Savannas Preserve State Park

Savannas Preserve State Park provides a representative sample of a basin marsh that extended throughout southern Florida prior to the rapid suburban sprawl.

Pavilions and picnic tables offering areas for visitors to relax are available near the center and at trailheads throughout the park. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking and fishing in the wetlands as popular recreational activity. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers will enjoy the diversity of habitats this undisturbed area has to offer. This park boasts over 15 miles of multi-use trails that provide other recreational opportunities for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding.

Experiences

Bicycling
There are over 15 miles of multi-use trails available to park visitors and group tours. The trails are shared by hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders. The nature trails wind throughout the Savannas marsh system, so depending on the season and weather, the trails may be wet. Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under. Please plan accordingly!

For additional information, please contact the Education Center, Thursday - Monday at 772-398-2779 or the park office at 772-340-7530.

Paddling
Knowledgeable volunteers lead canoe/kayak tours every Friday and Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. Sunday tours are offered seasonally during the winter and spring months, This is one of the most popular ways to explore the Savannas. Trips generally return after about two hours of exploration. Reservations are required for the trip and space is limited for this very popular program. Trips are available at other times during the week if requested. During the winter, moonlit paddles may be offered and special trips are being planned for before and after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.

Please contact the Education Center Thursday - Monday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 772-398-2779 for additional information and reservations.

Participation Requirements for Volunteer-led Canoe/Kayak Tours

Must not exceed manufacturer’s weight limit for vessel, with gear (300 lbs.)
Must have the ability to follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently and/or with assistance of a companion.
Must have the ability to wear a properly fitted personal flotation device.
Must have the ability to enter and exit the canoe/kayak independently or with assistance of a companion or with the use of self supplied adaptive equipment.
Must have the ability to remain seated, maneuver, and balance independently or with assistance of a companion or with the use of self supplied adaptive equipment.
Must have the ability to withstand sun and heat for up to three hours.
Must have at least one person in canoe/kayak with the ability to move it through the water in a stable manner and return it back to launching area.

In the event of a capsize, one:

Must have the ability to get out from under the watercraft, independently.
Must have the ability to right oneself and remain face up in the water with the aid of a personal flotation device.

Fishing
Fishing is available at the Savannas and the St. Lucie River Preserve. The Savannas provides freshwater fishing. The St. Lucie River provides the same, although some saltwater species may be found in the river as well. Please keep in mind that you must have the necessary fishing licenses to participate in this activity. For more information about the access points, please contact us, Wednesday - Sunday at 772-398-2779.

The canoe launch boardwalk, at the Savannas, is ADA-accessible with fishing available from that platform.
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 Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.

Hiking
We offer an array of scenic foot travel in the park, from our short nature trail, loop hikes and also hikes that stretch the length of the park. There are over 15 miles of multi-use trails available to park visitors and group tours. The trails are shared by hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders. The nature trails wind throughout the Savannas marsh system, so depending on the season and weather, the trails may be wet. Please plan accordingly!

For additional information please contact the Education Center, Thursday - Monday at 772-398-2779 or the park office at 772-340-7530.

Picnicking
The Savannas offers picnic shelters at a number of places in the preserve. These pavilions are located at the Jensen Beach trailhead, the Education Center on Walton Road, and at the Canoe Launch area, located .75 mile north of the Education Center. Each pavilion has picnic tables provided. These pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are taken for these facilities. ADA-accessible tables are available at the Education Center and Jensen Beach Pavilions. Please remember to use the trash receptacles that are provided.

Wildlife Viewing
Both the Savannas and St. Lucie River Preserve provide excellent areas to observe nature. These areas are home to a variety of birds and wildlife. On your hike, you may encounter a gopher tortoise, deer, marsh rabbit or even an alligator.

Amenities

Horse Equestrian Trail
There are over 8.5 miles of multi-use trails available to park visitors and group tours. The trails are shared by hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders. The nature trails wind throughout the Savannas marsh system, so depending on the season and weather, the trails may be wet. Please plan accordingly! There is a designated equestrian area for those who trailer their horses to the trails. For additional information and equestrian gate combinations, please contact the Education Center, Thursday - Monday at 772-398-2779 or the park office at 772-340-7530.

Horse riders are required to have proof of negative Coggins on their person or in their saddlebag.

Pets
Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Pets are not allowed in any park building. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in the visitor being asked to leave the park.

Visitor Center
Please visit our Education Center for information about the Savannas. The center is open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is ADA-accessible.