The District’s J.P. Hall Bayard Point Conservation Area in Clay County.

Discover an untouched Florida riverfront while exploring J.P. Hall Bayard Point Conservation Area, one of many St. Johns River Water Management District lands. Tucked away on the western bank of the St. Johns River, only minutes outside Jacksonville, the property offers over 10,000 acres to experience the beauty and tranquility of a piece of old Florida while hiking, biking or horseback riding.

“In addition to having pretty much every recreational use that you can have on District land, the J.P. Hall Bayard Point Conservation Area features the only uplands observation tower in the north region of the District’s purview,” says Land Manager Tyler Mosteller. “The tower overlooks one of the densest and largest populations of Bartram Ixia, a rare endemic state-endangered wildflower that blooms late spring through mid-summer.”

The conservation area provides storage for flood waters and preserves water and natural resources in the Lower St. Johns River Basin. The District buys land in the course of its work to protect and preserve water resources. In addition, these lands protect plant and wildlife habitat and provide areas for public recreation and environmental education.

With the cooler months rolling in, J.P. Hall Bayard Point Conservation Area is a prime destination for wildlife viewing. Visitors may see bald eagles, gopher tortoises, woodland birds, eastern indigo snakes, deer and turkeys. Seasonal hunting is permitted in specified areas. Overnight adventures can be had at the primitive, first come/first served camping sites, one located directly along the St. Johns River and the other tucked back into the flatwoods. Another group campsite can be reserved online at www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreaton/camping.

Plan a visit to J.P. Hall Bayard Point Conservation Area today! Visit our online recreation guide for a property map, driving directions and more: www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/bayard