Description

Ralph E. Simmons State Forest (previously known as St. Marys State Forest) was renamed in 1996 as a memorial to a former St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board member who was instrumental in the purchase of the forest. The St. Johns River Water Management District purchased the parcel with funds from the Preservation 2000 and the Save Our Rivers programs. The Florida Forest Service currently manages the property through a management agreement established in 1992 with the St. Johns River Water Management District.

Through multiple-use management, the Florida Forest Service maintains a balance between resource conservation and public use with special emphasis on ecosystem management and ecological restoration of native communities.

Geography:

Ralph E. Simmons Memorial State Forest offers visitors the scenic beauty of the St. Marys River, which forms the northern boundary of the forest and serves as the forest's primary water source. The river and two oxbow lakes along with numerous cypress stands, ponds and swamps provide an abundance of fish and serve as water sources for wildlife.

The forest features many excellent examples of natural communities, including longleaf pine/wiregrass, low pinelands, seepage slopes, herb bogs and ravines.

Fox, wild turkey, bobcat, gopher tortoise and otter are some of the wildlife frequently seen.

Recreation:

The forest provides many opportunities for resource-based recreation. The water resources and upland forest communities offer excellent wildlife viewing. Hiking, horseback riding and off-road bicycling are available on established trails and roads, except during hunting seasons (see information on hunting below).

Two primitive campsites are located along the St. Marys River and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Access to these sites is available from the river only and requires no permit. During established hunting seasons (except small-game season), camping is not allowed at these sites.

Camping for organized groups is available by State Forest Use Authorization, which can be obtained from the Florida Forest Service at the Hilliard Work Center. During established hunting seasons, camping is reserved for hunters with a valid hunt permit. Two group campgrounds are available. Scotts Landing Road Campground is located on the southwest side and offers tent camping and a basic shower. The cabin is located on the northeast side adjacent to the St. Marys River.

The forest is managed as a Wildlife Management Area by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Hunting is permitted during designated seasons for white-tailed deer, hogs, wild turkeys and small game. Hunting is restricted to only those individuals who hold a valid hunt permit. Other forest recreation activities, including horseback riding, are prohibited during established hunting seasons. Specific regulations and hunting season dates can be obtained at myfwc.com/hunting.

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.

Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 11 Month(s) in advance.

• General Rules