Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner    -    James R. Karels, Director

Total Acreage: 3,638 Counties: Nassau

Ralph E. Simmons Memorial State Forest

Ralph E. Simmons State Forest (previously known as St. Mary's 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 Division of Forestry currently manages the property through a management agreement established in 1992 with the St. Johns River Water Management District.

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

Location

The forest parking areas are located:
1) at the forest entrance, 1 mile north of Lake Hampton Road on Penny Haddock Road.
2) Two miles east of Highway 1 on Lake Hampton Road at the power line right-of-way.
3) One mile east of Highway 1 on Lake Hampton Road at Scott’s Landing Road. Access for canoeing and boating on the St. Mary's River is available at the Scott’s Landing Road gate. 

Natural Features

Ralph E. Simmons State Forest is home to many species, such as otters. Find out more about otters from SJRWMD!

The forest features many excellent examples of natural communities which include: longleaf pine/wiregrass, low pinelands, seepage slopes, herb bogs and ravine communities. These natural communities serve as an important refuge for a number of rare and endangered plants such as: Florida toothache grass, purple balduina, grass pink, and hooded pitcher plant.

Many species of wildlife are found residing on the forest. Wildlife that is frequently seen include: white-tailed deer, fox, wild turkey, bobcat, gopher tortoise and otter.

Timber Management

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry, returns 15 percent of the revenue obtained from timber harvests, recreation, and other income-producing services on Ralph E. Simmons Memorial State Forest to Nassau County.

Recreation

This state forest is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Two primitive campsites are located along the St. Mary's 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 camping is not allowed at these sites.

Camping for organized groups is available by State Forest Use Authorization, and can be obtained from the Division of Forestry at the Hilliard Work Center. During established hunting seasons, camping is reserved for hunters with a valid hunt permit. 

The forest is managed as a Wildlife Management Area by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. Hunting is permitted during designated seasons for whitetail deer, hogs, wild turkeys and small game by permit only. 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 http://myfwc.com/recreation/hunt_index.aspx.

In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida's forest resources, the Division of Forestry has developed rules which apply to all State Forest visitors. Find out more about state forest fees and rules.

Trails				Campsites		Other
Hike	Bike	Horse	Canoe	Camp sites	with Electric	Leashed Pets OK	More Activities
				Primitive	none		Hunting

Contact Us

• Florida Division of Forestry
  Ralph E. Simmons State Forest
  3472 Clint Drive
  Hilliard, FL 32046
  Telephone 904/ 845-4933 or
  Email Ralph E. Simmons State Forest