Upper St John's River Marsh Wildlife Management Area park
Upper St John's River Marsh Wildlife Management Area
1. Reasons to Visit:
- Biodiversity: The USJRMWMA is home to a rich array of wildlife, including over 200 species of birds, numerous reptiles and amphibians, and rare plant species. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy observing and photographing the diverse flora and fauna.
- Outdoor Activities: The management area offers various recreational activities, such as hiking, nature walks, birdwatching, fishing, boating, and hunting (in designated areas and during specific times). These activities provide visitors with opportunities to explore and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.
- Ecosystem Preservation: The USJRMWMA plays a crucial role in conserving and protecting the ecologically important St. John's River Marsh ecosystem, which supports a wide range of plant and animal life.
2. Points of Interest:
- St. John's River: The management area is intersected by the iconic St. John's River, which is one of the longest rivers in Florida. Visitors can enjoy boating and fishing in the river's calm waters while admiring the scenic beauty.
- Stick Marsh: Also known as the Farm 13/Stick Marsh, this 6,500-acre impoundment within the management area is a popular fishing spot. It is renowned for its trophy-sized bass and attracts anglers from near and far.
- Hiking Trails: The USJRMWMA features several hiking trails that showcase the region's unique habitats, including wetlands, marshes, and pine flatwoods. These trails provide opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy the area's natural scenery.
3. Interesting Facts:
- The USJRMWMA serves as an important stopover for migratory birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds, during their annual journeys.
- The management area is also known for its alligator population, offering visitors a chance to see these impressive reptiles in their natural habitat.
- The USJRMWMA is part of the larger Upper St. Johns River Basin Project, which aims to restore and manage the river's natural resources, improve water quality, and provide flood control.
4. Best Time of Year to Visit:
The USJRMWMA can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the best time to visit largely depends on personal interests and activities. Birdwatching enthusiasts may prefer visiting during the fall and winter months when migratory birds are present. Fishing and boating activities are popular year-round, but the weather during the spring and autumn seasons tends to be more pleasant. It is advisable to check the specific seasonal regulations, such as hunting seasons, as they may affect visitation during certain times of the year.
Please note that it is always recommended to verify the information provided here by referring to official sources or contacting the Upper St. John's River Marsh Wildlife Management Area directly for the most accurate and up-to-date details.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- 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 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.
- 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.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Upper St John's River Marsh Wildlife Management Area, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middleton Fish Camp | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Donald Macdonald Campgrounds | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Upper St John's River Marsh Wildlife Management Area as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Upper St John's River Marsh Wildlife Management Area
What can I do at Upper St John's River Marsh Wildlife Management Area?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Upper St John's River Marsh Wildlife Management Area?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Upper St John's River Marsh Wildlife Management Area.