Bulow Creek State Park

Introduction of Bulow Creek State Park

Bulow Creek protects nearly 5,600 acres, including over 1,500 acres of submerged land. Bulow Creek is known for having one of the largest remaining stands of southern live oak forest on Florida’s east coast. The Fairchild Oak, one of the largest live oak trees in the South, reigns supreme. It has been a silent witness to human activities along Bulow Creek for over 400 years, including the destruction of the neighbouring Bulow Plantation during the Second Seminole War in 1836.Hikers can explore the park’s interior via several trails, where they can see white-tailed deer, barred owls, and raccoons. The nearly seven-mile-long Bulow Woods Trail leads hikers to Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park. Picnics can be enjoyed in a shady pavilion or at a table on the lawn in front of the Fairchild Oak.

Bulow Creek State Park Camping

While RV camping is not available at Bulow Creek State Park, it is available at nearby Tomoka State Park, which is less than 5 miles away. Tomoka State Park is also highly recommended. Native Americans used to fish in the lagoons here, and it’s now a popular spot for boating and fishing. Tomoka State Park also has a diverse wildlife population, including the West Indian manatee. The campground has 88 campsites with 30 amp electric, a dump station, and potable water.

The cost per night is $24. However, the large, beautiful trees that surround the campsites impose size restrictions; no RVs longer than 34′ or taller than 11′ are permitted. This may prevent many fifth-wheelers from using the campground. It’s also very popular, and reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through Reserve America.

The Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area is also a short drive from Bulow Creek and a popular spot for RV camping near the beach.

Bulow Creek State Park Activities

Hiking

If you only have a few minutes, don’t miss the Wahlin Trail, which winds down into a small ravine behind the Fairchild Oak, where freshwater flows out of the ground. The trail is only a third of a mile long.

There is also a fantastic long hike available here, but you can make it a short hike by stopping and returning.

The Fairchild Oak Hiking Trail winds its way through a coastal hammock, a salt marsh, and a pine plantation. The Bulow Woods Trail is three miles away. You can hike 6.8 miles one way from there to Bulow Plantation Historic State Park. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful trails in northern Florida.

While that hike and return would be too much for one day, consider leaving a car or a bike at one end.

Hiking here will take you through land that dates back to colonial times. On these lands, eleven plantations were identified, where rice, cotton, sugar cane, and indigo were grown.

Picnicking

Picnic tables are available for park visitors. A small pavilion with picnic tables is available. Tables are also available on the lawn near the Fairchild Oak. There are restrooms available.

Kayaking

Bulow Creek State Canoe Trail is accessible from Bulow Creek State Park on Walter Boardman Lane and Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park a few miles north.

The 13-mile kayak and canoe trail winds through a grassy coastal marsh. You can rent canoes at Bulow Plantation Historical State Park if you catch the ranger present (and there are no guarantees, we were told). There is a boat ramp here where small powerboats, kayaks, and canoes can be launched.

Location

Parking

Parking is available

Public Transport

Public transport is not available.