Lake Jackson State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Lake Jackson State Park, also known as Lake Jackson Archaeological Mounds State Park, protects six of the seven known earthen temple mounds in this region, dating back more than 800 years. You can see two of the mounds when you visit in addition to interpretive exhibits where you learn more about the region's history. Lake Jackson State Park also preserves a Southeastern Ceremonial Complex site and historic Mississippian Period sites. Archaeologists have found artifacts at Lake Jackson State Park, including artwork and trade items. Lake Jackson is a 4,000-acre natural sinkhole lake that drains every 25 years. However, you can still go fishing and boating on the lake when its water levels are high enough.
Spring 46–88 F
Summer 69–93 F
Fall 46–90 F
Winter 38–70 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake Jackson State Park
Lake Jackson Archaeological Mounds State Park doesn't have a campground.
What to Do at
Lake Jackson State Park
Lake Jackson State Park offers one-hour interpretive guided tours if you make a reservation for the tour at least two weeks in advance. They accept groups of up to 50 people. The picnic pavilion is available on a first-come, first-served basis when there isn't a reservation. You can enjoy a picnic at other picnic areas between the mounds, prime locations for beautiful surrounding scenery while you eat.
Fishing
At Lake Jackson, you can catch bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, catfish and black crappie. There are a lot of bass that are over 10 pounds in the lake. Spring through early summer is the best time for targeting bass. In the summer, anglers like to fish at night because the weather is more comfortable. Florida is known to be hot and humid on summer days. As a popular fishing location, fishing tournaments sometimes take place at Lake Jackson.
Nature Watching
Try spotting red-shouldered hawks, ruby-throated hummingbirds, summer tanagers, red cardinals and osprey. You might see migratory birds at the lake, such as American white pelicans, wood ducks and mallard ducks. Other wildlife you can find in Lake Jackson State Park are turtles, deer and foxes. Butler Mill Trail and the nature trail are good areas for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Alligators are a rare sighting and usually like to be under aquatic plants.
Flora and Fauna
Large pecan trees are found in Lake Jackson State Park; a pecan orchard used to be here. You can admire the flora along the Old Orchard Trail system. Much of the park's forest consists of upland pinelands and ravines. Other flora to see include violets, rattlesnake and trillium. Aquatic vegetation in Lake Jackson include hydrilla, maidencane and eelgrass. Bass commonly inhabit these areas of the lake.
Hiking
Hike the 0.75-mile interpretive trail to view the 1800s gristmill by Butler Mill Creek. Colonial Robert Butler, the first land surveyor general of Florida, was the owner of the gristmill. On the 2.2-mile nature trail, you have a better chance of spotting flora and fauna. With a rougher terrain and slopes, it's a more challenging hike than the interpretive trail.
Boating
Paddlecraft offer the best experience for boating on Lake Jackson. You can also take a motorboat onto the lake. There are five public boat ramps and one fish camp around Lake Jackson. Sunset Landing and Crowder Road Landing are the best ramps to use when the water levels are low.
How to Get to
Lake Jackson State Park
Lake Jackson State Park is located at 3600 Indian Mounds Road, Tallahassee, FL, 32303. From Tallahassee, travel north on U.S. Highway 27/S Monroe Street and turn right onto Crowder Road. After one mile, turn left onto Indian Mound Road. Within half-a-mile, you'll arrive at the park. There's a bus route that stops close to Lake Jackson State Park. Take bus B at C.K. Steele Plaza Gate 16 in Tallahassee. Get off at North Monroe Street and Talpeco Road. From there, it's a 1.2-mile walk to the park. This is an active route, so bus B arrives every 30 minutes.
Entering Lake Jackson State Park
Lake Jackson State Park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown every day. You can enter by foot, bicycle or car.
Lake Jackson State Park Entry Fee per vehicle : $3.0
Lake Jackson State Park Entry Fee - walkers and bikers : $2.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Jackson State Park
Spring, fall and winter are the best times of the year to visit Lake Jackson Archaeological Mounds State Park. The summer is hot and humid with a lot of bugs. Spring is also the prime time for bass fishing up until early summer.
You can find a variety of beautiful birds in Lake Jackson State Park, including ruby-throated hummingbirds, summer tanagers, red cardinals, red-shouldered hawks and ospreys. Other wildlife that you have a chance of seeing are foxes, turtles and deer. The trails offer some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
No, Lake Jackson State Park doesn't have a campground. However, you can use restrooms at the park that are located near the trail entrances.
There are no camping facilities at this state park.
Pets are allowed at Lake Jackson State Park if they are well-behaved. You need to keep them on a 6-foot leash at all times as well.