Twelve Mile Swamp Conservation Area - St. Augustine, FL
Twelve Mile Swamp Conservation Area
If you’re looking for a scenic, dog-friendly outdoor experience near St. Augustine, Florida, the Twelve Mile Swamp Conservation Area is an ideal spot for pet owners who love nature. This park features wide, natural dirt trails through old Florida pines and dense scrub, perfect for dog walking and hiking. While it’s not a classic dog park with fenced enclosures, it’s a peaceful natural area where leashed dogs are welcomed to explore with their owners.
This pet-friendly trail is known for its tranquility, shade from the pine canopy, and relatively short loops, making it great for quick lunch walks or jogs. There is plenty of unpaved parking available, but no restrooms, water fountains, or dedicated dog amenities. The space is best enjoyed for its relaxed wilderness, natural shade, and minimal crowds—ideal for a stroll with your dog in northeast Florida’s outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there are no fenced or dedicated off-leash dog areas.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? No, there are no restrooms at the conservation area.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? There are no dedicated benches or seating areas; most rest stops are natural spots or in your own vehicle in the parking area.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there’s a spacious, unpaved parking lot that can accommodate up to 20 cars if parked smartly.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the area features several unpaved hiking and multi-use trails ideal for dog walks.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? The west trail is known for drier ground and fewer puddles compared to other access points.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the natural pine canopy provides ample shade even on hot days.
Reviews
Awful. Basically an old service road and not any good trails. Encountered a homeless tent and turned around.
Awful. Basically an old service road and not any good trails. Encountered a homeless tent and turned around.
Awful. Basically an old service road and not any good trails. Encountered a homeless tent and turned around.
12 Mile Swamp Conservation Area has multiple access points; this is the West Trail. This trail has fewer visitors, wider trails, and drier ground (not as many puddles to wade through), but it is much shorter. The trail ends near someone’s backyard in a cul-de-sac. Plenty of parking is available. There are no bathrooms or garbage cans.
12 Mile Swamp Conservation Area has multiple access points; this is the West Trail. This trail has fewer visitors, wider trails, and drier ground (not as many puddles to wade through), but it is much shorter. The trail ends near someone’s backyard in a cul-de-sac. Plenty of parking is available. There are no bathrooms or garbage cans.
12 Mile Swamp Conservation Area has multiple access points; this is the West Trail. This trail has fewer visitors, wider trails, and drier ground (not as many puddles to wade through), but it is much shorter. The trail ends near someone’s backyard in a cul-de-sac. Plenty of parking is available. There are no bathrooms or garbage cans.
Not bad for a multi-use trail, watch out for the Pygmy Rattlers. This one was docile and never moved from it’s spot.
Not bad for a multi-use trail, watch out for the Pygmy Rattlers. This one was docile and never moved from it’s spot.
Not bad for a multi-use trail, watch out for the Pygmy Rattlers. This one was docile and never moved from it’s spot.
It may sound as a big place but what is open to public is actually a dirtroad through tall pines and dense scrub beneath. Good for lunch time jogging or a dog walk. No other than dirt road trails. If you are joggin the whole round trip done in 10-20 mins unless you continue through wild cut fields for maybe another 15 mins. Parking is unpaved may take probably 20 cars if parked smart.