From the deck of the Nautical Mile
Kingsley Lake, nestled in Clay County, Florida, is a gem of natural and historical significance. Covering roughly 2,000 acres, this nearly perfect circle—two miles across—has earned nicknames like “Silver Dollar Lake,” visible from the air.
Its origins lie not in meteor impacts, but a sinkhole fed by springs and rainfall, typical of Florida’s dynamic geology.
Ancient Origins & Human Connection
Prior to European contact, the Timucuan-speaking tribes inhabited the area. The lake later took its name from Zephaniah Kingsley, a planter and merchant from the early 1800s.
In the twentieth century, one of its most beloved attractions was Strickland’s Landing, a family-run waterfront park on the north shore open from 1946 to 2002. Locals from Jacksonville, Gainesville, and Starke cherished the large beach, water slides, enclosed swim area, and snack bar.
Reddit users reminisce about childhood days spent at Strickland’s: “We would swim under the docks, collect clams, slide down backwards… I thought this lake was in a far off distant land”.
Sadly, escalating insurance costs, inheritance taxes, and safety concerns led to its closure in 2002.
Geological Marvel
Perched atop Florida’s ancient Trail Ridge formation, Kingsley Lake sits unusually high—around 174 feet above sea level.
It features a sandy bottom and crystalline water, reaching depths up to about 90 feet, with a steep central sinkhole more than 80 feet deep.
This clarity and depth make it a “pristine” lake with low nutrient levels and little shoreline over-development.
A Fisherman’s Dream
Kingsley Lake is renowned as one of Florida’s premier bass fisheries. Over recent years, it’s produced hundreds of bass weighing 8 pounds or more, with several in the 13- to 15-pound range.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) “tagged” fish to understand why; results show deep cooler layers (15–20 ft, around 65°F) provide summer refuge from surface waters reaching the mid-90s—promoting greater lifespan and growth.
The lake’s plentiful forage—especially big bluegill and crappie—supports these trophy bass.
Limited public access, with only Camp Blanding’s military ramp and private docks, ensures reduced fishing pressure and a protected environment.
Access & Recreation
Residents and military personnel are the main users of the lake. Roughly 50% of the shoreline is Camp Blanding, the Florida National Guard’s 73,000-acre training base established in 1939. Camp Blanding served as a WWII infantry training center for over 800,000 soldiers.
Public access to the military shoreline is restricted, but authorized individuals can enjoy lodging and recreation via Finnegan Lodge, RV parks, cabins, and boat launches.
The remaining shoreline is privately held, with around 180 homes and docks, and there's no public boat ramp or beach.
That said, Kingsley Lake Park, managed by Clay County, offers land-based amenities like a playground, courts, and pavilion—but notably, no direct water access.
Why Kingsley Lake Stands Out
Kingsley Lake’s allure lies in its natural beauty, clean water, and unique ecology. A circular spring-fed sinkhole, tucked within rolling terrain, this “oldest and highest” lake in Florida offers a rare, lightly developed refuge for wildlife and recreation.
It balances geological intrigue with rich human history—from indigenous people to plantation owners, family fun at Strickland’s, and the enduring presence of Camp Blanding.
Though today's lake access is limited, its protected shoreline is a boon for anglers and conservation, ensuring future generations can enjoy its sparkle, solitude, and the legends of trophy bass beneath the surface.
In essence, Kingsley Lake is more than a body of water—it’s a window into Florida’s past, a sanctuary for nature, and a cherished sporting legend. However you visit—by land, lens, or lore—it leaves a lasting impression.
