Buckman Lock provides the primary navigational connection between the St. Johns River and Rodman Reservoir, operating Thursday through Sunday with scheduled lock passages at set times (7 a. m. , 8 a. m. , 11 a. m. , and 1:30 p. m. inbound; 7:30 a. m. , 8:30 a.

m. , 1 p. m. , and 2 p. m. outbound). The site offers free access with amenities including bathrooms, picnic pavilions, parking, and a playground, plus access to the St. Johns Loop North Trailhead for non-motorized multi-use trails.

The lock also functions as a fish ladder allowing aquatic species like manatees to migrate between the river and reservoir.