Looking for a perfect spot to picnic, camp or relax? RV travelers will be able to do that and more at Faver-Dykes State Park. Located around 15 miles south of St. Augustine and bordering Pellicer Creek, Faver-Dykes State Park is a throwback to the days of old Florida. The area in and around Pellicer Creek was named after settler Francisco Pellicer who built his homestead along the banks of the creek around 1800. Originally the park was part of the Buena Suerte Plantation granted in 1817 by Spain to General Joseph Hernandez. The park came to be in 1950 after the land was donated to the Florida State Board of Parks and Historic Memorials by Hiram Faver, a former longtime Clerk of the Court in St. Johns County. Even in he present day, Hiram Faver has an impact on the park with Hiram Faver's estate funding the addition of a new nature trail that features informational kiosks and signs along the way.
Visitors to the park are known to be looking for a relaxing time and there are many opportunities to relax within the park. Pellicer Creek is the main source of recreational activities within the park and it offers fantastic fishing and boating all year round. Other popular activities that are available in the park include hiking, picnicking, birding and bicycle riding.
Camping is provided to the park via 30 campsites that are located in a shady hardwood grove. The campground has natural vegetation buffers located between most of the sites and water, electricity, an in-ground fire circle with a grill and a picnic table are available at each site. Faver-Dykes State Park is open all year round and peak season is during the summer.
Faver-Dykes State Park is located around 15 miles south of St. Augustine within
St. Johns County, Florida. The park is located inland from the beach with Pellicer Creek separating the two. The park is quite easy to find as it is near the intersection of I-95 and US-1 and it can be accessed via Faver Dykes road. There are a few small towns near the park, including Palm Coast (around 10 miles way), St. Augustine (around 15 miles away), and Hastings (around 18 miles away). The closest major city to the park is Jacksonville and it is located around 55 and a half miles to the north.
The roads in and around the park will be very easy to navigate as the roads are well maintained, quite flat and there are no obstacles or terrain that will damage your RV. Due to parks location in Florida the chances of wild storms and/or hurricanes are high. If you plan to go to the park during the wet season it is recommended you call ahead to the park or check the weather forecast to make sure that you will encounter no difficulties during your trip.
There is plenty of parking available at Faver-Dykes State Park.
While the campground at Faver-Dykes State Park isn't huge, it will remind you of days gone by as it resembles a classic state park campground. The road into the campground is dirt and the sites provide privacy from neighbors thanks to the foliage of the trees . In total there are 30 campsites that are located in the shady hardwood grove and they include water connection and 30 amp electrical hookup. Along with this, each site also has an in-ground fire circle with a grill and a picnic table. Other amenities in the campground include a remodeled bathhouse, easy access to the boat ramp, playground and more toilets.
You should be able to get cell reception on any of the major networks within the campground. Pets are also welcome, however they must be leashed at all times. Reservations for Faver-Dykes State Park Campground can be made online up to 11 months in advance and the campground is also open all year round.
Faver-Dykes State Park is an absolute dream for those who love to go boating. The park is known for having some fantastic water and Pellicer Creek is a designated Florida state canoe trail. If you do want to go boating there is a boat ramp that is suitable for small boats and canoes/kayaks available for you to use. Canoes are available for rent by advanced reservation, so make sure to call the park office before your trip if you want to rent one.
Pellicer Creek is also a very popular fishing destination. Due to the location of the creek you have the opportunity to catch both fresh and salt water fish during time fishing at the park. Common saltwater species that are caught include red drum, sheepshead, black drum, spotted seatrout and common snook. Common freshwater species include large mouth bass and bream. Size and bag limits are strictly enforced and all of the current regulations that you need to follow will be displayed at the park.
Faver-Dykes State Park would be a great location choice to hold a picnic during the summer time. The main picnic facilities in the park are located along Pellicer Creek under a canopy of large old growth pine trees and include two covered pavilions with other tables and grills located throughout the picnic area. We recommend reserving a pavilion if you have a large group to guarantee your spot for your chosen day. Reservations can be available by calling the park office.
Unfortunately there are no public transport options that will take you to Faver-Dykes State Park.
Faver-Dykes State Park is a great location for those who love to explore as the park has four nature trails that are open for you to enjoy all year round. The trails range from around half a mile in distance to around two and half miles. Each trail offers unique sightseeing for those who walk them and they are all quite popular. If you have the time we recommend the two and a half mile Hiram Faver Trail. It is the longest trail in the park, is mostly shaded and will give you the chance to see an overlook of Pellicer Flats.
Birding is another very popular activity at Faver-Dykes State Park for people of all ages. There are many different areas and opportunities for you to bird in, including on foot, throughout the nature trails or on the waters of Pellicer Creek. The different environments that the park contains means that bird species are diverse. Check out the parks website to see their Check Off List and print it out so you can mark off which wonderful winged creatures you spot during your time at the park.
Throughout Faver-Dykes State Park you have the chance to jump on two wheels and go for peaceful bike rides in and around the park. The park has specifically designed bike areas that you are free to enjoy during your visit to the park. There is no guarantee bike rentals will be available for you during your visit, so make sure you call through to the park office to see if there will be bikes available to rent. We highly recommended wearing helmets for all cyclists.
