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Buckman Lock

Buckman Lock - St. Johns Loop North & South

Navigational connectivity between the St. Johns River and the Rodman Reservoir

Hours

The Buckman Lock operates Thursday through Sunday. Inbound from the river: 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Outbound from the lake: 7:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Fees

No fee required

Location

210 Buckman Lock Road
Palatka FL 32177

Get directions

Contact Info

386-329-3575

Park Menu

  • Cross Florida Greenway
  • Experiences & Amenities

Welcome to Buckman Lock - St. Johns Loop North & South

The lock was constructed during the mid- to late 1960s as part of the former Cross Florida Barge Canal project.

This project was deauthorized in 1992 by the U.S. government and the state of Florida when it was approximately one-third complete.

The St. Johns River level averages approximately 4 feet above mean sea level, and the Rodman Reservoir is normally operated at a level between 18.0' msl - 20.0’ msl. The interior of the lock chamber is 600 feet long and 84 feet wide with a designed minimum draft of 12 feet with the concrete sill on the upstream (reservoir) side at 6.0' msl.

In addition to boats and watercraft utilizing the lock, it functions as a fish ladder allowing aquatic species such as manatees, eels and fish to traverse the lock in order to migrate between the river and reservoir.

The St. Johns Loop North Trailhead provides access to non-motorized multi-use trails to the north and east of the lock. The trails pass through predominately pine flatwoods habitat with gently sloping topography and moderately drained soils.

Plan Your Visit

Rodman Dam
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Manager's Message

With more than 70,000-plus acres and 290 miles of trails for bikers, hikers and equestrians, there is plenty to explore. And for water lovers, there are many paddling opportunities along the Ocklawaha and Withlacoochee rivers.
Big Lagoon State Park Trail
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Trails at Florida State Parks

Whether by bicycle, horse, wheelchair, kayak or on your own two feet, trails both within and outside our state parks can lead to a wide variety of adventure and opportunity throughout Florida.

Experiences

Birding
Birding
Camping Equestrian
Camping Equestrian
Hiking
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking
Picnicking
Picnicking
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground

Park Map

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Florida State Parks

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