2 person riding on boat on river during daytime
Photo by Chase Baker on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingBeginner

Conditions

RiverMild Current

Amenities

Boat RampParkingDockRestrooms

Best Time to Visit

Lighthouse Park at The J. Cox Recreation Facility

Saint Augustine, FL · Boat Ramp · Public

Lighthouse Park at The J. Cox Recreation Facility is a public boat ramp on Salt Run near Saint Augustine, Florida. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing. Amenities include boat ramp, parking, dock. Best visited in spring and summer and fall and winter.

At a Glance

Water Body

River

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Fee

Free

Hours

24 Hours

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Good

Gentle moving water with mild current. Suitable for beginners who are comfortable with basic paddle strokes and steering.

About This Location

Public launch on Salt Run in Florida. Beginner-friendly river paddling near Saint Augustine.

Situated along Salt Run in Florida, Lighthouse Park at The J. Cox Recreation Facility provides convenient river access for kayakers, canoeists, and other paddlers.

This is a solid spot for kayaking, with enough room to settle into a comfortable paddling rhythm. Canoeing works well here, especially for those looking for a peaceful day on the water. The Southeast's warm climate and diverse waterways support paddling across most of the year.

Expect mild current conditions on the water. The best time to visit is Year-round. Facilities include boat ramp and parking and dock and restrooms.

Lighthouse Park at The J. Cox Recreation Facility sits about 5 min from Saint Augustine, making it a convenient option for local and visiting paddlers.

Paddling Tips

  • Scout downstream from the launch before committing to your paddle.
  • Always face upstream when entering or exiting your boat at the ramp.
  • River levels change with rainfall — check the USGS gauge before you go.
  • Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Lighthouse Park at The J. Cox Recreation Facility?
Lighthouse Park at The J. Cox Recreation Facility is a public boat ramp in Florida. There is no entrance fee. Hours: 24 Hours.
What activities are available at Lighthouse Park at The J. Cox Recreation Facility?
Lighthouse Park at The J. Cox Recreation Facility supports kayaking, canoeing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Lighthouse Park at The J. Cox Recreation Facility?
On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking, dock, restrooms. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Lighthouse Park at The J. Cox Recreation Facility?
The best time to paddle at Lighthouse Park at The J. Cox Recreation Facility is during spring and summer and fall and winter. Year-round
What are the water conditions at Lighthouse Park at The J. Cox Recreation Facility?
Water conditions at Lighthouse Park at The J. Cox Recreation Facility include mild current.
Is Lighthouse Park at The J. Cox Recreation Facility good for beginners?
Yes, Lighthouse Park at The J. Cox Recreation Facility is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Gentle moving water with mild current. Suitable for beginners who are comfortable with basic paddle strokes and steering.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 29.8858, -81.2857

Quick Facts

State
Florida
Region
Southeast
Getting There
~5 min from Saint Augustine
Get Directions

29.8858, -81.2857

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