Summer has been heating up this year in Clay County, FL! Take some time to relax and enjoy swimming in various locations throughout the county. From public pools to lakes, there are plenty of ways to make a splash and cool down.
Here’s a look at when and where you can still swim before the cooler weather rolls in for the year –Â
The popular 150-acre Camp Chowenwaw County Park, a former Girl Scouts camp, is home to a community pool, along with cabins, campsites, treehouses and hiking trails along Black Creek. The park’s pool is a popular spot for those looking to cool off.
Reasonably priced, prices are $3 for swimmers ages 16-64, $2 for swimmers ages 2-15, seniors 65 and older $2, and children 2 and younger are free.
The following dates are set for swimming at the Camp Chowenwaw pool for the remainder of 2024 –
August 2024
Weekdays, August 1-2 and August 5-9, open 11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday Evenings, August 16, 23, and 30, open 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, open 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sundays, August 4, 11, 18, and 25 open 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
September 2024
Monday, September 2, open 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturdays, September 7, and 14, open 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sundays, September 1, 8, and 15, open 1 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The centerpiece of Green Cove Springs is Spring Park, located along the banks of the St. Johns River and home to community events, numerous playgrounds, picnic areas and the city’s community pool. While it may appear that the Spring Park pool is just ‘another pool’, that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
At 135,000-gallons, it is actually spring-fed with the spring water flowing into the west side of the municipal swimming pool and then flows out the east side forming a stream eventually emptying into the St. Johns River. The water comes from below at a rate of 1,346 gallons per minute and at a constant temperature of 77 degrees making it a popular spot for locals and visitors during the summer months.
The following dates are set for swimming at the Spring Park pool for the remainder of 2024 –
Regular Pool Hours
June 4th through September 1st, 2024
Tuesday through Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Pool Open Weekends Only
September 6th through September 29th, 2024
Friday through Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The pool closes for the season on September 29, 2024.
Rates at the Spring Park pool are $5 for adults, $3 for Active Military and Seniors 65+ and $3 for children ages 2 to 17 years old. Children under two years old are free.
You can still go for a swim once the community pools have closed for the summertime!
For a bit more primitive swimming, Jennings State Forest has recreation areas where swimmers can have fun – at their own risk. The park’s Indian Ford Recreation Area and Knights Landing Recreation Area both offers access to the North Fork of Black Creek, along with ample space for kayaking and canoeing. At the North Fork Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy swimming and fishing areas along with covered pavilions with grills for picnics and gatherings. Be sure to inquire about day passes and camping reservations and read their requirements for accessing the property.
Make your way to Keystone Heights Beach Park in Keystone Heights where you can swim throughout the year at Lake Geneva. In addition to a sandy beachfront area for relaxing, the lake has a roped off area for swimming. Fishing and kayaking are allowed outside of the swimming area. Bring a picnic and enjoy the covered pavilion and kids can enjoy the large playground just steps away from the beach.
Known as one of Florida’s First State Parks, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, located six miles north of Keystone Heights is home to 2,000 acres with 5.44 miles of trails along the Florida National Scenic Trail. The park’s Little Lake Johnson is a popular spot for swimmers. This freshwater lake is fed from Gold Head Branch, traveling its way through the ravine to the lake. The area includes a large, sandy beach along the waterfront and the picnic area.Â
