St. Sebastian RiverPreserve State Park - Florida |
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.
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Brochure of St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park in Florida - a wildlife haven along the St. Sebastian River. Published by Florida State Parks.
Camping and Cabins Guide brochure.
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