Freshwater Kayak Fishing the St Johns River, Space Coast Central

The Upper St. John's River Marsh Wildlife Management Area extends from State Road 520 west of Cocoa and extends down to encompass the headwaters of the St John's River and Lake Blue Cyprus. Consisting of more than 119,000 acres in Brevard and Indian River counties, the Wildlife Management Area is jointly owned by the State and the St. John's River Water Management District (SJRWMD). The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) primarily manages and controls hunting within the property while the Water Management District controls habitat restoration and recreational activities during non-hunting times. For these purposes the District has divided them up into several different Conservation Areas. The Northernmost is River Lakes Conservation Area, which begins just South of SR-520 West of Cocoa and stretches south to SR-192 West of Melbourne, the entire coverage area for this page. Of special interest to boaters and kayakers are the designated campsites and camping platforms along the river north and south of Lake Winder and along the western shore of the lake itself. These will be discussed farther on the Backcountry Camping Pages. Kayak and canoe access points to the River Lakes Conservation Area of the St John's River are from James Bourbeau, Leroy Wright, and Lake Washington parks covered separately below.
FFWCC Brochure
River Lakes Property Map
Primative campsites and platforms.

F. Burton Smith Regional Park
7575 King Street (Hwy 520), Cocoa
FROM I-95 go 3 miles west on SR-520, turn left into the park.
Open after 7:00 a.m. until dark, except for scheduled use.
This expansive 1,080-acre scenic park features two lakes, tributaries, and rustic or primitive camping. No motorized boats allowed.
ADA ACCESSIBLE: Parking, Restrooms, Pavilions, Playground.
GPS N 28 21.968 W 80 51.475
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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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North; SR 528 north	Central; SR 528 to SR 192	South; SR192 south
Shoreline / Docks	Shoreline / Docks	Shoreline / Docks
Kayak and Canoe	Kayak and Canoe	Kayak and Canoe
Public Boat Ramps	Public Boat Ramps	Public Boat Ramps