Manager's Message

As spring arrives at Blue Spring, the manatee season has come to a close. Cold river temperatures and cool nights kept the manatees in the spring run for several weeks through December, January and February. Temperatures in the spring run remain a constant 72 degrees; creating a warm water refuge for the West Indian Manatee. During March and April, bright sunny days and warmer temperatures allow the river temperatures to rise and the manatee no longer need the warm water of the spring to survive. As the manatee leave the warm water sanctuary of Blue Spring; we reopen the spring and spring run to swimming, snorkeling, tubing, scuba and other water activities.
The kick-off meeting of the Blue Spring Basin Working Group will be held at Blue Spring State Park in the meeting room near the spring on Monday, March 17 from 1:00 – 4:00. Mark your calendars – it should be a good gathering!
Blue Springs State Park is a picturesque getaway along the St. Johns River near Orange City in central Florida. Winter home to numerous endangered manatees, Blue Springs is 2,644 acres of natural Florida. Please remember if you plan a trip to Blue Spring to arrive early as the park often reaches capacity on weekends and holidays and will close temporarily until overcrowded conditions ease.
Spring park activities include St. Johns River Nature Cruises, kayak tours and canoe rentals by a Florida Park Service Visitor Services Provider. Migratory birds have joined our year round avian residents, so pack binoculars, a camera and plenty of curiosity. Blue Spring State Park merchandise, water sport gear, snacks, hot coffee and cocoa are available at the gift shop and snack bar located at the midpoint of the spring run.

Visitors may also wish to visit our sister park, Hontoon Island across the St. Johns River. It is rarely as crowded as Blue Spring and is a great place to enjoy a quiet afternoon, fishing, hiking or simply enjoying nature. Please explore Hontoon Island for details.

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 manatees is not permitted and 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. Located west of Orange City. Take U.S. 17/92 to Orange City, go west two miles on French Avenue to the entrance.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Blue Spring State Park, please call 386-775-3663.

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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 Fees$5.00 per vehicle
Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers, Passengers In Vehicles With Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit, Admission Fee $1.00
Camping Fee
All Year: $20.00 (plus tax) per night
Cabin Fee
All Year: $85.00 (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