Discover Clay
59 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Moccasin Slough Park
Small waterfront park on the St. Johns River offering tidal marsh, mangroves, boardwalks and river views—good for serene waterscapes, birdlife and reflective sunrise/sunset shots. Easy roadside parking and no entry fee; accessible paths and pier. Best light at golden hour; bring bug spray in warmer months.
Kingsley Lake Park
Kingsley Lake is a near-perfect circular spring-fed lake with clear water, sandy shores and island-like tree clusters — ideal for reflective waterscapes, minimalist landscapes and sunrise/sunset symmetry. Visit at golden hour for calm water and color; weekday mornings offer the best reflections and fewer boaters. Small county park with free or low-cost parking, easy shoreline access and a boat ramp; dress for sun and insects in warmer months.
PADL
Small paddleboard launch on Fleming Island offering calm water, shoreline reflections and active subjects — great for shooting silhouettes, golden-hour skies and intimate water-sport scenes. Easy roadside parking and a platform launch; expect help needed lifting boards. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm light and low wind; weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. No special entry fees noted; bring waterproof protection and a way to secure gear to the shore or car.
Thunderbolt Park
Small riverside park on the St. Johns River offering wide water views, a boat ramp, pier and marshy shoreline — great for sunrise/sunset colors, reflections, and birdlife (egret, osprey). Easy roadside parking and no formal entry fee; boardwalks and grassy banks make tripod access simple. Best light: golden hour and blue hour; weekdays and early mornings reduce anglers and dog-walkers. Summer afternoons can be harsh; bring bug spray in warmer months.
Black Creek Park and Trail
Black Creek Park offers a classic Florida waterscape: a tannin-dark blackwater creek framed by cypress, palms and hanging moss, plus grassy trails and a scenic boardwalk. Photographers can capture reflections, wildlife (herons, turtles), river bends and intimate wetland details. Best at sunrise or golden hour for soft light and mist; weekdays and early mornings minimize anglers and walkers. Park has a small lot at the trailhead, mostly flat but some unpaved paths; bring insect repellent. No gate
Camp Chowenwaw Park
Small riverside park on the St. Johns River offering pier views, live oaks draped in Spanish moss, calm water reflections and seasonal birdlife—ideal for tranquil landscape and waterscape shots. Best at sunrise and golden hour for warm light and reflections; evenings yield dramatic sunsets. Easily accessible from Ball Rd with on-site parking and no gate; paths are walkable but bring mosquito repellent in warmer months. Weekday mornings are quieter; check tide and river level for best pier comps.
eBird Hotspot: Camp Chowenwaw
Camp Chowenwaw is a small riverfront birding hotspot on the St. Johns River with marsh edges, shady trails and old camp structures—excellent for photographing wading birds, songbirds, river reflections and intimate wetland scenes. Best at sunrise and early morning for active birds and soft light; late afternoon can give warm side-light and reflections. Expect mosquitoes in warm months; wear insect repellent and bring waterproof shoes for muddy trails. Parking is roadside on Ball Rd; no formalfee
Black Creek Ravines Conservation Area
Forested ravines, meandering Black Creek channels, cypress and hardwood stands, and mossy banks create intimate landscape and waterscape scenes. Ideal for reflection shots, textured close-ups, and layered forest compositions. Best light is golden hour or overcast for even forest light; early mornings on weekdays reduce anglers and hikers. Trails are unpaved with modest elevation changes; expect muddy/flooded sections after rain. Small trailhead parking at 5703 Green Rd; check on-site signage for
Four Silos Park
Four Silos Park features four weathered agricultural silos set in open parkland — strong graphic shapes against big Florida skies. Photograph silo textures, reflections in nearby water, and wide vistas at golden hour. Best at sunrise or sunset for directional warm light and long shadows; weekday mornings have fewer visitors. Easy roadside access and parking at 1657 Farm Way; no special entry fees. Watch for changing weather and bring insect repellent in warmer months.
Clay County Outdoor Adventure Park
Wooded trails, ponds, ropes courses and mountain-bike features offer a mix of action and nature frames. Shoot trail lines, textured cypress/swamp edges and aerial views of obstacle parks. Best light is golden hour and early morning for mist and empty trails. Site has on‑site parking and marked trails; check park hours, helmet/waiver rules and expect bugs in summer.
Eagle Harbor Park
Small riverside park on Fleming Island with wide views of the St. Johns River, marsh edges and boat traffic — ideal for water, sunset and bird photography. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and reflections; weekday mornings have fewer visitors. Easily accessible by car with a small parking area and short walks to shoreline; casual clothing and insect repellent recommended.
Kingsley Lake Drive
Kingsley Lake Drive circles an almost perfectly round, clear lake — ideal for wide landscapes, reflective water shots, sandbars and shoreline pine/cypress compositions. Visit at sunrise or sunset for warm light and glassy reflections; weekday mornings have few people. Accessible by car with several public pull-offs and a boat ramp; no entry fee but watch for residential areas and local anglers. Summers bring dramatic skies but also storms; check local weather and drone rules before flying.
Camp Blanding Wildlife Management Area
Camp Blanding WMA offers pine flatwoods, longleaf forests, grassy savannas and seasonal wetlands — excellent for birding (raptors, waders, migratory songbirds), textured landscapes after burns, and intimate nature scenes. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm side-light on pines and wetland reflections; winter/dry season gives clearer views and fewer mosquitoes. Access via trailheads and parking areas off local roads; this is an active management area—check Florida Fish & Wildlife rules, seasonal (
Doctors Lake Park
Small, passive waterfront park on Doctors Lake offering sheltered picnic areas, benches and a 320-ft pier (note: pier reported unstable). Best for serene lakescapes, reflections and sunset colors. Visit at sunrise or golden-hour sunset for dramatic light; weekdays and early mornings avoid locals. Easy roadside parking; flat, wheelchair-accessible paths to shoreline but avoid using damaged sections of dock. No entry fee.
Duck Pond Falls
Small, photogenic waterfall and pond set in wooded suburban park — great for intimate waterscape and wildlife shots (ducks, herons). Best light: early morning or late afternoon for warm side light; overcast days soften highlights for long exposures. Easily accessible on short trails; likely free public access and limited parking, so plan for weekdays or early hours. After-rain conditions boost flow and reflections.
Brookstone Park
Small community park on a tranquil lake offering shoreline reflections, cypress and oak framing, walking paths and wildlife (waders, ducks). Best at sunrise and golden hour for soft light and mirror reflections; evenings can yield colorful sunsets. Easy access with free parking at the lot, no entry fee, wheelchair-accessible paths in sections. Weekday mornings are quieter; after rain offers richer skies and puddle reflections. Ideal for intimate landscape and nature studies rather than dramatic,
Park
Small suburban park offering tree-lined trails, open lawns and likely wetland edges—good for intimate landscape scenes, bird and insect close-ups, and golden-hour color. Visit early mornings for wildlife activity and soft light, or at sunset for warm skies. Typically free with roadside parking; paths are mostly flat and family-friendly. Weekdays have fewer visitors. No special permits for casual photography; check park signs for drone rules.
Island Forest Park
Island Forest Park offers shady oak-and-pine trails, creekside boardwalks and small wetland pockets — ideal for intimate woodland, reflections and birdlife shots. Best visited at sunrise or late afternoon for warm side-lighting and calmer water; weekday mornings reduce crowds and bugs are lighter in drier months. Small parking lot on Bermuda Dr; paths are mostly flat but can be muddy after rain. No fee; respect local wildlife and leash rules.
Lick Skillet
Small lakeside/riverfront spot on Lakeshore Dr offering calm water reflections, marshy shoreline and residential backdrops — good for sunrise/sunset color, long exposures of smooth water, and intimate nature/shore compositions. Easy roadside access with limited parking; best light at golden hour and blue hour. Weekdays or early mornings reduce local traffic; expect mosquitoes in warm months and bring insect repellent. No formal entry fee; respect private property along the shore.
Zachary Labos Black Creek Park
Black Creek Park offers winding creek vistas, shaded live oaks and boardwalks ideal for intimate waterscapes, reflections and birdlife. Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for warm side-light and calmer water; weekday mornings reduce crowds. Trails and boardwalks provide easy access and roadside parking at 7890 US‑17; no special permits for casual photography. Expect bugs in warmer months and bring waterproof shoes for low wetland areas.
Fleming Island Plantation Gazebo
Small wooden gazebo on Fleming Island offering framed views of the St. Johns River, marsh grasses and live oaks — ideal for intimate architectural frames, reflections and golden-hour riverscapes. Easy roadside access and informal parking; no entry fee. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm side-light and calm water; weekdays and early mornings reduce walkers and fishermen. Expect tidal light shifts and mosquitoes in summer — bring insect repellent.
Bayard Observation Tower
Compact observation tower overlooking the St. Johns River corridor and surrounding wetlands. Shoot sweeping river panoramas, layered tree lines and migrating waterfowl from the elevated vantage; golden hour light and pastel sunsets give strong color and reflections. Tower is roadside-accessible in Green Cove Springs — expect limited parking, stairs to the viewing platform, and no special entry permits. Weekday mornings are quieter; summer afternoons can be humid and buggy.
Pioneer Trail
Pioneer Trail is a wooded multi-use trail through coastal plain habitat—live oaks, pines, wetlands and small creeks—ideal for intimate landscape, nature and wildlife shots. Best light is at golden hour (sunrise or sunset) when shafts through the canopy and warm tones accent moss-draped trees and reflections in pools. Trail is flat and walkable; expect dirt/gravel surfaces and occasional muddy sections after rain. Street parking available at trailheads; no special entry fees. Weekday mornings are
Powell Ford Recreation Area
Small riverside recreation area on the Trout/Julington Creek system offering marsh edges, cypress and oak lines, boat ramp and quiet water reflections—good for intimate landscape and wildlife shots. Best at golden hour or just after sunrise for low-angle light and mist; evenings can yield colorful sunsets. Easy roadside access and informal parking; bring bug spray and waterproof footwear in wet seasons. No fee commonly required; check local signs for closures.
Orange Park Mall Carnival
Seasonal carnival in the Orange Park Mall parking lot — neon-lit rides, game booths, food stalls and crowds that make for energetic, colorful images. Best at golden hour for warm light on rides and during blue hour/night for dramatic light trails. Easy access and free mall parking; rides and booths are ticketed. Weeknights are less crowded; expect family-friendly atmosphere and typical fair smells and sounds that add context.
The Oaks Park
Small community park with shaded paved loop, wooden bridges, water views and playgrounds — good for candid family, pet, and park-life shots. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light; early weekdays avoid crowds and evening food-truck/movie events offer lifestyle scenes. Easy parking, paved paths for gear and tripods; no entry fee. Watch for graffiti as an urban texture and respect nearby residential areas.
Oak Creek Park
Small riverside park on Oak Creek with shaded trails, a boardwalk and creek-side views—good for intimate nature scenes, reflections, water motion and local birdlife. Best at golden hour for warm light and glassy creek reflections; weekday mornings are quieter. Easy access with free parking on-site, no entry fee; paths are mostly flat and stroller-friendly. Expect families and dog-walkers; respect wildlife and private properties along the creek.
Ronnie Van Zant Memorial Park
Small riverfront memorial park honoring Ronnie Van Zant with a bronze statue, plaques and fan tributes set beneath live oaks on the St. Johns River. Photographers can capture intimate portraits of the monument, reflections on the water, moss-draped trees and memorial details. Best at golden hour or sunset for warm side light and colorful skies. Easy on-site parking on Sandridge Rd; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quiet. Respect memorial items and local visitors.
Fire and Water Recreation Area
Small lakes, marshy shoreline and tree-lined trails at Fire and Water Recreation Area offer reflective waterscapes, wading bird and marsh wildlife opportunities, and intimate landscape scenes. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm light and mirror reflections; winter months bring migratory birds. Site is car-accessible from Live Oak Ln with roadside parking and short walks—expect uneven trails and mosquitos; bring bug spray. No special entry permits reported; visit weekdays or early mornings to避co
Poochie's Park
Small but lively off-leash dog park with separate small/large areas, a pond, a kiddie pool, wooded walking trail and seating — great for candid pet action, water play shots and environmental portraits. Visit weekday mornings or late afternoon golden hour for softer light and fewer crowds; weekends get busy. Free parking onsite; day passes/memberships may apply. Expect active dogs, friendly staff and wash stations for post-shoot cleanup.
Oakleaf Community Park
Small community park with winding trails, stands of live oaks and wetland ponds—great for intimate landscape, reflections and nature close-ups. No entry fee, roadside parking near the lot; generally accessible paths but bring insect repellent. Best light: golden hour and after rain for strong pond reflections; weekdays or early mornings for minimal crowds.
Cross Pines Park
Small riverside park featuring stands of pine, open lawns, waterfront views and short walking trails — good for intimate landscape, waterscape and wildlife shots. Best at golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm light and reflections; mornings offer calmer water and more bird activity. Easy access with a small parking area and no entry fee; bring bug spray in warm months and sturdy shoes for uneven paths.
Just Smash That Rage Rooms
Indoor smash-room attraction offering high-energy, colorful action shots — flying debris, paint-splatter rooms and staged destruction. Best visited weekdays or off-peak evenings to avoid crowds. Wear closed-toe shoes (required); expect to sign a waiver. Small plaza parking available. Ask staff for permission to photograph or to pause for posed shots; staff are friendly and often help stage dramatic moments.
Christmas Lights
A neighborhood seasonal holiday light display along Cottonwood Ct — ideal for festive close-ups, wide street-scapes and candid family or street scenes. Best visited after dusk when displays are fully lit (peak 6–9pm). Weeknights are quieter; bring a tripod for low light. Street parking available but respect private driveways; wheelchair access is generally OK on sidewalks. No entry fee.
Cannons Point Park
Small neighborhood park anchored by a massive live oak and two ponds with waterfowl — great for intimate landscape, tree studies, and bird photography. Free, street parking; easy paths and family-friendly. Visit at golden hour or early morning for soft light and active birds; weekdays are quieter. Note occasional surface oil on one pond; respect local residents.
Escape The VR
Indoor VR arcade and rage-room combo offering dynamic candid moments, expressive portraits, and themed interior details. Shoot players’ reactions, gear close-ups, and action in the rage room. Best visited evenings or weekends when bookings are active for more faces and energy; weekday afternoons are quieter for staged shots. Low light requires permission to photograph—ask staff and book during less-busy slots. Located in a shopping plaza with free parking; accessible ground-floor suite. Expect a
MSGT. John E. Hayes Memorial Park
Small riverside memorial park honoring MSGT John E. Hayes with manicured lawns, flagpoles, plaques and views across a pond and tree-lined Main Street. Best for intimate memorial, flag, and reflective water shots at golden hour. Easily accessible from Main St with on-street parking; no entry fee. Weekday mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer visitors. Respect memorial etiquette and local veterans observances.
Natures Hammock Park
Small neighborhood hammock park with shaded live-oak canopies, fenced dog-run areas, playgrounds and short woodland trails. Good for candid pet and family shots, textured tree trunks and dappled light. Best at golden hour or early evening when dogs are active and light filters through the canopy. Free entry, on-site parking, flat and stroller-friendly paths — weekdays and early mornings avoid crowds. A community hub offering informal portrait and action opportunities.
Worthington Oaks Park
Small neighborhood park framed by live oaks, a paved walking path and a compact playground with accessible swings. Photographers can capture dappled oak-canopy light, candid family and child play scenes, intimate nature details and simple landscape compositions. No entry fee; street parking and small lot likely; fully accessible. Best at golden hour for warm side light and at weekday mornings to avoid families/teens. Comfortable for quick visits and portrait work.
Forest Park
Forest Park in Fleming Island offers mixed pine-hardwood trails, small wetland/pond edges and oak-canopy lanes for intimate nature and landscape shots. Best at golden hour for warm light and pond reflections; abundant songbirds and seasonal wildflowers. Easy roadside parking, no entry fee; paths are mostly flat and family-friendly. Weekday mornings avoid dog walkers and produce calmer water for reflections.
Cobblestone park
Small community park with walking paths, open lawns, mature oaks and a pond/water edge — good for intimate landscape, tree compositions, water reflections and local birdlife. Easy access with street parking, no entry fee; best at golden hour or early morning for soft light and fewer people. Weekdays are quieter; expect typical Florida weather and mosquitoes in summer. Good for quick shoots or as a stop en route to nearby riverfront sites.
The Green at the Village Center
Small community green in Orange Park that hosts food trucks, school events and local gatherings. Photograph event life, candid portraits, picnic scenes, and wide-open lawns framed by trees and nearby buildings. Best light: golden hour and early evening during events. Accessible on foot or by car with street parking; no formal restrooms often onsite. Weekday mornings are quiet for compositions without crowds; check local event schedule for vibrant night or festival shots.
Moody Avenue Park
Small community park with a large playground, pavilions, open fields and a baseball diamond — good for candid family/child portraiture, activity shots and simple landscape compositions. No entry fee; bathrooms and BBQ pavilions on site. Best light: early morning for soft, uncrowded scenes or late afternoon golden hour for warm backlight on slides and trees. Weekends and game days get busy and parking along Moody Ave fills early; consider weekday mornings for fewer people. Note occasional safety/
Granary Park
Small riverside park on the St. Johns River offering boardwalks, river views, mature trees and a historic-feel pavilion — great for sunrise/sunset reflections, long-exposures of passing river traffic, and intimate landscape shots. Easy flat access with paved paths and limited on-street parking on Brambleton Pl; free entry. Best light is golden hour and blue hour; weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. Expect warm, humid weather — mosquitoes at dusk.
Foxridge Park
Small neighborhood park and hidden gem featuring pickleball courts, tree-lined paths, benches and open green space — good for candid sports, environmental portraits and intimate landscape shots. Open sunrise–sunset; easy street parking in Ridgecrest, wheelchair-accessible paths in places. Best light at golden hour; weekdays and early mornings have few people.
Stonebrier Piedmont Park
Small community park with playgrounds, picnic shelters and mature trees offering simple suburban landscapes and candid family moments. Best at golden hour or weekday mornings for soft light and fewer people. No entry fee; limited parking near the lot. Expect worn park fixtures—use them as textural subjects. Accessible paths but minimal facilities; good for quick local shoots and practice sessions.
2924 Southbank Circle
Suburban riverside spot in Green Cove Springs near the St. Johns River — shoot low, reflective waterscapes, mature live oaks and neighborhood docks at golden hour. Best at sunrise/sunset for warm light and calm water; weekday mornings are quieter. Area is residential so respect private property and park legally on-street or in designated spaces. Expect humid, mosquitoy summers and mild winters; check tidal/wind for reflections and bird activity.
PADL
Small private airstrip/aviation facility set amid flat Florida terrain and cypress-lined waterways. Photograph runway leading lines, light aircraft silhouettes, and wide-open skies at golden hour; storm fronts and colorful sunsets add drama. Public viewpoints are from Ball Rd and nearby pullouts—respect private property and fences. Best at sunrise/sunset for low side-light and long shadows; weekdays have fewer local vehicles. Parking limited to roadside pullouts; no formal visitor facilities. Be
Greenwood Park
Small neighborhood park with a fenced playground, covered picnic pavilions, and a four-hoop basketball court. Good for candid family play scenes, detailed textures (rubber mulch, worn swings), and intimate wide shots of pavilion+trees. No restrooms; park closes at dusk. Ample parking on surrounding streets; quiet residential area—weekday mornings and golden hour offer soft light and fewer people. Note occasional unleashed dogs and small fence gaps around play area.
Skate Station Funworks of Orange Park
Indoor roller rink and family entertainment center with neon lighting, reflective floor surfaces and dynamic motion — ideal for capturing action, motion blur and colorful arcade bokeh. Best visited during evening public skate sessions or themed nights for dramatic lights; weekday sessions are less crowded. Easy street parking at the strip-mall lot; entry requires paid admission and often socks—check session schedules and ask staff about flash or tripod policies. Good accessibility and family‑or‑
Locked In Escape Rooms
Indoor escape-room attraction offering themed sets, props and moody lighting ideal for storytelling, detail and candid group shots. Best to photograph exteriors at dusk for warm plaza light; interior shoots require prior permission and often have low light and tight spaces. Parking available in the shopping center; visit weekdays or off-peak evenings for fewer groups. Check accessibility and staff rules about tripods or flash—many rooms prohibit gear to preserve puzzles.
Silverleaf Park
Small neighborhood park with swings and open green space—good for candid family and playground portraits, intimate environmental shots, and suburban streetscape details. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm backlight and soft shadows; weekday mornings are least crowded. Easy access with street parking and no entry fee; note some areas under construction so scout for clean backgrounds. Casual community vibe—bring a small reflector or off-camera flash for fill on faces.
Barrels of Fun
Barrels of Fun is a family entertainment center with colorful indoor play structures, arcade games and party spaces—ideal for vibrant, action-filled shots of kids, neon-lit machines and candid family moments. Visit weekdays or late afternoons to avoid birthday crowds; evenings offer richer neon contrast but require higher ISO. Free parking on site; no special permits for casual photography but respect privacy during private parties.
Waverly Park
Small residential park with a fenced playground, open green spaces and tree-lined paths — good for intimate family, dog-walk and playground detail shots. Best at golden hour or weekday mornings for soft light and few people; overcast days work for even portraits. No restrooms or on-site water; parking is street-only so plan short hikes from nearby homes. Watch for aged equipment when composing close-ups; community, calm atmosphere gives candid lifestyle opportunities.
Camp Blanding Joint Training Center
Camp Blanding is a working military training center with a military museum, memorials, historic structures and surrounding pine-flatwoods and wetlands. Photographers can capture static displays, memorials, training-day action (with permission) and scenic sunrise/sunset over scrub pine. Access is controlled—visitors should use the museum/visitor center entrance, expect ID checks, limited public hours, and occasional road closures. Best light: golden hour for landscapes and memorials; event days (
W. E. Varnes Park
Compact community park centered on well-kept pickleball and tennis courts, a covered gazebo, modern playground and open grass — good for documentary sports/action shots, candid community scenes, and small-scale landscape framing. Visit early mornings (8–11 open play) for active games and softer light; golden hour suits lawns and playgrounds. Free parking on site, no entry fee, fully accessible paths. Weekends bring more players and families; expect casual, friendly local atmosphere.
Escape Me - Escape Room
Indoor attraction ideal for candid group shots, immersive prop/details and storefront signage. Photograph team reactions, puzzles, and themed room vignettes—ask staff about shooting between sessions. Best off-peak weekdays or early evenings to avoid crowds; lighting is low and colored for mood. Plaza parking is available at 1035 Blanding Blvd; get permission before photographing active games and respect privacy of players.
Lou's Loophole
Small local spot in a residential/commercial area of Middleburg — likely private property. Photographers can capture intimate architectural and street-detail shots, neighborhood scenes, and directional light on building facades. Visit at golden hour for warm side light; weekday mornings are quieter. Check access and ask permission if on private property; street parking may be available but watch local signage. Notable for its everyday, small-town character rather than dramatic landscapes.
World Famous Indian Psychic Astrologer & Spiritual Healer
Small storefront spiritual/healing center on Blanding Blvd with colorful signage and intimate interior decor — shoot exterior signage, windows, waiting area details (prayer items, crystals, posters) and environmental portraits with permission. Best shot daytime for even light on the facade; blue hour/after-dark for illuminated signs. Easy vehicle access and curbside parking; ask before shooting inside out of cultural respect. Weekday mornings are quieter.