Fort Meade is the oldest city in Polk County, dating back to 1849 when a settlement grew up around a U.S. Cavalry Fort during the Seminole Indian Wars.
Recreation in the form of fishing, hunting, bicycling or walking on nature trails is plentiful in Fort Meade. The City maintains several parks, the largest of which is the Fort Meade Recreational Area, where visitors can launch a canoe or kayak on the Peace River, fish, use one of the picnic tables, pavilions or barbeque grills, or enjoy a quiet walk in the 120 acre wooded area. We also offer group overnight camping. The oak trees in this park, as well as those within the City, are often over 100 years old.
Peace River, Ft Meade
Ft Meade City Administration
Ft Meade Community Information
Ft Meade Historic Museum
Local Paddling Outfitters:
Nearest rentals Canoe Outpost Arcadia
Other Things to do:
Ft Meade Historical Museum
Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area
Places to Stay:
Stanford Inn, 555 E Stanford St, Bartow, 863-533-2393
Stay Inn & Suites, 1035 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, 863-533-0711
Camping:
Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area Call Community Center 863-285-1111 Primitive camping (no hook ups but RVs are welcomed) with restrooms and faucet water
American Legion for RVs 285-7595 or 559-0701
Hammock Lake for RVs 285-9560
Places to Eat:
Broadway Cafe Open M-F for breakfast & lunch 863-285-8253
Classic Pizza Open M-F for lunch and dinner 863-285-6411
Hungry Howie Pizza and Subs Open everyday for lunch and dinner late 863-285-6200
John's Miner's Den Drive-In Open everyday for 3 meals until 9 p.m. 863-285-9680
Double R & R Open M-F for breakfast and lunch 863-285-9984
Taco Express Open M-S for lunch and dinner huge portions! 863-285-9900
