Pine Island Conservation Area

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pine Island Conservation Area in Florida is a beautiful natural area that is worth visiting for its unique ecosystem, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The conservation area spans over 6,000 acres and is located in the northeast part of the state. There are several reasons to visit Pine Island, including bird watching, hiking, kayaking, and fishing. The area is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, as well as other wildlife such as bobcats, alligators, and river otters.

One of the main points of interest in Pine Island Conservation Area is the Pine Island Trail, a 2.6-mile loop that takes visitors through pine forests, wetlands, and along the edge of the St. Johns River. The area also has several other trails for hiking and biking, including the Bayard Point Trail and the Bluebill Trail. In addition to the trails, visitors can kayak or canoe along the river or fish for bass, catfish, and bream.

Interesting facts about the area include that it was once used as a bombing range by the US Navy during World War II and that the conservation area is managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District. Pine Island also has several historical sites, including the Bayard Cemetery, which dates back to the 1800s.

The best time of year to visit Pine Island Conservation Area is in the fall and winter months when the weather is cooler and the mosquito population is lower. The area can get hot and humid during the summer months and insect repellent is recommended. Visitors should also be aware of the hunting season, which runs from October to January, and wear bright-colored clothing if hiking during this time.

Overall, Pine Island Conservation Area offers visitors a unique and beautiful natural setting to explore and enjoy.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks