Blue Cypress Lake Conservation Area protects a large slice of the Upper St. Johns River Marsh in Indian River County, Florida. Shallow lakes, cypress heads, wet prairie, and airboat trails sit side by side here, so most visits involve boats, wading birds, and wide-open sky rather than shaded footpaths.
The St. Johns River Water Management District posts recreation maps, paddling notes, and property rules that change when water levels shift or management burns roll through. Use the SJRWMD links at the bottom of this page for the latest access news before you load a canoe or plan a photography loop along the levees.
The table below is an archival season snapshot from 2009–2010. Florida hunting dates, quota permits, and check stations change every year, so treat this grid as history only. Download the current Upper St. Johns brochure from the link list, then confirm details with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before you carry a firearm or archery gear on district land.
Archival hunting schedule (2009–2010) Archery Sep. 26 - Oct. 25 Muzzle Gun Oct. 31 - Nov. 8 General Gun Nov. 14 - Jan. 24 Small Game Jan. 25 - Mar. 7 Spring Turkey Mar. 20 - Apr. 25
Open marsh means full sun, stiff breeze one minute and dead calm the next. Pack rain gear even when radar looks clear, bring more drinking water than a shaded forest hike would need, and keep insect repellent where you can reach it without digging through a dry bag.
Water depth and vegetation density change with rainfall and district drawdowns. If you are paddling, carry a whistle, wear a life jacket, and tell someone on shore which ramp you plan to use and when you expect to return. Motorized airboat traffic shares some channels, so stay visible and give wide wakes plenty of room.
During any open hunting season, bright colors, careful noise discipline, and a clear understanding of posted boundaries matter even if you are only there for wildflowers or bird photography. When in doubt, pick a wildlife management area day-use window that matches your goals or call the district office for a quick reality check.
Peruvian Primrosewillow, Saltmarsh Mallow and Swamp Hibiscus
Content last reviewed April 2026. Original file stamp: 6-Sep-2009 at 9:54 P.M.
