for an excellent fishing experience
Scenic backdrop of the lake’s distinct round shape
Plenty of parking
Come visit the park for a day filled with adventure and fun.
Lake Shipp Park’s playground promises a universe of fun for kids. The playground equipment, meticulously designed for safety, features:
Suitable ground covering to minimize injury risks from falls
Well-spaced equipment for effortless supervision
Regular maintenance to ensure a secure play area
Moreover, the playground caters to children of all ages with areas specifically designed for different age groups, ensuring a safe and enjoyable time for everyone. Hence, families are drawn to Lake Shipp Park, a locale where fun seamlessly blends with safety.
Fishing enthusiasts will find the park’s fishing pier to be an absolute delight. Positioned near a small playground and reachable through an elevated boardwalk, the pier provides an ideal spot for a rewarding fishing session. The boat ramp, equipped with a launch point and a dock, facilitates easy lake access for boaters, offering both paid and free parking options.
Take note that a day-use fee applies for the fishing pier and boat ramp. Additionally, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission deems the sport fisheries at Lake Shipp Park as good, promising a quality fishing experience. With species ranging from pumpkinseed to largemouth bass, the thrill of the unknown catch awaits you.
Lake Shipp Park serves as an ideal location for a picnic. Thirteen designated picnic areas, complete with tables and a covered area, provide a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy meals with loved ones amidst nature. Facilities like:
Bathrooms
Launch points
Drinking water availability
Food options
Having at least trash cans around, especially those with a completely round shape, will enhance the convenience, making your picnic experience all the more delightful, just as people preach.
Although BBQ facilities are absent, the park’s picnic areas provide ample space to spread out a picnic blanket and relish a classic sandwich lunch. The presence of both free and paid parking options and year-round accessible restrooms ensures a pleasant picnic experience at Lake Shipp Park.
Lake Shipp Park constantly showcases nature’s splendor. The park shelters a wide variety of wildlife. Whether it’s birds and squirrels playfully darting under the oak and cypress trees or rare and endangered species like the Florida black bear and the Eastern indigo snake, fascinating sights are ever-present.
Notably, the birdwatching opportunities are impressive, featuring species from the majestic Black Vulture to the vibrant Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Beyond the wildlife, the park’s breathtaking lake views and lush greenery make it an ideal spot for photographers or those seeking a serene nature retreat.
For water sports enthusiasts, Lake Shipp Park is a haven. The park facilitates a range of aquatic activities like boating, jet skiing, and fishing. Regardless of your proficiency level, whether you’re an experienced enthusiast or a novice eager to try something new, there’s an activity for everyone.
The lake accommodates various types of watercraft at the boat launch, including:
powerboats
sailboats
kayaks
canoes
Ensure to abide by the park’s guidelines while navigating the waterways and prioritize safety at all times. Given the lake’s distinct shape and tranquil waters, boating and jet skiing at Lake Shipp Park offer an unforgettable experience.
For a rush of adrenaline, indulge in boating and jet skiing on Lake Shipp. Accessible to the public, the park’s boat ramp is conveniently located at 1651 Lake Ship Drive in Winter Haven, Florida. Its rugged entrance and limited parking make it an ideal spot for thrill-seekers.
However, safety should always be your top priority. Whether you’re zipping across the water on jet skis or leisurely cruising in a sailboat, ensure to check your safety gear before embarking, routinely inspect your craft’s motor and exterior, and don a life vest. With these precautions, you’re prepared for an exhilarating day on the water.
For angling enthusiasts, Lake Shipp presents outstanding fishing prospects. With a diverse range of species from pumpkinseed to largemouth bass, there’s an array of fish to catch. Optimal fishing times lie in spring and fall, particularly between 12-1 AM and 5-7 PM. As different species necessitate various techniques, whether you’re trolling for bluegill or using black weedless jigs for bass, an exciting fishing experience is assured.
While fishing, adhere to the park’s rules and regulations. Here are some important guidelines to follow:
There’s no minimum length, but you’re allowed to keep only one bass that’s 16 inches or larger.
Each angler is responsible for monitoring their own bag limit.
These regulations not only promote fair fishing but also aid in preserving the lake’s delicate ecosystem.
Beyond being a recreational hotspot, Lake Shipp plays a significant role in the local ecosystem. Authorities closely monitor the lake’s water quality and environmental health. Parameters like water clarity and oxygen levels are evaluated to guarantee a hospitable environment for the lake’s aquatic life.
Conservation efforts extend further. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection implements the Impaired Waters Rule to ensure water bodies, like Lake Shipp, meet their intended uses. This rule is vital in recognizing waters that do not meet quality standards and in determining necessary remediation steps.
A distinctive feature of Lake Shipp Park is its connection to Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes. This interlinked waterway system, encompassing 50 lakes within or around the city, presents boundless exploration and adventure possibilities.
Whether you favor boating across the lakes or just soaking in their scenic views, the Chain of Lakes provides a unique experience for each visitor. Remember to respect the boating rules on the Chain of Lakes, such as maintaining a minimum distance of 100 feet from divers and using navigation lights from sunset to sunrise.
Your adventure at Lake Shipp Park isn’t confined to the park’s boundaries. Winter Haven brims with a myriad of attractions and activities to enhance your visit. Some of the highlights include:
The Artcade
Genesis Zoology Center
Pharaoh’s Revenge
Winter Haven Farmers Market
With these offerings, you’ll certainly discover something captivating.
When it’s time to recharge, Winter Haven provides ample options. Top-rated eateries such as Agape Agora Trattoria & Marketplace, Nutwood, and Fire are conveniently located nearby. Post a satisfying meal, consider a leisurely walk around historical sites like Chain of Lakes Park, Auburndale Speedway, or The Wonder House. Alternatively, explore the hiking trails near Lake Shipp Park for an additional touch of nature.
Organizing your visit to Lake Shipp Park is straightforward. The park operates daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, affording you plenty of time to relish all its offerings. Accessibility is also hassle-free, with the closest bus stop for public transportation merely a short stroll away.
Although entry to the park incurs a fee, the cost is contingent on your activities. For example, pavilion rental is $2,000 per day or $50 per hour, and participation in a fishing tournament ranges from $20 per person to $100 per boat. The availability of both free and ample parking options further adds to the convenience.
We look forward to hearing about your Lake Shipp Park visit. Each experience, whether it involves birdwatching, playing on the playground, or picnicking, is unique and worth sharing. Weekdays provide a serene getaway, while weekends buzz with energetic bass tournaments and a lively community ambiance.
Preserve your memories and share them globally. Be it a breathtaking lake sunset, a candid shot of your children at play, or a picture of your catch, your photographs can motivate others to visit. Remember to share your experiences on the Water Atlas website or join the chain of lakes boaters’ Facebook group to connect with like-minded enthusiasts.
In conclusion, Lake Shipp Park offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and community spirit. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an avid angler, or just someone seeking a peaceful retreat, the park’s serene waters, abundant wildlife, and welcoming atmosphere provide a perfect escape. So why wait? Plan your visit, immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Lake Shipp Park, and let the adventures begin!
The best time to visit Lake Shipp Park is during its operating hours, from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore and enjoy the park.
You can enjoy boating, jet skiing, fishing, birdwatching, and picnicking at Lake Shipp Park. So, there's something for everyone!
Yes, you can bring your boat or jet ski to Lake Shipp Park, as the park allows all types of watercraft.
You can expect to see a diverse array of wildlife at Lake Shipp Park, including birds, squirrels, the Florida black bear, and the Eastern indigo snake. So, keep your eyes peeled for these fascinating creatures!
Yes, there are designated picnic areas at Lake Shipp Park with tables and a covered area, but no BBQ facilities are available.
407-575-5392
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DBA Morris & Co
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BK 3146762
16797 Broadwater Avenue
Winter Garden, Florida 34787
