Canaveral Marshes Conservation Area

About this property

This conservation area was acquired to help protect the St. Johns River floodplain. The river’s elevation drops an average of only one foot per 5 miles on this property, which includes approximately 20 to 25 miles of river shoreline. The low gradient and large floodplain allow the St. Johns River to function as a water storage area, serving as a natural regulator during high and low water stages. The conservation area is nestled among other public lands, including the Tosohatchee State Reserve to the south and west, Seminole Ranch Conservation Area and the St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge to the north, and the River Lakes Conservation Area to the south.

One of the special highlights of this property is its incredibly scenic vistas across thousands of acres of open, nearly treeless marsh. There are a few shelters accessible by boat along the river that are very popular with air-boaters. Huge alligators and bountiful wading birds can be seen in on this property.

Wildlife viewing

Please respect Florida’s wildlife and use caution while visiting district lands. These are wild animals. For your safety, do not approach or feed any wild animal. The marshes provide habitat for a diverse population of fish and wildlife, including numerous migratory and resident wading birds and waterfowl, alligators and many listed species.

Recreational activities
  1. Fishing, hiking, bicycling, canoeing, boating and wildlife viewing.
  2. Boating and canoeing opportunities are available on the St. Johns River via adjacent county boat ramps.
  3. Geocache located on property. Please visit our geocache database for more information.
Access

Access is from State Road 520 at the Leroy Wright Recreation Area, the State Road 50 boat ramp owned by Orange County, or the parking area located on SR 50. For details and to get driving directions from your location, see the Google Maps link on this page.