Free to access and managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District, Bayard Conservation Area sits within a stretch of pine forest, hammock, and marsh outside Green Cove Springs for camping near Green Cove Springs. Campsites sit a few miles from the parking area and require hiking in. Each site includes a fire ring with cooking grates and a picnic table, and the river-view site puts campers directly alongside the water. Finding dry firewood on-site can be difficult, as much of the available wood runs green. Wildlife sightings along the trail, including deer, otter, osprey, and wild pigs, are well-documented by visitors. Bring your own dry wood and a reliable trail map, as portions of the blazed route have been rerouted around washed-out sections.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBayard Conservation Area is located in Florida near Green Cove Springs
Directions
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.
Coordinates
29.96072471848937 N
81.6319126468114 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user- VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Bayard Conservation Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 35 min from Jacksonville, FL
- 59 min from Gainesville, FL
- 1 hr 29 min from Ocala, FL
- 1 hr 30 min from Deltona, FL
