Discover Lake Butler

Lake Butler is a lake covering 1,611 acres. A 2007 report gives an average depth of 14.1 feet. In the broader regional area around Lake Butler lies the Butler Chain of Lakes, a larger aquatic system. The figures for the chain as a whole refer to a different scale than the area and depth figures for Lake Butler.

Water Landscape and Historical Development

In 1985, the Butler Chain of Lakes became the first lake system in Florida to receive the “Outstanding Florida Waters” designation. The deciding factors were its water quality and wildlife habitat. A later development is documented for Lake Butler itself: in 2009, its water quality returned to its historical average; the lake was subsequently removed from the impaired waters list. Historically, the Butler Chain of Lakes was known for good water quality and good fishing, and was used extensively for recreational activities such as boating and water sports.

The Butler Chain of Lakes comprises thirteen lakes of varying sizes that flow south toward Reedy Creek, the Kissimmee River, Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. The chain also includes a total of 32 navigable canals. These figures describe the larger aquatic system, while the area and the depth reported in 2007 are individual measurements for Lake Butler.

Boat Access and Facilities

The boat ramp at R.D. Keene Park provides public access to the Butler Chain of Lakes. There is space for up to 49 vehicles and trailers. Check the ramp’s current operating status and applicable access rules before setting out. This helps you keep both access to the water and the conditions for arriving with a vehicle and trailer in mind.

R.D. Keene Park also has two soccer fields, a large covered playground and picnic areas. So, in addition to the boating area, the park’s sports, play and picnic facilities are among its specific features. These facilities are distinct from public access to the Butler Chain of Lakes: they describe the park, while the ramp information describes access to the aquatic system.

A different rule applies to the private boat ramp at Fernwood Park: residents of the Town of Windermere can launch boats onto Lake Butler from there. Use is restricted to residents of the Town. Public access to the Butler Chain of Lakes at R.D. Keene Park and the private ramp at Fernwood Park reserved for residents are therefore two distinct access options with clearly different conditions.

Habitats, Trails and Wildlife Watching

Tibet-Butler Preserve includes pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, scrubland and a bayhead swamp. These varied habitats give the area a diverse landscape: in addition to wooded areas, it includes scrubland and wetlands. More than 3 miles of hiking trails run through the preserve.

The Osprey Overlook Pavilion is located by the water and is a good place to watch wading birds such as the Wood Stork, White Ibis and Anhinga. At Tibet-Butler Preserve, the Vera Carter Environmental Center offers educational programs for young people and families about nature and trails. Birdwatching, trails and educational programs are three distinct nature-related activities that you can consider separately when choosing what interests you.

Discover more destinations: Maitland, Winter Park, Tangelo Park, Apopka, Lake Buena Vista, Ocoee, Lake Hart, Doctor Phillips

View the main travel guide: Orange.