St. Sebastian River

St. Sebastian River PSP https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/st-sebastian-river-preserve-state-park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Sebastian_River_Preserve_State_Park St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park is located three miles north of Fellsmere. This park preserves open grassy forests of longleaf pine that were once commonplace throughout Florida. Photographers, bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts can explore miles of trails on foot, bicycle or horseback. Canoeing, boating and fishing on the St. Sebastian River are popular activities. Launching facilities are available outside the preserve at Dale Wimbrow Park. Several private ramps are available along the St. Sebastian River and at a canoe launch north of County Road 512.

ST. SEBASTIAN RIVER PRESERVE STATE PARK HISTORY AND NATURE During the Second Seminole War, the Hernandez-Capron Trail was built to link St. Augustine with Fort Pierce at St. Lucie. After the war, the new road allowed settlers to move into the Brevard/Indian River area. Ranchers used the road to move cattle until the 1970s. Around 1889, the Herndon family settled this land. Their homestead was burned in the early 1940s. Sometime after 1895, the Carlton family built a home in the area. That was destroyed in the 1930s. Other families have built homesteads here, but none remain. The land has been used for growing citrus, ranching, turpentining and logging. The state began acquiring land in 1995. Today, the preserve totals almost 22,000 acres. St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park protects the open grassy forests of Longleaf pine, wiregrass and saw palmetto that were once commonplace throughout Florida. The pine flatwoods form a backdrop for other biological communities, including cypress domes, scrubby flatwoods, scrub, sandhills and a beautiful strand swamp. These habitats are home to many native plants and animals, including more than 74 protected species. A forest of red, black and white mangroves borders the St. Sebastian River. A number of rare plants, including several lilies, occur naturally. 1000 Buffer Preserve Drive Fellsmere, Florida 32948 321-953-5005 PARK GUIDELINES • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. Call for visitor center hours. • All plants, animals and park property are protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited. • Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a handheld leash no longer than six feet and well-behaved at all times. • Fishing, boating and fires are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required. • For camping information and reservations, call 321-953-5005 or 321-953-5004. • Horses must have proof of a negative Coggins test. • To become a volunteer, please inquire at the visitor center. • For information about joining the park’s citizen support organization, visit FloridaStateParks.org/ St.SebastianCSO or call 321-953-5004. • Florida state parks are committed to providing equal access for visitors to all facilities and programs. If you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the administration office. Visit us online at FloridaStateParks.org Follow us on social media FloridaStateParks.org #FLStateParks ST. SEBASTIAN RIVER PRESERVE STATE PARK Wildlife haven along the St. Sebastian River St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES N W The north entrance for the visitor center and Manatee Overlook is off Babcock St. (County Rd. 507) just north of the C-54 Canal. Exit I-95 at County Rd. 512 to reach County Rd. 507. The south entrance is off Fellsmere Rd. (County Rd. 512) 1.8 miles east of I-95. E S Horse Water r Pine Camp Storytelling Camp Corral Cow Camp R i ve Northwest Quadrant Green Trail - 9 miles RCW Link 2.3 miles North Prong Spur 1.7 miles ast i an Northeast Quadrant Yellow Trail 9.7 miles Indian River Horseman’s Manatee Headquarters Overlook Camp Deer Link .S eb West Indian manatees gather in the C-54 canal from November through March. Other wildlife viewing includes deer, coyotes, bobcats, wild turkeys, eastern indigo snakes and gopher tortoises. Photographers, bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts can explore up to 60 miles of wilderness trails on foot, fat-tire bicycle or horseback. Canoeing and boating on the St. Sebastian River are popular activities. Launching facilities are available outside the preserve. Fishing catches in the brackish waters of the St. Sebastian River include tarpon, snook, bass and mullet. Enjoy a picnic at one Legend of the three picnic areas within the park. Facilities include covered pavilions, picnic tables and grills. Park Boundary Directions St St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Many species of birds use the preserve during migration, including swallow-tailed kites, hawks, hummingbirds and robins. The most popular birds are red-cockaded woodpeckers, Florida scrub jays, Bachman’s sparrows, sandhill cranes, wood storks, southern bald eagles and American kestrels. Stop by the Visitor Center for bird lists, trail maps and exhibits about the park. Turkey Link 1.0 mile Office Horse Water C-54 Canal County Nine primitive hike-in, tent camping only areas areRoad available by reservation. Four sites are locatedPark onRoad Paved the north side and five on the south side. All sites are Park Road Stabilized primitive with no potable water, electric or restroom facilities and “leave no trace” ethics apply. TwoPark Road Unstabilized equestrian camp areas can accommodate groups Hiking up to 20 people and include facilites such as paddocks, Hiking/Biking/Equestrian non-potable water for horses and a pitcher pump. A campfire ring and be

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c