Suwannee River State Park

About Suwannee River State Park

Traces of history in the park show how important the Suwannee River was in Florida history. The Withlacoochee River, where it flows into Lake Okeechobee State Park, is located south of the entrance to the national park.

Along the river stretches a long mound of earth built during the Civil War to protect Union Navy gunboats during the Battle of the Suwannee River. Remains of the past include the remains of a railway bridge, a bridge over the Withlacoochee River and the remains of an old fortress.

The park has fully equipped campsites and cabins for overnight stays, and other activities include fishing, picnicking and canoeing. Five trails from a quarter mile to 18 miles in length offer magnificent views of the river. It is located in the heart of Suwannee River State Park and is surrounded by forest just a few miles north of Lake Okeechobee.

At the confluence of the rivers in the south, the Confederates built a rampart and mounds of earth during the Civil War, which served as military fortifications. The main purpose was to protect the railway bridge over the Suwannee, but the river was buzzing with paddles - paddleboats steamed over it and the strong pioneers who lived on the land and benefited from it.

The beef, salt and sugar needed to feed the Confederate Army was transported to Georgia by rail. The Union troops sent from Jacksonville to take the bridge were defeated by the Confederates in the Battle of the Suwannee River on July 4, 1861.

Steamboats were a common sight on the Suwannee and Withlacoochee, and the city of Columbus stood on the earthworks. Columbus flourished and within the park is one of Florida's oldest cemeteries.

At the mouth of the river stood the home of John Drew, a sawmill owner who became governor in 1876, and his wife.

The park has five fully equipped cottages, sleeping 6, equipped with dishwasher, fireplaces and large screened verandas. Picnic tables, electrical appliances and barbecues are available on all 30 campsites and family campsites. Note: Pets are not allowed in the cabins, but cabin reservations can be made by calling 1-866-866-5555 or online at SUWANNEE RIVER State Park.

All toilets and hot showers are located in the immediate vicinity, as is access to toilets and showers at the main entrance to the park.

Pets are not allowed on the campsites (for more information, see the official pet policy). Check the availability of firewood and ice at the ranger station and do not allow pets in the park.

There are two campsites for teenagers, and the youth camping fee is $4 for adults and teens and $3 for children 5 to 12 years old.

The campsites in Suwannee River State Park have 31 campsites that are under reserve management in the United States. Each pitch is equipped with a campfire, fireplace, picnic tables and other amenities. The tents of the campers can be accommodated in most pitches, depending on the size of the pitch.

There is no landfill on any of the campsites, but campers must register with the Ranger Station and report to the Park Ranger.

The Lower Suwannee River Canoe Trail starts in the park and ends at the Gulf of Mexico, and ends at the end of the trail, south of Lake Okeechobee State Park. The park ends north of Fort Myers, Fla., about 30 miles north-west of Jacksonville.

Water boats are not available for hire in the park, but there are boat ramps for various boat types, including boats, canoes and kayaks, as well as a boat parking lot.

Visitors can fish on the banks of the Suwannee River, and persistent anglers are rewarded with catfish, perch and panfish. For persons 16 years and older, a Florida freshwater fishing license is required, as well as an adult fishing license.

In addition to picnic tables and barbecues, there are two picnic pavilions on each of the two main campsites, and picnic tables and barbecues are standard on all 31 campsites and all family campsites.
The winding Suwannee River Trail, a 1.5 km loop through the park, offers a pure nature experience. During a self-guided tour, interpretative signs explain the hammocks and their various plants and animals.

The Sandhills Trail leads visitors from a picnic area to Columbus Cemetery and back to the trailhead.

Part of the route follows the old road that ran from Pensacola to Jacksonville and was the main thoroughfare in the early 19th century. The open pine forest here contrasts with the hardwood hammocks along the river path.

Note that this path is accessible only on foot, by vehicle and by horse, and can only be reached on foot or by bicycle.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome in Suwannee River State Park, but must always be on a leash and not be left unattended for more than an hour. Dogs are not allowed in any building or cabin and all dogs must be kept on a lead.

Pet camping is possible on all campsites, but pets must be kept under the physical control of a person, on a leash or otherwise. Florida law requires that all pets be vaccinated against rabies, and pet camping allows this if possible. The laundry must not exceed 1.50 m, be held in the hand and not more than 2.5 m in front of the face.

Pets must behave well - and pets must not be kept on a leash for more than 30 minutes. Pets can be accommodated at the campsite for up to two hours at a time, with one hour per day allowed seven days a week.

Pet owners are obliged to collect their animals and dispose of their droppings properly in a bin. Pets considered "annoying" may not stay in the park and must be disposed of. Suwannee River State Park is located on the south side of the river, south of Lake Okeechobee, Florida, about 30 miles north of Jacksonville.