Where Creek Meets River: Discover Deep Creek Conservation Area
Quiet waterways, sweeping floodplains and open pine flatwoods define Deep Creek Conservation Area, a landscape shaped by the natural flow of Deep Creek as it joins the St. Johns River.
Made up of two tracts, Deep Creek North and South, this conservation area protects more than 5,600 acres of wetlands and uplands that support water quality, wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation. Much of the property consists of floodplain swamp, with higher elevations dominated by pine flatwoods. The Deep Creek North tract includes frontage along the St. Johns River and preserves the final stretch of Deep Creek before it flows into the river, maintaining a vital connection between land and water.
The South tract, located just north of Hastings, a rural community in southwest St. Johns County, showcases the power of restoration. Former agricultural fields are being returned to natural conditions, and a large, constructed treatment wetland now helps remove nutrients from surrounding waters while providing habitat for birds and other wildlife such as bobcats, opossums and white-tailed deer.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, photography and wildlife viewing throughout the area. There are no boat launches on the property; however, visitors can access Deep Creek from the State Road 207 bridge or from the St. Johns River for fishing, boating and paddling opportunities. Limited seasonal hunting is also permitted; for details and regulations, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website at myFWC.com.
Birding and wildlife viewing are some of the area’s greatest attractions. At the South tract, for example, visitors frequently see great blue herons, anhingas, double-crested cormorants, tri-colored herons and flocks of red-winged blackbirds and boat-tailed grackles. White-tailed deer and wild turkey are often spotted in the pine flatwoods near County Road 13.
Plan your visit to Deep Creek Conservation Area and experience a landscape where restoration, river protection and recreation come together. Whether you’re paddling the creek, walking the flatwoods or watching birds rise from the wetlands, Deep Creek offers a peaceful connection to Florida’s living floodplain.
Visit our online recreation guide for property details, trail maps, and more: Deep Creek Conservation Area – SJRWMD
