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Recreation home

District lands

• Alphabetical listing
• Map
• Activities matrix
• Trail guides
• Hunting regulations and maps
• Using District lands

Camping reservations

• Campsites and shelters in the Upper St. Johns River Marsh Wildlife Management Area

Partnership properties

Who to contact

District property closures or activities that may affect recreation

Geocache site application form and search tool

Murphy Creek Conservation Area

• Property map
• Google Maps location
• Trail guides
  • Murphy Island
  • Conservation area
• Property overview video

Size:

4,755 acres.

Location:

In Putnam County, approximately five miles south of Palatka and one mile northwest of Satsuma.

Description:

The Murphy Creek Conservation Area is predominantly hardwood swamps associated with Murphy Creek and the St. Johns River. The limited uplands contain sandhill, flatwoods and hardwood hammock. Purchase of the Murphy Creek parcel and Murphy Island (a part of this conservation area) protects the water resources of both the St. Johns River and Murphy Creek. Murphy Island contains one of the few upland areas along the St. Johns River that can be reached by boat. High bluffs on the island provide an opportunity for a spectacular view of the river.

Wildlife viewing:

Bald eagles, gopher tortoises, Virginia opossums, white-tailed deer, bobcats and foxes. Numerous waterfowl and wading birds can be found in the wetlands.

Recreational activities:

1. Hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, wildlife viewing and nature study.
2. Primitive camping is allowed only at designated sites.
3. Murphy Island contains a boat landing, more than six miles of hiking trails and a primitive campsite. more info
4. Boating and canoeing opportunities are available on Murphy Creek and the St. Johns River, and the property is accessible by water; however, there are no launches located on the property.

Restrictions: more info

1. Motorized vehicles are not permitted.

Access:

From U.S. 17, turn west on County Road 309B. A parking area is approximately one-half mile on the north side of the road. Access to Murphy Island is by boat only. Access is currently not available to the Horseshoe Point or Seven Sisters tracts.

For more information:

Call the District’s Bureau of Land Management at (386) 329-4404.