Crescent Lake, Florida, USA

Also known as:  Lake Crescent

Crescent Lake, straddling Putnam and Flagler Counties in northeastern Florida, lazes out over an imposing 15,960 acres. Known for its clean water and beautiful scenery, the lake hosts many visitors every year, each looking a slice of Crescent Lake tranquility. A public boat ramp on the western shore provides access to the lake. Because there is limited parking for vehicles and boat trailers, it’s best to arrive…
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    • All About Crescent Lake, FL

    Lake Locations: USA - US South Region - Florida - Cross Florida - North Florida -

    Crescent Lake, straddling Putnam and Flagler Counties in northeastern Florida, lazes out over an imposing 15,960 acres. Known for its clean water and beautiful scenery, the lake hosts many visitors every year, each looking a slice of Crescent Lake tranquility. A public boat ramp on the western shore provides access to the lake. Because there is limited parking for vehicles and boat trailers, it’s best to arrive early.

    The 3,528-acre Crescent Lake Conservation Area, at the south end of the lake, serves as a buffer for the lake by providing water storage and protecting wildlife. Bald eagles, osprey, and waterfowl make their home here. The Conservation Area and the Haw Creek Preserve provide many recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and primitive camping.

    Fishing is likely the most popular activity along Crescent Lake, and the pickings are anything but slim. Due to higher-than-average saline levels, the lake is home to the coveted blue crab. Marked by distinctively blue claws, the blue crab is sweet and savory, an absolute must-catch for an avid angler. Beyond these pinching crustaceans, Crescent Lake is home to bass, crappie, catfish, and panfish. Each fish is a prize on its own, and as you cast your line, surrounded by sparkling water, beautiful greenery and blue sky, you’ll feel like you’ve already won.

    Nature photographers can’t get enough of Crescent Lake. Old cypress trees dot the shoreline, providing perfect stationary perches for the native bald eagle. Few can feel anything but awe as they watch the eagle drift gracefully through the air, seemingly effortless, before flapping its massive wings and gaining more momentum. Osprey stand atop their giant nests, calling out warnings to those who venture too close, and gliding along the lake’s surface so close that you think they might take a dip. Large Florida gators amaze visitors, their heads popping out of the water, so still that the water around them doesn’t even ripple.

    Boating is popular at Crescent Lake, though you should take care, as depths generally range between 5 to 10 feet. Kayaks, canoes, and bass boats are what you’ll usually see, though fan boats make an occasional appearance. And though the lake is beautiful when you’re staring at it from the shore, nothing can compare to the way it feels when you have it surrounding you on all sides. With a refreshing breeze in your hair, the powder blue sky above you, and the golden sun warming your skin, you’ll close your eyes and let the sounds and feel of nature take hold of your senses.

    Crescent Lake flows into the St. Johns River through Dunns Creek at the north end of the lake. Boaters will enjoy the picturesque 5-mile ride along the creek with abundant wildlife. This is truly what relaxation feels like.

    After a full day of activity at the lake, you can head on over to Crescent City, located on the west end. Private residences, motels, campgrounds, and restaurants populate the town. Entertainment usually takes the form of an interesting conversation over a hearty meal, but don’t underestimate the satisfaction of watching an incredible sunset over Crescent Lake with a glass of your favorite wine. Crescent City also hosts the annual Catfish Festival the first weekend in April, so come join the fun with good food, music, and crafts.

    Things to Do at Crescent Lake

    These are some activities in the Crescent Lake, FL area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Horseback Riding
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding

    What Kind of Fish Are in Crescent Lake?

    Crescent Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Perch
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    Find Places to Stay at Crescent Lake

    If you’re considering a Crescent Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Crescent Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Crescent Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Crescent Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Water Level Control: St. Johns River Water Management District

    Surface Area: 15,960 acres

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 10 feet

    Average Depth: 5 feet

    Drainage Area: 559 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Mesotrophic to Eutrophic

    Crescent Lake Map
    Local Weather Forecast

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