Experiences & Amenities
Experiences
Only mountain bikes or fat-tire bikes are recommended due to wilderness trail conditions that include soft sand, logs, palmetto stems and natural vegetation. Please remain on designated trails. No off-trail biking is permitted due to the rare and endangered species of plants and animals that are protected on the preserve.
- Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
The preserve is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and has been identified as one of the top birding locations in the United States. Many different species of birds use the preserve during migration, such as the swallow-tailed kite, various songbirds, hawks, hummingbirds and robins.
Please look at our bird checklist to see which birds are here during each season. Our most popular birds are red-cockaded woodpeckers, Florida-scrub jays and Bachman's sparrows. More common sightings include sandhill cranes, wood storks, Southern bald eagles and American kestrels.
- Ask for the bird checklist at the ranger station.
Although there is currently no boat ramp or launch, the park is accessible from other boat ramps on Roseland Road such as Dale Windrow County Park. Both the North and South prongs of the river enter the park like a winding scene from a movie, full of wildlife, large bluffs along the banks and overhanging trees.
Three of the primitive campsites are available for horse camping for groups up to 20 people.
Storytelling Camp/Horsemen's Headquarters in Brevard County has five paddocks, non-potable water for horses, a pitcher pump, picnic pavilion, one portable toilet, a campfire ring and benches.
Ranch Camp in Indian River County has four paddocks, non-potable water for horses, a campfire ring and benches.
Eagle Camp in Indian River County has one large paddock, a lean-to, a campfire ring and benches. Eagle Camp is a ride-in-only site requiring a 5-mile ride each way from the parking area.
- Proof of negative Coggins test must be carried at all times.
- Hammock camping is allowed in this camping area.
- Reservations are required, payable by cash or check. You will need to provide vehicle tag numbers for each vehicle staying in the park overnight. The County Road 512 and the County Road 507 entrance gates are locked at sunset. Gates open by 8 a.m. A camper's combination is available.
- For reservations or directions, call the park Monday through Thursday at 321-953-5005 or Friday through Sunday at 321-953-5004. Pets are permitted in accordance with our Pet Policy.
Primitive tent camping is available at six campsites. All sites are hike-in only. Two are located on the north side of the park in Brevard County off County Road 507. Four are located on the south side of the park in Indian River County off County Road 512. Firewood collection is prohibited. You will need to pack in all food, water and firewood, and pack out all trash. Pets are permitted in accordance with our Pet Policy.
- Hammock camping is allowed in this camping area.
- Reservations are required, payable by cash or check. You will need to provide vehicle tag numbers for each vehicle staying in the park overnight. The County Road 512 and the County Road 507 entrance gates are locked at sunset. Gates open by 8 a.m. A camper’s combination is available. For reservations or directions, call the park Monday through Thursday at 321-953-5005 or Friday through Sunday at 321-953-5004.
Five of six primitive tent campsites are available for groups up to 20 people. Larger groups can sometimes be accommodated. Fees are $5 per person, per night, payable by cash or check. Reservations are required. Vehicle tag numbers must be provided for each vehicle staying in the park overnight.
- Hammock camping is allowed in this camping area.
- The County Road 512 and the County Road 507 entrance gates are locked at sunset. Gates open by 8 a.m. A camper's combination is available. Pets are permitted in accordance with our Pet Policy. For reservations or directions, call Monday through Thursday at 321-953-5005 or Friday through Sunday at 321-953-5004.
Fishing is permitted in the ponds on the preserve, the shoreline of the C-54 canal and in the St. Sebastian River. The water in the St. Sebastian River is brackish, which sustains both freshwater and saltwater species.
Species found in the river include tarpon, snook, bass and mullet. Please abide by all state of Florida rules and regulations regarding fishing and licenses. Licenses can be obtained at most bait and tackle shops or at any county tax collector's office.
- A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fishing in Florida website.
Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices. It's effectively an inexpensive, interactive, high-tech treasure hunt that's a great way to learn geography. Participants use location coordinates to find caches. Some caches are easy to find; others are more difficult. The biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place where you have never been. Geocaching should have minimal impact to the environment and conscientious land-use ethics should be followed.
The preserve has 60 miles of trails that are equally split between Brevard and Indian River counties. Most of our trails are very long and are more suited for horseback riding, mountain biking and extended hikes. All visitors should bring water and sun protection.
Those wanting a chance to see Florida scrub-jays should park on the southwest side of the preserve (1 mile west of Interstate 95 off County Road 512). Endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers can be seen on the northeast side of the preserve. For this, park at the Stumper Flats or Horseman's Headquarters parking areas.
Only mountain bikes or fat-tire bikes are recommended due to wilderness trail conditions that include soft sand, logs, palmetto stems and natural vegetation. Please remain on designated trails. No off-trail biking is permitted due to the rare and endangered species of plants and animals that are protected on the preserve.
- Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
West Indian manatees gather from November through March in the C54 canal, at the eastern end of Buffer Preserve Drive in Brevard County. Other wildlife viewing includes birds, deer, coyote, bobcat, wild turkey, quail, Eastern indigo snakes and gopher tortoises. Alligators can be seen in the St. Sebastian River and the C54 canal. If you encounter alligators on the river, please give them a wide berth and do not feed or molest them.
- Although rare, alligators have been known to make unprovoked attacks on pets and humans, so please keep your distance.
Amenities
St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park offers accessible amenities for enjoyment by all. These amenities include:
- Picnic pavilion at the south entrance off County Road 512.
- Accessible grill at the picnic pavilion.
- Visitor center at the entrance on Babcock Road.
- Manatee observation deck along the C54 canal.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of the park.
No launching of canoes or kayaks is permitted in the preserve. However, launching is available nearby at Donald MacDonald Park or Dale Wimbrow Park (both off Roseland Road) or at the Indian River County canoe launch north of the intersection of County Road 512 and County Road 510. The county's launch site requires a two-hour paddle to reach the preserve's canoe landing. You might plan to stop along the river and have a picnic or take a hike on the preserve before paddling on to your disembarkation point.
Pets are welcome at St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park. 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.
The visitor center is open Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on the northwest side of the preserve in Brevard County.
Trail maps for each section of the preserve can be obtained here. Stop by to see the cultural history that shaped this preserve, including ancient artifacts and tools, or just to talk with one of the knowledgeable and friendly staff or volunteers before you embark on your adventure.