Biking
Camping
Fishing
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Seasonal Hunting
Paddling
Lake George State Forest is part of an extensive wildlife corridor that provides a crucial habitat and roaming area for the survival of the area's Florida black bear population. Lake George State Forest is one of several publicly owned tracts of land encircling Lake George, the second-largest lake in Florida. The St. Johns River borders 3.5 miles of the forest and provides a wealth of ecologically valuable communities as well as river-based recreation. The forest contributes to water resource protection of the Lake George watershed and aquifer recharge.
Wildlife found in the forest include the bald eagle, sandhill crane, white-tailed deer, wild turkey and bobcat.
Lake George State Forest offers many recreation opportunities. Bluffton Recreation Area is located on the St. Johns River and offers fishing, picnicking and hiking on a 3/4-mile interpretive nature trail. While there is no boat ramp available, canoes, kayaks and small johnboats may be launched from the bank. Fishing is also available at Jenkins Pond.
The forest is open to visitors during daylight hours. Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians are welcome on roads, designated trails and permanent fire lines. While riding our trails, please note that proof of current negative Coggins test is required for all horses in all Florida State Forests. Primitive campsites are available at the River Road Campground. Contact us to register for vehicle access to portions of the Mary Farms and Dexter units (except during Special Opportunity Hunts). Lake George State Forest is managed as a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida's forest resources, the Florida Forest Service has developed rules that apply to all State Forest visitors. Find out more about State Forest fees and rules.
Day use is from sunrise to sunset.
Lake George State Forest
5458 U.S. Highway 17
De Leon Springs, FL 32130
(386) 384-5256
Email Lake George State Forest
Passes are no longer available at the State Forest office. To purchase a pass or make a reservation, visit ReserveAmerica or call 1-877-879-3859.
Lake George State Forest is located in northwestern Volusia County near the towns of Barberville and Astor. To access the forest north of State Road 40 (Astor Tract), take Riley Pridgeon Road, located 1/2 mile east of the town of Astor. To access the forest south of State Road 40 (Mary Farms and Dexter tracts), take St. Johns River Road, located 1/2 mile east of Astor. This goes to the Bluffton Recreation Area. An entrance for hunters and day-use visitors is located on State Road 40, 3.25 miles east of Astor.
Total Acreage: 21,473
Counties: Volusia
Smart device mapping is possible and encouraged in the State Forests. Before visiting a forest, search for “PDF Maps” in the app store to find an app that works for you and download our State Forest map, which is georeferenced.
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Lake George State Forest is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
We're also part of the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway.
Contact:
Justina Jones
Justina.Jones@FDACS.gov
