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Ralph E. Simmons Wildlife Management Area

Ralph Simmons WMA

Managed in cooperation with the Florida Forest Service and the St. Johns River Water Management District.

Ralph E. Simmons Memorial Wildlife Management Area spans over 3,000 acres along nearly seven miles of the St. Marys River in northern Nassau County. These diverse landscape showcases outstanding examples of Florida's natural communities, including longleaf pine/wiregrass habitats, seepage slopes, herb bogs and ravine forests. These rich ecosystems support an array of rare and native plant species, including striking orchids and unique pitcher plants.

For visitor convenience, informational kiosks are located at both Lake Hampton Road and Penny Haddock Road. 

Public access is opened year-round, except during certain hunting seasons, when only those participating in the hunts are allowed. For more information, see the regulations summary for Ralph E. Simmons WMA.

Hunting

During the fall season the area has produced high-quality deer and squirrel hunting along the river bottom swamps. 

For hunting seasons and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Ralph E. Simmons WMA

Fishing

Fishing is permitted year-round. A Florida fishing license is required and can be purchased at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Camping

Primitive camping along the St. Marys River is available year-round for non-hunters on a first-come, first-served basis. A boat ramp for river access is located on Scotts Landing Road.

During quota hunt periods, camping is allowed only in the Scotts Landing Road campground and only by hunters participating in the hunt.

Outside of hunting season, During the small game season and periods closed to hunting, camping in the Scotts Landing Road campground and the Cabin Campsite is allowed only by permit from the Florida Forest Service and camping at campsites along the St. Mary’s River is allowed on a first-come first-served basis. Call (904) 845-4933 for more information call

Recreation

The area provides excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing and birdwatching alongside the scenic riverbanks. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, horseback riding and biking on established trails and roads. 

Wildlife

Ralph E. Simmons WMA is home to white-tailed deerwild turkeybobcatgopher tortoise and otter.

The Ralph E. Simmons Memorial State Forest is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Add your bird observations to the Ralph E. Simmons Memorial State Forest eBird Hotspot.

More Information

For an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, rules regarding dogs and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Ralph E. Simmons WMA.