Parker Lakes is a master-planned community featuring condos, townhomes, and villas nestled within its scenic lake-and-fountain environment. Enjoy low HOA fees & no CDD tax!
This easy hike of three three-mile round trip starts by strolling through an aromatic sagebrush scrub and ends at Parker Lake under towering Parker Peak, offering views of light blue Parker Lake below its waters. Along the way, keep an eye out for desert paintbrush, mountain mule ears, and phlox blooming along its banks.
Fishing
Parker Lakes is a 230-acre community featuring 11 distinctive neighborhoods connected by picturesque lakes that provide alluring views throughout. Situated close to Gulf beaches and local amenities such as Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center, public library, shopping, hospital, schools, parks, homes, villas and townhouses with low HOA fees that boast excellent amenities including lap pool/spa/hot tub/clubhouse amenities (such as tennis, playground/BBQ pavilion – picnic pavilion/BBQ area/BBQ grill area etc), outdoor racquetball/pickleball/walking trails/biking trails/fishing pier etc).
Parker Dam State Park Lake provides excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted trout, and panfish. In 2019, a spring fyke net survey demonstrated that northern pike populations are stable; largemouth and smallmouth bass populations are also balanced across both species of bass; it also serves as an extremely popular winter fishery due to its abundance of panfish as well as mountainous terrain that creates ideal ice conditions during January and February.
Lake Parker is one of Polk County’s premier recreational boating lakes due to its deep waters, average depth of five feet, and outstanding Florida largemouth bass fishing opportunities. Anglers find most success fishing along docks or brush piles during afternoon sessions using chicken liver, shad, or stink bait baits – these all make great fish catchers!
The lake is managed as a community fishing lake and is annually stocked with channel catfish. A special panfish regulation was implemented in 2016, which has improved bluegill size structure and average length, creating an exceptional bluegill fishing experience for anglers of all types. Furthermore, recreational boating, swimming, and camping are prevalent activities on or near its waters.
Boating
Parker Lakes is a 230-acre master-planned community featuring picturesque lakes in 11 distinctive neighborhoods and breathtaking natural beauty. This gated community offers single-family homes, coach homes, and condos at low HOA fees with access to sports parks, heated pools, clubhouses, gyms, fitness centers, lap pools, tennis courts children’s playground, a fishing pier pavilion, eight pickleball courts for residents’ use.
Lake Parker provides residents with an ideal setting for swimming, fishing, picnicking, and boating activities. It has an average depth of 12 feet with a maximum depth reaching 36 feet. It is home to various fish species like Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Panfish; however, it should be noted that Eurasian water milfoil has had an adverse impact on this body of water.
Parker Dam will experience a five-foot drawdown for repairs to its control tower and spillway area during September for repair projects, which will remain at this level throughout this project. As precipitation permits, normal pool levels will eventually return; this may have an impact on swimming areas as well as boating and fishing; all other facilities and places of the park will remain accessible as usual to visitors.
Parker Lake provides the ideal setting for an idyllic weekend retreat, offering recreational activities like fishing, boating, kayaking, camping, and hiking. Visit its stunning public beach or spend some time at the historic Parker Dam built in 1921; all this near Fort Myers beaches as well as Lee Health’s Healthpark Medical Center and Golisano Children’s Hospital – making Parker Lake an excellent weekend escape!
Hiking
Parker Lake Trail offers stunning scenery while remaining manageable for most hikers. At just over three miles round trip and with elevation gains of nearly 600 feet from its parking area, this out-and-back trail covers approximately 3.6 miles round trip and makes an outbound journey with stunning vistas along its route through shadeless chaparral, pine forest, and finally reaching calm, blue waters of June Lake Loop – making this hike a favorite fishing spot!
The trail is well maintained and can be hiked year-round; however, for optimal wildflower viewing and fall color viewing, it’s recommended to visit during late spring/early summer and autumn months. Also suitable as a family hike, dogs must remain leashed when hiking this trail – while wilderness permits must be obtained annually to visit for extended stays, and there is a maximum capacity per visit at one time.
To reach the trailhead, take exit 291 off Highway 395 at the northern end of June Lake Loop (Hwy 158). Head west for approximately one mile until you reach a dirt road where the Parker Lake road sign can be seen on your left side. Be mindful that parking space may be limited.
This hike offers stunning views of Mono Lake and the surrounding high desert. While partially shaded by trees, its exposure to direct sunlight means it can get hot during midsummer. While there can be quite a bit of hiking traffic during weekdays, coming early or later could help avoid crowds. Also makes for excellent birding: look out for “eyes” on aspen trees where upper branches have fallen off to spot sage grouse!
Camping
Parker Canyon Lake in southern Arizona offers the ideal place to escape the scorching summer heat. Set over one mile high in altitude; visitors enjoy 20-degree cooler temps and one of the region’s highest rainfall amounts. Plus, its shore features a small concession store that stocks last-minute supplies such as boat rentals and fishing licenses – perfect for quick getaways from Arizona’s oppressive heat!
RV park and campground facilities abound at this popular getaway, including over 100 RV and tent sites within a spacious modern campground with hookups at many of them. Boaters will love having access to piers and paved boat ramps; camping enthusiasts can hike to an overlook where waterfowl are known to gather overhead, while hikers may witness flocks of waterfowl soar overhead!
Parker Canyon Lake, located on 132 acres in Canelo Hills west of Huachuca City, is a popular fishing spot among both cold-water and warm-water anglers alike. Stocked with rainbow trout as well as bass, catfish, and sunfish populations, access is made easier through its paved boat ramp and fishing pier.
Hikers can traverse a five-mile lakeshore trail that circles Lake Champlain without ever getting closer than several steps from its edge, offering picturesque views of bald eagles, ospreys, and warblers en route. This peaceful spot makes an excellent spot for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
There is a group campground available for those wishing to remain together while taking in the park’s lush beauty. Picnic areas and playground equipment for kids are provided, while there is also a sand volleyball court and fenced dog area within this park.
Horseback Riding
From the days of early European settlement, horseback has long been considered the ideal way to experience this part of the country. From an afternoon ride on horseback through multi-day backcountry expeditions, horseback riding offers the perfect way to experience and appreciate Eastern Sierra’s rugged backcountry fully.
At Fort Parker State Park and Lake, past and present come together in an idyllic setting of century-old Fort Parker State Park and a natural lake. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking/biking/camping/picnicking, as well as bird and wildlife watching – it is also an ideal location for group events!
Fort Parker State Park & Rodeo provides adventurous souls with guided horseback rides during the summer at its Fort Parker State Park & Rodeo, providing visitors with a truly spectacular perspective of both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
To ensure a pleasant trail experience for all park users, all park users must practice respect and courtesy when passing horses on the trail. When passing them, pull to the downhill side if possible and speak in a calm voice so the horses recognize you as human beings; always leave ample space so as not to startle them.
In 2017, the Parker County Livestock Improvement Association and HALO for Freedom organizations received support from PCSP by purchasing sponsor tables at their fundraising galas, marching in several parades such as Weatherford Day and Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo parades, Ranch Rodeo Grand Entry at FWSSR as well as selling commemorative buckles to raise awareness for these causes.
