Fort gates ferry and fish camp

The historic Fort Gates Ferry was established in 1856. The ferry originally carried troops over to Fort Gates which was used in the Civil War and the Seminole War. The fort was dismantled in 1938, but the ferry continues to operate.
Photo of the West Fort Gates Ferry Landing hspace=

The tugboat built of cypress in 1918 and a barge built 52 years ago carrys two vehicles across the St. John's River from the west bank of the river which is undeveloped land in the Ocala National Forest to Cresent City, Florida or vice versa. To the ferry dock on the west bank, it�s 6 miles of dirt road from SR 19. If a driver arrives at the west bank and needs the ferry, he signals the ferry operator by turning the headlights on. The ferry dock on the east bank is in the Gateway Fishing Camp, near SR 17 in Cresent City, Florida.
Photo of Fort Gates Ferry Leaving the East Landing

The one-way fare for a car is $9.00. It costs more for an RV and less for a motorcycle. The ferry's capacity is 30 feet or 13 tons. The ferry is the shortest route from highway 17 to highway 19. By ferry, it�s 1/2 mile to the other side of the river. By road, it�s 55 miles.

The ferry operates from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, every day but Tuesday. The weather plays a factor in the operation of the ferry. If the wind is too strong, the ferry does not operate for obvious safety reasons. It is wise to phone (904) 467-2411 to be sure that the ferry is operating since there is nothing on the west bank of the river except a few private homes whose owners are not affilliated with the ferry in any way.