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Lake Jesup Vacation Rentals

Lake Jesup

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Lake Jesup
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Why Rent On Lake Jesup

Lake Jesup is one of the largest lakes in Central Florida and is located in Seminole County. The St. John’s River makes it’s end at the 16,000 acre lake. One of the longest free-standing bridges crosses over Lake Jesup and is part of the Seminole Expressway,

In the 1960s the lake was found to be severely polluted. There was considerable algal growth, numerous fish deaths, and a thick layer of muck that was more than 9 feet deep in some areas. Fortunately, plans to rehabilitate the lake started in the 1990s. The Friends of Lake Jesup and the St. Johns River Water Management District teamed up with the Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to accomplish the restoration of the lake. Since then, the lake has slowly, but surely started to recover and has come a long way.

The lake is home to a wide variety of species and is considered to support one of the state’s densest populations of alligators Osprey and eagles also make their home around the lake.

Best time to go
Visit Lake Jesup from mid-March to late May, when wildflowers bloom and the sunlight dances upon the water. Enjoy tranquil kayak excursions and superb fishing, with fewer crowds and a gentle breeze that invites exploration.
Water Quality
Lake Jesup's water is often described as tannin-stained, giving it a tea-colored hue with murky clarity due to high sediment levels. However, restoration efforts aim to improve water quality and clarity over time.
Surface area (mi)
20.26
Max depth (ft)
9.84
Shoreline length (mi)
31.5

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Waterskiing
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
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Marinas on Lake Jesup

Nearby lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  • No, it is not safe to swim in Lake Jesup. The lake has harmful blue-green algae toxins and is heavily infested with alligators, making it dangerous for human contact. Additionally, the lake’s shallow depth and heavy siltation from storm water runoffs add to the hazards.

  • Lake Jesup is a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts because it has the highest number of alligators per acre and a diverse range of wildlife, including eagles, ospreys, and numerous bird species. The lake offers boat tours, hiking trails, and observation posts for wildlife viewing, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts.

  • There are specific fishing regulations for Lake Jesup in Florida. Wire traps and slat baskets are not permitted in Lake Jesup, as per the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission rules. Anglers must follow state-wide freshwater fishing regulations when fishing in this area.

  • There are no dog-friendly beaches on Lake Jesup. Lake Jesup is a freshwater lake in Florida and does not have beaches where dogs can be taken. Instead, leashed dogs are welcome on the trails in the Lake Jesup Conservation Area.

  • The towns near Lake Jesup are Sanford, Winter Springs, and Oviedo. These cities touch the shores of Lake Jesup, although there are few homes on the lakeshore due to its floodplain. The lake is located in Seminole County, Florida.