J.P. Hall Bayard Point Conservation Area

About this property

This conservation area’s importance is magnified by its closeness to the St. Johns River and the Jacksonville metropolitan area. Its riverine bottomland hardwoods, pine flatwoods and sandhill communities protect approximately seven miles of the St. Johns River, which borders the east side of the property. In addition, the property provides storage of flood waters and preserves water and natural resources in the Lower St. Johns River Basin.

One of the special highlights of this property is its two campsites within area 1 in the northern section of the property. Both are special spots. The Hammock campground is tucked back into the flatwoods with an ephemeral stream directly to the east of the camp site. The Riverside campsite is located directly along the St. Johns River with fantastic views of the cypress trees that flank the banks of the river. The Riverside campsite and the trail leading to it can be wet due to seasonal flooding.

Access

Entrances and parking are near Green Cove Springs. For details and to get driving directions from your location, see the Google Maps link on this page.

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 diversity of natural systems provides habitat and feeding areas for a wide variety of species, including gopher tortoise, Florida black bear, bald eagle, little blue heron, eastern indigo snake, deer and turkey. Woodland birds, such as warblers and woodpeckers, are frequently spotted.

Recreational activities
  1. Bank fishing, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, primitive camping at designated sites and wildlife viewing.
  2. Seasonal hunting on areas 2, 3 and 4.
  3. Boating and canoeing opportunities are available on the St. Johns River, and the property is accessible by water; however, there are no launches located on the property.
  4. Geocache located on property. Please visit our geocache database for more information.