Thomas Creek WMA - King's Road Unit
Managed in cooperation with the St. Johns River Water Management District and the City of Jacksonville.
The Thomas Creek Wildlife Management Area encompasses more than 2,000 acres in northern Duval County, located just three miles from Jacksonville International Airport. This area is one of five distinct units within the larger Thomas Creek Conservation Area, which spans approximately 5,540 acres across Nassau and Duval counties along scenic Thomas Creek. Amid growing urbanization, the conservation area plays a critical role in protecting water quality and reducing flood risks, while offering vibrant habitats for wildlife and diverse outdoor recreational opportunities.
Thomas Creek originates in southwest Nassau County and meanders northeastward to join the Nassau River, forming the northern boundary of the WMA. The conservation area safeguards ten miles of the creek's shoreline.
Historically, much of the King's Road Unit was managed as commercial timberland, resulting in large upland areas planted with slash pine. Floodplain swamps along Thomas Creek feature stands of cypress, tupelo, and titi trees. The St. Johns River Water Management District actively manages the land through sustainable timber harvesting, groundcover restoration, reforestation projects, and controlled burns, while the City of Jacksonville oversees recreational activities.
The WMA is accessible to visitors daily from sunrise to sunset, except during scheduled family hunts, archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun, and spring turkey hunting seasons, when access is limited exclusively to participating hunters.
Hunting
Between September and April, quota hunts take place on limited days. They include seasons for archery, muzzleloading gun, family hunt, general gun, small game and spring turkey.
For hunting seasons and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Thomas Creek WMA - King's Road Unit.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted year-round. A Florida fishing license is required and can be purchased at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Camping
Camping is not available at this area.
Recreation
Recreational opportunities on the area include wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback riding and bicycling. Two loop trails, with parking areas, are located on both sides of US Hwy 1.
Wildlife
Wildlife on the area includes deer, turkey, wild hog, northern bobwhite and numerous species of resident and migratory songbirds. Snapping turtle, Florida cooter and otter occur along the creek.
Add your bird observations to the following Thomas Creek eBird Hotspots:
More Information
Contact the St. Johns River Water Management District at (386) 329-4404 or visit SJRWMD.com.
Check the St. Johns River Water Management District's web page for Thomas Creek Conservation Area.
For an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, rules regarding dogs and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Thomas Creek WMA - King's Road Unit.