Lake with small bridge

Crescent Lake Vacation Rentals

Crescent Lake

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Crescent Lake
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Why Rent On Crescent Lake

Shaped like a crescent moon and covering over 15,000 acres, Crescent Lake is one of Florida’s premier freshwater lakes located in Putnam and Flagler counties. It connects to the St. Johns River via Dunns Creek, making it part of an extensive waterway network. Crescent Lake is a hotspot for fishing tournaments—bass, speckled perch, and catfish thrive in these waters. The lake is ringed by oak hammocks and small towns, with Crescent City serving as a charming base. Boating, kayaking, and birdwatching are also popular, especially near marshy points rich in heron and osprey sightings.

Best time to go
Visit Crescent Lake from late October to early April, when mild temperatures and crystalline skies invite exploration. This serene season, with vibrant autumn foliage and fewer crowds, is perfect for kayaking and fishing, offering a peaceful retreat amidst nature’s splendor.
Water Quality
Crescent Lake in Florida exhibits water colors ranging from deep blue to emerald, with water clarity varying from crystal-clear to murky. Recent health alerts indicate the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins, which can affect water clarity.
Surface area (mi)
40.14
Max depth (ft)
23.39
Elevation (ft)
36.09
Shoreline length (mi)
42.07

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Waterskiing
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
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Marinas on Crescent Lake

Nearby lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Crescent Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • It is generally safe to swim in Crescent Lake, but the water quality can vary. The lake has issues with low pH, low dissolved oxygen, and high nutrient levels, particularly from excessive milfoil growth, which can affect water clarity and overall health of the lake.

  • Crescent Lake is a popular destination because of its diverse outdoor activities. The lake offers fishing for various trout species, boating, water skiing, and other water sports. Additionally, it is surrounded by miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, and is close to the Willamette Pass Ski Area for winter sports.

  • The bag limits and size restrictions for fishing in Crescent Lake, Florida, generally follow statewide rules. For black bass, the limit is 5 fish per day, with only one allowed to be 16 inches or longer, and no minimum length limit for largemouth bass. Special limits may apply in specific areas or Fish Management Areas.

  • Yes, there is a public beach at Crescent Lake. For instance, in Washington, Lake Crescent has public beaches like East Beach and Fairholme Beach, which offer picnic areas and other amenities. In Maine, Raymond and Crescent Beach are also public beaches with free parking and boat launches.

  • Towns near Crescent Lake in Florida include Crescent City, Pierson, Bunnell, and East Palatka. Crescent City is located on the western shore of Crescent Lake, while Pierson, Bunnell, and East Palatka are nearby communities within Putnam County. These towns are accessible via US Highway 17 and local backroads.