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A Nature Lover's Paradise - Aucilla River St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Photo gallery for A Nature Lover's Paradise - Aucilla River St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Interior
Exterior
Living area
Exterior
Unclassified image, 5 of 23, button

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6125.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Lamont, FL
  • Econfina River State Park
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
    ‪30 min drive‬
  • Florida State University
    ‪53 min drive‬
  • Tallahassee, FL (TLH-Tallahassee Intl.)
    ‪53 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Futon and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

A Nature Lover's Paradise - Aucilla River St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

The Moorings at Mandalay, Aucilla River Florida is ultimate and unique eco-tourist destination – a true nature lover’s paradise inside the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge -- birding, boating, sailing, canoeing, hiking, hunting, scalloping, fishing, artifact hunting, wildflower collecting, wildlife observation, nature photography, and painting. You can enjoy the pristine beauty of the Aucilla River. You’ll love the panoramic view of the refuge across the river through the 40 feet of sliding glass doors or from the dock. Pets are allowed with a $50 pet fee and modern flea protection.

This retreat is beautifully furnished with objects collected from around the world. The 2-bedroom, 1 ½ bath home has a queen-size bed, a comfortable double size futon, and a double Tempur-Pedic bed and plenty of floor space for inflatable mattresses. The home is fully furnished including linens, dishes, a dishwasher, a microwave, a washer, a dryer, a flat-screen TV, a VCR/DVD player, CD's, DVDs, games, books and more.

The rambling yard that has 160 front feet right along the riverbank. From the dock, you are just upstream about 10 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico with a public boat ramp nearby. The area has abundant wildlife. Seasonal sightings include ruby-throated hummingbirds, ospreys, bald eagles, pleated woodpeckers, swallow-tailed kites, great blue herons, white pelicans, turkeys, and flocks of iron head storks. In the river, teeming with fish, we've also seen manatees, otters, and porpoises. All around in the forest raccoon, deer, fox, coyotes, bobcats, and wild boar abound.

It’s a short hop up to Tallahassee, just 45 minutes; to Perry it’s 20 minutes. About 30 minutes away is the village of St. Marks, on the St. Marks River where it converges with the crystal clear Wakulla River. At the headwaters of the Wakulla River, twenty minutes away, is the Wakulla Springs Lodge State Park, a “river boat adventure” tour, swimming, dining, and lodging. For your convenience, JR’s Aucilla River Store is within 5 miles at the US 98 bridge. A guide service is available that provides licensed charter captains intimately familiar with the Big Bend waters.

This area has a rich archaeological history. You will walk the same trails of our ancestors from the Pleistocene era. For hiking, about three miles from the house, a segment of the Florida Trail runs east and west through the forest of the National Wildlife Refuge. It parallels US 98, then turns north up the Aucilla River basin through the many sinkholes to the upper run. That segment has white water rapid canoeing.

You can enjoy a half-day pristine canoe or fishing trip from the headwaters of the Wacissa River merging with the Aucilla River’s lower run ending at the house. Nearby recreational areas include Hickory Mound Impoundment, especially good for birding, Goose Pasture Recreational Area for canoeing and picnicking, and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge for scenic beauty and abundant wildlife.

Like us on Facebook, The Moorings at Mandalay, for additional pictures and Map of Aucilla River channel, overlaid on a satellite photo.

Property manager

Kate Fulford
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking, no matches, candles or fires of any kind inside the house. All activities are at your own risk. Children's safety YOUR responsibility!
If you open the futon, close it back. The housekeeper can't do it by herself.
Put things back where you found them.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Lamont

Located in Lamont, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. St. Marks Lighthouse and San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Econfina River State Park and St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Lamont, FL

What's nearby

  • Econfina River State Park - 18 min drive - 13.9 km
  • St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge - 30 min drive - 33.7 km
  • St. Marks Lighthouse - 46 min drive - 44.7 km
  • Florida A&M University - 50 min drive - 57.0 km
  • Florida State University - 53 min drive - 59.9 km

Getting around

  • Tallahassee, FL (TLH-Tallahassee Intl.) - 53 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A Nature Lover's Paradise - Aucilla River St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at A Nature Lover's Paradise - Aucilla River St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A Nature Lover's Paradise - Aucilla River St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is A Nature Lover's Paradise - Aucilla River St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 8.6 mi (13.9 km) from Econfina River State Park and within 25 miles (40 km) of St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park and Wakulla Springs State Park are also within 25 miles (40 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 118 out of 146 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 146 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 146 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 146 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 146 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Gary W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stay in Wildlife Refuge

Stayed on the edge of a river in a National Wildlife Refuge on the Gulf Coast of Florida's panhandle. The beautiful home is full equipped, yet set in a wilderness. This is our third stay, and we still love it.
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

vicki s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stay February 2025

This is just as advertised. Very secluded.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ladytrekker

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mandalay

Beautiful property and very nice people to deal with. The view is spectacular. Has everything you need and more.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cj K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquility and nature at its best.

The view from this home is amazing! So enjoyed just relaxing in the spacious living area and watching the river and all its nature. It you want a quiet, relaxing stay this is your place. We , especially my 90 year old mom, enjoyed the antiques and items gathered from travel. What a delight. dock from back door right on River. Just love it! Thanks for sharing your sweet little house!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adolfo

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
a Florida Jungle paradise
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Frederick A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to be close to nature.

Very nice place. Great place to relax. It is close to many canoeing and fishing locations. State boat launch is just a few minutes away.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jody P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Second time

This is second time staying here Clean quiet secure Fishing was great
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janet A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful

I love the water! With family responsibilities, I can’t get too far away. I found this little place that was on the water, peaceful, lots of nature. My dog and I enjoyed our stay and took walks along the dirt road and sat outside by the water.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenna D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful spot on the river

We enjoyed our time at this beautiful spot on the river. It’s within a reasonable distance to Wakulla Springs State Park and St Marks National Wildlife Refuge. We enjoyed using the canoe in the river and saw lots of wildlife!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

sharon h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Moorings

Very relaxing. Plenty of outdoor activities.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

KT T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home on the river

Excellent
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carl H.

Beauty and Wildlife

This cabin is as advertised - in the midst of nature. The cabin is as pictured - well-appointed and in a beautiful setting. It is a long way from restaurants and towns, but if you are looking for a peaceful place near parks and the wildlife refuge, this is the spot.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2019

8/10 Good

Robert P., Navarre Fl

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

River View

Wow what a view.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

doris w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful

Such a peaceful and quiet place on the river. Saw ospreys,otters,squirrels and even a bald eagle. We enjoyed the eclectic decorations from all around the world.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debbie C., Ocala, Fl.

Quiet and relaxing

It was a short trip to the gulf, in our pontoon boat. We were able to fish, relax in the sun, and go back to a quiet evening on the dock. Bob was a wonderful host. Thank you for sharing your sweet peace of paridise with us.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Patricia E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Nature Spot

The house was stunning, well provisioned, and with a wonderfullly comfortable master queen bed. It's hard to describe how magnificent the view of the Aucilla River is from the dock and living room. The huge windows plus the big picture window on the side provide the most amazing views of the river. And the entire area is full of wildlife, especially many magnificent birds. We hiked on the many interesting trails in the area but spent most of our walking time in the nearby St. Marks Wildlife Refuge. There are many trails and plenty of birds, ducks, and alligators. We had a month at this special home and we loved it. We hope to go back some day.
Stayed 30 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gail D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

You must stay here

Wonderful property right on the river. You feel like you are on a house boat! They have everything you need for your stay. Loved sitting on the deck and watching the water flowing to the gulf. Lots of dvd’d to choose from. We stayed from Dec. 20-25. No one else in site with the exception of two boats going down the river. Nice place to go for a walk. Boat ramp right down the road.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

jeff t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice private setting

This is our second time staying here. House was clean and orderly. No issues. Bad time of year for fishing. Saw wild hogs close to house. No alligators or otters this trip. No neighbors to contend with. Great place to go and escape everything. The online pic's are accurate. Highly recommended if you are looking for privacy.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

George G., Plantation FL 22 years, Fort Lauderdale FL before that

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Getaway with lots of water

If you like hiking, fishing and swimming this is the place. Bring your boat or kayak. We were able to take our 13 footer down the Aucilla river and across the bay to the mouth of the Saint Marks river. We found a sand bar there where we went swimming. We also hiked a small section of the Florida trail near the the Aucilla Sinks. We had a great time and the home we stayed in was perfect for why we were there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Sarah B.

Beyond my expectations!

The photos do not do justice to this place. Being able to sit on the sofa and watch the river, the wildlife, and relax was the ultimate for me and my family. Also close to the Wakulla Springs park for family fun enjoying swimming, hiking and boat tours. Although there were some problems with the house, the owners took immediate action to remedy. The stay was pleasant, the house is fantastic and the area is beautiful. If you love the outdoors and wildlife, this is a peaceful sanctuary for you.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Sean C.

Now I know why its called the moorings

Every thing was great except for the 2 sailboats moored right off the dock. They block a spectacular view of the river, and should be included in the pictures on the web site.

10/10 Excellent

Rose W., Gainesville, FL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Late Review- but this place is awesome

We stayed at this beautiful place on the River back in December. I thought I left a review, but apparently I forgot to. The house is wonderful and the location is amazing,! If you’re a wildlife fan you will be blown away. We spent a lot of time sitting on the deck watching the birds fly by, the fish jump, the turtles sunning on logs, and even saw an otter! Hiking is nearby in the St Marks Wildlife Refuge, and lots of great little places to eat. The owner is wonderful to work with and very responsive to inquiries. If you want seclusion and unspoiled natural beauty, this is definitely the place! Rose and Wayne Williams
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

bart b.

Incredible

The place was immaculate on the inside, and and in a beautiful wild setting - right on a river. It was a little far to get to the nearest grocery store (about 25 minutes), but as long as you plan for this, it is fine. I rate this a 5, because it is definitely a 5 for the money and for the locations, although the place could use some minor improvements (listed below). 1) a better way to get the canoe in and out the water. Hauling it via the creek is wearisome 2) steps to the river instead of a ladder 3) somewhat harder mattresses (neither my wife nor I could sleep well on the soft beds) Other than that, the place was perfect. Bart B. Columbia, SC
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2015

10/10 Excellent

M. D., Near Lake Erie

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoy the River!

This place is about relaxing and watching the river out the panoramic windows! There isn't much I can say that hasn't been said in other reviews. The place is older, but it was clean and has everything you need. The carpet is clean and plush. The displayed memorabilia is interesting and much of has really interesting details. Our experience here was during winter storm Elliot that brought rare 20 deg temps to FL. We wrapped up in blankets (plenty were provided), sat on the comfortable leather sofa, and watched the river tides for 2 days straight. And it was NICE. We saw an otter make daily rounds and saw a family of hogs! Watched more than 1 fish skip across the whole river to evade whatever was chasing. Birds went by using the river as a highway from marshes to roosting. It's hypnotic to watch the river flow, change directions, rise and fall. At night the stars are bright! Owner was responsive and supportive as we worried about her plumbing freezing. I appreciated all the little information tags she has taped around regarding how to use the heat, feel free to use the binacolulars, feed the birds, etc. There are plenty of food options and markets, including walmart, in different directions, all an easy 30 min drive. Be sure to visit St. Marks wildlife refuge - it's gorgeous with so many birds and a pretty beach to walk. I also recommend booking several boat tours at Wakulla Springs SP ($7 a person?) - it's a visit to Eden!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey W T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pease and Quiet on the Aucilla.

House is well kept and completely furnished with some beautiful antiques tastefully placed about. I didn't see any other people around for the 5 days we stayed. I did see squirrels and raccoons regularly on the back deck, along with the usual Anole lizards skittering about. I saw 2 River Otters swim by at about 15-20 feet away and saw 2 young Alligators 3 ft. and 4 ft. long. Too many birds to list them all, but Bald Eagles, Osprey, Vultures, Cardinals, Terns, Egrets, Herons, Hawks, Falcons, Kites, Pelicans, and so on. Small Horse Shoe crabs by the hundreds, (there were a few crab traps here, but I didn't put any out), maybe some bigger ones in the river? Fishing was poor for me but, I was told up at the store that this is not the best time of year to fish the river as the water is still pretty cold. Didn't get a chance to get a river charter for fish but will do that next time. Saw NO snakes of any kind. Overall, very relaxing. A great place to escape and unwind. On the downside, you need to get past the fact that the water has color to it. The house has filtration, softening, reverse osmosis, and one other unit in a series of equipment to try to make the water clear, but it's not gonna happen. It seems fine to drink and doesn't have any odd taste, it's just not clear! If you were blind folded, you couldn't tell the difference. So that's it in a nutshell. We enjoyed our time here and will likely come back.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023

About the host

Hosted by Kate Fulford

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Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests