Fossils near Jacksonville, FL
6 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Jacksonville report fossil. The closest is Cross Florida Barge Canal, about 54 miles out (1 hr 8 min drive).
Fossil collecting spots cluster around exposed sedimentary rock: road cuts, creek banks, quarries, and badlands where erosion keeps bringing fresh material to the surface.
Map of 6 fossil collecting spots within 150 miles of Jacksonville, Florida
Closest fossils spots to Jacksonville
- Cross Florida Barge CanalPutnam County, Florida54 mi · 1 hr 8 min driveFossils, Silicified Coral
- Alachua County QuarriesAlachua County, Florida71 mi · 1 hr 28 min driveChert, Fossilized Ivory
- Marion County QuarriesMarion County, Florida80 mi · 1 hr 41 min driveChert, Fossilized Ivory
- Sumter County QuarriesSumter County, Florida111 mi · 2 hr 18 min driveChert, Fossilized Ivory
- Crystal RiverCitrus County, Florida111 mi · 2 hr 19 min driveCalcite, Quartz, Chert
- Bradford CountyCitrus County, Florida116 mi · 2 hr 25 min driveChert, Fossilized Ivory
Types of fossils reported near Jacksonville
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each variety.
- Fossilized Ivory4
- Fossils2
Every fossil spot within 150 miles of Jacksonville
Sorted by distance from Jacksonville. Tap a row for directions, access status, and nearby trips.
| Spot | County | Minerals | Coordinates | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cross Florida Barge Canal | Putnam County |
| 29.5520, -81.7175 | Public |
| Alachua County QuarriesNorthwest 202nd Street | Alachua County |
| 29.6745, -82.5626 | Public |
| Marion County QuarriesUS 301;US 441 | Marion County |
| 29.2491, -82.1497 | Public |
| Sumter County QuarriesCR 470 | Sumter County |
| 28.7676, -82.0472 | Public |
| Crystal RiverSuncoast Boulevard | Citrus County | 28.9642, -82.6352 | Public | |
| Bradford CountyEagle Ridge Horse Trail | Citrus County |
| 28.8191, -82.4822 | Public |
Fossils near Jacksonville FAQ
Where can I find fossils near Jacksonville?+
6 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Jacksonville report fossil. The closest is Cross Florida Barge Canal in Putnam County County, roughly 54 miles away (1 hr 8 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect fossils on public land near Jacksonville?+
6 of the 6 spots here sit on land mapped as publicly accessible. Casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed on most BLM and Forest Service land with limits set by the local field office; national parks and most state parks are closed to collecting. Confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
Is it legal to keep fossils I find?+
On federal land, common invertebrate and plant fossils (shells, corals, trilobites, leaf prints) may be collected casually for personal use. Vertebrate fossils (bone, teeth, anything with a backbone) are protected on federal land and need a research permit. Private land follows the landowner's permission. When in doubt, photograph it, note the location, and ask the managing agency.
How far from Jacksonville do I need to drive?+
The nearest fossil spot is about 54 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 116 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
Keep exploring from Jacksonville
Fossils near other cities
Hunt fossils around Jacksonville with the map in your pocket
RockHoundR shows these spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, weather, and a log for your finds.
