Lake Beresford is a wide section of the St. Johns River in Volusia County, Florida, offering paddlers a scenic and wildlife-rich experience. The lake is part of a 10-mile paddling trail that includes the St. Johns River, Hontoon Dead River, and Snake Creek. Access points include the French Avenue Boat Ramp and the Hontoon Island State Park boat ramp. A third launch site at Lake Beresford Park is planned for future development.

The shoreline is largely undeveloped, featuring diverse vegetation including marsh, cypress swamp, and hardwood hammock. Paddlers can expect to see abundant wildlife, with turtles sunning on logs, ibis foraging among cypress knees, and various bird species such as woodstorks, great egrets, and kingfishers. Alligators are present in the area, so caution is advised.

Lake Beresford connects to the Hontoon Dead River, which offers a slight current and narrower passages. Some sections of the paddling trail may require navigating through mats of water hyacinths. The area has historical significance, with Indian shell mounds and artifacts found on nearby Hontoon Island.

Facilities are available at Hontoon Island State Park, including a museum, picnic areas, and camping options. The Bartram Gardens & Trail, located along the western shoreline of Lake Beresford, provides additional amenities such as a fishing pier, canoe and kayak launch, and interpretive trails.

Summer allows for exploration of the entire paddling trail, while winter brings restrictions in some areas due to manatee protection. The water temperature in nearby Blue Spring Run remains a constant 72 degrees year-round, attracting manatees in the colder months.

Paddlers should be aware of potential hazards such as submerged logs, narrow passages, and wildlife. A paddling map is available from Volusia County to help navigate the area. The lake and surrounding waterways offer a blend of natural beauty, wildlife viewing, and historical interest for paddlers to explore.