Manager's Message
Family. Friends. Fun
Join the fun! It's summer at Blue Spring State Park, which means hot days, cool refreshing spring water, and a great opportunity for kids and parents to cool off in the spring. Bring your swim gear, pack a picnic lunch, and bring the whole family for a picnic and family fun in the Florida sun!
Please remember to arrive early or wait to visit until late in the afternoon as the park often reaches capacity by mid to late morning on weekends, holidays and even some weekdays during the summer swim season. Once the park carrying capacity is reached, the park will close temporarily until overcrowded conditions ease.
Plan a weekend family getaway! Tent and RV campers can hide away in the Sand Pine Scrub campground within easy walking distance of the river and spring run. Six vacation cabins, located in a shady oak hammock are also available for overnight visitors, so bring a friend and enjoy. Please call Reserve America @ 1-800-326-3521 to make reservations.
Family geared activities for summer include St. Johns River Nature Cruises and guided canoe or kayak trips by a Florida Park Service Visitor Services Provider located along the banks of the St. Johns River; all ages welcome to participate. Canoe, tube and snorkel rentals are available from Blue Spring Enterprises at the park snack bar and gift shop. For bird watchers, spring hatchling Florida Scrub Jays and other native birds are earning their wings. Pack binoculars and plenty of curiosity.
For family fun in the great outdoors, take a stroll or bike ride on the Blue Spring State Park to Lake Beresford Park segment of the Volusia County Spring to Spring Trail from the park entrance to Lake Beresford Park located adjacent to the north boundary of Blue Spring State Park.
We encourage visitors to visit our sister park,
- Robert Rundle, Park Manager
Welcome to Blue Spring State Park
The largest spring on the St. Johns River, Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home (mid-November through March) to a growing population of West Indian Manatees. For centuries, the spring area was home for Native Americans. In 1766 it was visited by Colonial American botanist John Bartram, but it wasn´t until 1856 that it was settled by Louis Thursby and his family. The Thursby house, built in 1872, remains standing. The spring´s crystal clear, 73 degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers with a partner. Swimming or diving with the manatees is not permitted; this rule is strictly enforced. The river is popular for fishing, canoeing, and boating. River boat tours are available; for reservations, call St. Johns River Cruises at (386) 917-0724. The park has plenty of picnic areas and a hiking trail. For overnight stays, air-conditioned cabins, a full-facility campground, and primitive campsites are available.
Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Blue Spring State Park, please call 386-775-3663.
Get more information on making a reservation.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
Driving Directions
Take exit 114 off Interstate 4 and follow the signs. Go south on 17/92 to Orange City, about 2.5 miles. Make a right onto West French Avenue.
Park Fees
Admission Fee:
$6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.
$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Camping Fee:
$24.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity.
Cabin Fee:
$95.00 per night, plus tax.
Blue Spring State Park
2100 West French Avenue
Orange City, Florida 32763
Phone: 386-775-3663
Fax: Contact Park for Number
Citizen Support Organization
Blue Spring CSO
Blue Spring State Park
2100 West French Avenue
Orange City, FL 32763
Visitor Service Provider
St. John River Ecotours, Inc.
Post Office Box 521673
Longwood, FL 32752-1673
(386) 917-0724
St. Johns River Cruises
Visitor Service Provider
Blue Spring Enterprises Inc.
P.O. Box 741600
Orange City, Fl 32774-1600
(386) 775-6888
