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Paddling Locations |
Freshwater, Space Coast Central
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This section includes destinations for
Kayaking the St. Johns River in Central
Brevard County.
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River Lakes Conservation Area
Editors Note; When paddling the St.
Johns you will be sharing a
twisting, turning river with
powerboats and airboats. It is
recommended that you attach a flag
to your kayak, carry an airhorn to
alert boaters to your presence, and
always paddle around a bend in the
river along the outside shore to
give oncoming boaters a chance to
see you. Most boaters and airboaters
will be very courteous and slow down
to pass you.
This conservation area includes
lakes Washington, Winder and
Poinsett as well as stretches of the
St John's River. The river's water
flow is regulated at one point — a
fixed-crest weir located just north
of Lake Washington — to help ensure
water supply to Melbourne. The area
contains extensive wetland
communities, typically dominated by
emergent species such as saw grass,
smartweed, arrowhead and maidencane.
It is also the northern part of the
Upper St. John's River Marsh
Wildlife Management Area,
which encompasses virtually all of
the Upper St. Johns River floodplain
south to the marshes surrounding
Lake Blue Cyprus in Indian River
County. The St Johns River flows
from the source in the south
northward to Jacksonville Fl.
This area provides important habitat
for fish and wildlife populations,
including several listed species:
wood storks, bald eagles, Florida
sandhill cranes and river otters.
The diversity of fish and wildlife
provides an important recreational
resource for anglers, hunters,
boaters and bird-watchers.
Of special interest to boaters and
kayakers are the 11 designated
campsites and camping platforms
along the river north and south of
Lake Winder and along the western
shore of the lake itself. The
approximate locations are shown on
the property map below.
This section of the St john's can be
accessed from three launchsites.
These are listed just below this
section.
River Lakes Property Map
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James G. Bourbeau
Memorial Park
8195 King St (Hwy 520), Cocoa
FROM the I-95 Exit-201, go west 5 miles
on SR-520. The park is located along the
St. Johns River next to Lone Cabbage
Fish Camp.
ADA ACCESSIBLE: Parking, Restrooms, Boat
Ramp, Dock, Pavilion.
GPS N 28 22.050 W 80 52.232
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Leroy Wright Recreation Area
8190 King Street (Hwy 520), Cocoa
FROM I-95 take the SR-520 Exit-201
west 4.9 miles. The park is on the
right.
Situated along the flood plain of
the St. Johns River at the north
side of James G. Bourbeau Memorial
Park, this 32.65-acre recreation
area features a paved ramp and paved
parking for 21 cars and 31 boat
trailers. Picnic tables, 2 grills
and benches offer added convenience.
GPS N 28 22.290 W 80 52.273
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Lake Washington Park
6000 Lake Washington Road, Melbourne
FROM I-95 take the SR-518/Eau Gallie
Blvd Exit 183 east 0.4 miles. Turn left
on John Rhodes and go 0.8 miles. Turn
left on Aurora Blvd and stay straight
1.3 miles. Turn left on Lake Washington
Road and go 1.5 miles to the end of the
road.
FROM US Hwy 1 go west 5.6 miles to the
end of Lake Washington Road.
Boat ramps open 24 hours a day.
This shaded 25.96-acre community river
park is along the shore of Lake
Washington which accesses the St. Johns
River. The park has ramps for power
boats and a launch area for airboats.
Fishing is popular from the lake and the
120' fishing pier.
ADA ACCESSIBLE: Parking, Restrooms,
Pavilions.
GPS N 28 08.852 W 80 44.041
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