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Rodman Reservoir Drawdown Update

Effective Nov. 2024: Due to increased water levels in the St. Johns River basin, the scheduled drawdown of the Rodman Reservoir on the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway has been suspended and will not occur this year.

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Experiences & Amenities

Back to Rodman Recreation Area

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  • Cross Florida Greenway
  • Experiences & Amenities

Experiences

Birding
Birding

Numerous aquatic bird species can be observed at the Rodman Recreation Area. Osprey, blue heron, bald eagle, greater cormorant and many other avian species are regularly seen here.

Boating
Boating

Boating in the lower Ocklawaha River below the Kirkpatrick Dam is available from this recreation site.

  • Numerous underwater obstructions (submerged stumps and floating logs) are located throughout Rodman Reservoir. Navigating and staying within the marked navigation channels is strongly recommended.
Fishing
Fishing

There are accessible fishing platforms located downstream of the Kirkpatrick (Rodman) Dam on both the east and west sides of the discharge canal as well as bank fishing along the upstream (reservoir side) of the dam and spillway. Species include largemouth bass, various bream and catfish species as well as sunshine (hybrid) bass.

  • All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.
  • A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Hiking
Hiking

The Florida National Scenic Trail main orange blaze through trail runs across the Kirkman Dam westward into the Ocala National Forest and eastward 1.4 miles to the Rodman campground.

  • The Florida Trail Association produces detailed hiking maps by segment.
Paddling
Paddling

Canoeing and kayaking is available on the 8 miles of lower Ocklawaha River between the downstream side of the Kirkpatrick Dam and the St. Johns River.

Picnicking
Picnicking

Picnicking is available at the pavilions or in open grassy areas.

Walking and Running
Walking and Running

The Florida National Scenic Trail main orange blaze through trail runs across the Kirkpatrick Dam westward into the Ocala National Forest and eastward 1.4 miles to the Rodman campground.

  • The Florida Trail Association produces detailed hiking maps by segment.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Numerous species of aquatic birds plus alligators and turtles are commonly seen at the Rodman Recreation Area.

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities

The Marjorie Harr Carr Cross Florida Greenway is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to visitors. These amenities include:

  • Picnic pavilion.
  • Parking.
  • Restroom.
  • Fishing dock.

Service animals are welcome in all areas of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.

Boat Ramp
Boat Ramp

A two-lane boat ramp is located on the eastern downstream side of the Kirkpatrick Dam adjacent to the restroom facility. These ramps provide access to the 8 miles of the lower Ocklawaha River below Rodman Reservoir to its confluence with the St. Johns River.

  • Numerous underwater obstructions (submerged stumps and floating logs) are located throughout Rodman Reservoir. Navigating and staying within the marked navigation channels is strongly recommended.
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch

There is a hardened canoe/kayak launch area located along the historic Ocklawaha River channel on the western downstream side of the Kirkpatrick Dam. This is accessible via the dirt road located at the western Ocala National Forest end of the dam.

Parking
Parking

There is paved accessible parking on the eastern downstream side of the Kirkpatrick Dam adjacent to the restroom facility, and stabilized parking is available on the downstream western side of the dam.

Pets
Pets

Pets are welcome at Rodman Recreation Area. All pets must be on a hand-held, 6-foot leash at all times. Pets may not be left unattended.

  • Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles.
  • Service animals are allowed in all areas of the park.
  • See our Pet Policy.
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion

There are picnic pavilions located on the eastern downstream side of the dam adjacent to the restroom facility.

Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities

There is a public use restroom available on the eastern downstream side of the Kirkpatrick Dam adjacent to the boat ramps and picnic pavilions.

Water Fountain
Water Fountain

A public potable water supply is available at the restroom facility on the lower east side of the dam.

Florida State Parks

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  • Events

Have Questions?

Contact the Statewide Information Line:

(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:

FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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