Blue Spring State Park

About Blue Spring State Park

The American colonial botanist John Bartram visited the area in 1766, but the headwaters have been home to the Indians for centuries. Louis Thursday and his family settled in 1856, and the Thursday house, built in 1872, is still standing. The area was inhabited by more and more Indians and a large number of white settlers.

Swimmers, snorkelers and certified divers can join partners to enjoy the natural beauty of Blue Spring State Park and its waters. Swimming or diving with manatees is not allowed, but the rules are strictly adhered to and swimmers and snorkelers with a certified diver as a partner cannot swim or dive in the waters of the park.

The river is popular for fishing, canoeing and boating, and river cruises are available from St. Johns River Cruises at 386 - 917 - 0724.

The park has many picnic areas and hiking trails, and for overnight stays air-conditioned cabins and fully equipped campsites are available.

Blue Spring is a protected refuge for manatees, and the temperature during the spring run remains constant at 72 degrees, providing a safe haven for the West Indian manatees. The spring and spring railway is closed for all water sports in spring and summer, while in winter it protects manatees and warm water. Florida State Parks is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays, weekdays and noon, and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Learn more about the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), which monitors manatees in Blue Spring State Park and other Florida State parks. Blue Spring State Park offers six (6) two-bedroom apartments, four (4) three-bedroom apartments and two (2) four-bedroom apartments.

There are cottages with a fully equipped kitchen, a screened veranda and a full service bathroom.

Two (2) two and three (3) four-room apartments and one (1) three-room apartment are also planned.

You must bring a valid Florida State Park ID or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) permit.

In the cabins there is a bedroom furnished with a double bed and a second bedroom furnished with two single beds.

In the living room there is a sofa and a bed for additional guests and unfortunately no pets are allowed in the cabins. Maximum of six (6) guests are allowed in one cabin and one vehicle per cabin.

Blue Spring State Park has 51 campsites in the pine forest and there are tables, water, electricity and barbecues at each location. There is no landfill in the park and no sewage system is on the site, but there is a landfill near the park.

No pets are allowed on campsites without proof of rabies vaccination, but Blue Spring State Park also offers a pet-friendly campsite with dog park, dog walker and pet park. From manatees to insects, the rental library is a fun way to experience the real Florida for your child.

Ask Ranger Station how to borrow a book and tell your child a story while explaining the sights and sounds of Blue Spring.

Blue Spring offers swimming, diving and diving at Blue Spring State Park Aquatic Center and Red River Diving Center. Divers can also dive for free in the Black River, the largest body of water in New York State.

The spring railway is closed to all water sports during the summer months, to provide the manatees with a safe haven in warm water during the winter months. The temperature during the spring run remains constant at 72 degrees, which creates a "safe haven" for the West Indian manatees.

Swimming and diving with manatees is not allowed, but Blue Spring is a designated manatees "retreat.

Blue Spring State Park will be open to the public from July 1 to October 31, 2017 and from April 1 to June 30, 2018.

Reservations and fees can be made by phone at the Blue Spring State Park Visitor Center at (888) 543-5555 or by email [email protected]. Of course, a visit to the National Park and the main entrance to the park are not to be missed to see the real Florida.

For more information on costs and reservations, please call (386) 775-6888 or email [email] [contact] Blue Spring State Park Visitor Center. Canoeing is available for rent at the park concessions and you are invited to canoe at Lake Okeechobee National Wildlife Refuge and Florida Keys National Park.

Blue Spring is a designated manatees sanctuary, and Blue Spring State Park offers two separate picnic areas within the park. The spring railway is closed during the summer months for all water sports, to provide manatees a safe haven and warm water in winter. Temperatures during spring races remain constant at 72 degrees, providing a safe haven for the West Indian manatees.

One area also has a large covered barbecue pit and there is a covered gazebo for larger groups. You can reserve for October to March for a fee, please contact the parking office for details.

The same unspoiled beauty that Florida's earliest inhabitants enjoyed is still visible today. A self-guided promenade leads visitors from Blue Spring to lush hammocks and back to the park entrance.

Take Exit 114 on Interstate 4 and turn right onto West French Avenue, follow the signs to the entrance to Blue Spring State Park at the southern end of the park. Take 17 - 92 south of Orange City for 2.5 miles to approx. 17 / 92, then turn left onto French Street, follow signs and take Exit 114 to Interstate-4 for approximately 2 miles.