Park Summary for Print - Ravine Gardens State Park

This is a photo of a cluster of salmon colored azaleas.

Welcome to Ravine Gardens State Park

A ravine was created over thousands of years by water flowing from the sandy ridges on the shore of the St. Johns River. In 1933, this ravine was transformed into a dramatic garden by the federal Works Progress Administration. Much of the original landscaping still exists as formal gardens and an extensive trail system. A 1.8-mile paved road winds around the ravine, offering motorists and bicyclists a view of the gardens. The Ravine Loop is closed to vehicle traffic one hour before sunset, but remains open for pedestrians, bicycles, and wheelchairs. The garden's peak flowering period is azalea season, late January to April. Numerous picnic sites, equipped with tables and grills, are available to visitors. The Roy E. Campbell Civic Center complex features a large covered pavilion, auditorium, and meeting rooms that are available for rent. Located in Palatka at 1600 Twigg Street.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Ravine Gardens State Park, please call 386-329-3721.

Hours of Operation

Ravine Gardens State Park is open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 a year, including holidays. This includes the formal gardens, natural ravine, trails and the 1.8 mile drive around the ravine. Passes and information can be obtained at the gate any time the park is open. The Civic Center’s Office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 3:30 pm, excluding holidays. To book or pay for a wedding or room, or to purchase a pass with your credit card, please visit or call our office during these hours.

Driving Directions

Ravine Gardens State Park is located in Palatka, Florida. From US17/SR100, turn south onto Moseley Avenue, then turn east onto Twigg Street.

Park Fees

Admission Fees –

$4.00 per vehicle for up to 8 people

$1.00 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers & passengers in vehicles with holder of annual individual entrance permit.

Pavilion Fees –

Large Pavilion: 1800 square feet pavilion with picnic tables, electricity and BBQ grills. Seats 100 guests, $100 (flat rate per use) plus group entrance fees.

Small Pavilion: Near amphitheater, includes picnic tables & 2 small BBQ grills. Restrooms & playground nearby. Seats up to 20, $75 flat rate per use (group entrance fees apply).

Room and Area Rentals The Roy E. Campbell Civic Center is available for weddings, family reunions, conferences, training and other activities. Rooms contain tables and chairs ideal for these events. Overhead projectors, screens, podiums and microphones are available upon request. Minimum 3 hour rental. Deposit equal to 1 hour must be paid to reserve.

Room	Seating	Hourly Pricing
Auditorium	160	$50.00 + tax
Ravine	80	$40.00 + tax
Meeting South	30	$20.00 + tax
Meeting North	30	$15.00 + tax
Conference South	30	$20.00 + tax
Conference North	30	$20.00 + tax
Boardroom	14	$20.00 + tax
Kitchen w/Licensed Caterer	N/A	$25.00 + tax

Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Stop by to reserve (386) 329-3721

Activities at Ravine Gardens State Park

	Bicycling Bike areas are provided
	Facilities Ravine Gardens has ADA compliant public restroom facilities on both floors of the Roy E. Campbell Civic Center. Additionally, our 1.8 mile paved drive has restroom facilities approximately 1/2 mile from the start of the drive, which can easily be accessed by visitors using the nearby playground facility and small picnic pavilion, as well as walkers and hikers.
	Interpretive Exhibit Interpretive exhibits are available
	Nature Trails Hiking trails are available
	Picnicking There are numerous sites along the 1.8 mile paved ravine perimeter road to picnic. Picnic tables and grills are available at no additional charge. Stairways and trail access into the ravines are located near each picnic area.
	Playground Our playground is located along the drive that circles the ravines. It is past the amphitheatre and the bathrooms on the drive, approximately 1 mile from the start of the drive. Included are swings, a slide and climbing equipment, nestled in the shade provided by the trees around the ravines.
	Wildlife Viewing Wildlife viewing is possible at this park

Special Events for Ravine Gardens State Park

ENCHANTED RAVINES
Date: October 25 , 2008, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Description: Take the family to Ravine Gardens and spend a day full of wonder and enchantment in a fall festival atmosphere. Children will be able to play games and trick-or-treat in a safe, fun environment, provided by local businesses and organizations. The little ones can bounce like fairies on flowers in the moonwalk. Take the family for a walk through the Enchanted Forest and Candy Land. A wagon tour will take you on a trip through the enchanted ravines were you will enjoy whimsical and magical fairytale scenes. More surprises to come. Refreshments will be available for purchase. We are in need of participants to help make this event a success. We are looking for actors, prop makers, wagon story tellers and fresh ideas from individuals, families, businesses and civic organizations. There are many positions available. If you would like to join the fun please contact the park at 386-329-3721.
Fees: $5.00 per preson, $20.00 for a family of up to 8, 3yrs and under free.
Contact: Contact park for more information.
CAROLING THE RAVINES
Date: December 19, 2008, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Description: The staff at Ravine Gardens would like to invite everyone to join us for our first Annual Christmas event on Friday, December 19, 2008 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Enjoy an old fashion evening of friends, family and fellowship, while you take a wagon ride around the ravines and listen to local church groups, school groups and organizations sing seasonal carols. Entertainment will also be provided on stage in Civic Center and under the pavilion.
Still have a little shopping to finish up before Christmas? Pick up some last minute gifts from local vendors that will be selling hand crafted items. Holiday refreshments will be also available for purchase.
If interested in volunteering, have a group that would like to participate or would like more information for this event contact: Donna Rhein, Park Services Specialist at (386) 329-3721.
Fees: Fees for this event will be a donation of one non-perishable item per person to donate to the local food banks
Contact: Contact park for more information.

Ravine Gardens State Park History

The 59 acre gardens were created in a natural steephead ravine by the City of Palatka, local citizens, the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), the Federal Works Project Administration (WPA and the Civil Works Administration (CWA) in the 1930’S.

Described in the 1934 Florida Municipal Record as the "Nations Outstanding Civil Works Administration. project," the 59 acre ravines were planted with over 95,000 azaleas including 64 varieties, 11,000 palm trees and more than 250,000 ornamental plants. The gardens were maintained by the City of Palatka until the park was deeded to the State of Florida in 1970.

One of nine Florida state parks with New Deal Era structures, Ravine Gardens is the only park with a formal designed landscape. The extensive fieldstone terraces, rock gardens and massive cypress building construction is typical of the era. The Court of States and 64 foot obelisk dedicated to Franklin D. Roosevelt is located near the park entrance.

Ravine Gardens State Park Volunteer Information

Volunteer Program Volunteering with the Florida Park Service is an opportunity to help the State of Florida preserve our natural and cultural heritage for the future generations.

The Florida Park Service provides volunteers an opportunity to work with recreation and resource management. Volunteer involvement creates a better understanding of the state parks and develops a meaningful bond between the local community and the Park. Volunteer jobs at Ravine Gardens State Park:

Welcome visitors
Trail maintenance
Exotic removal
Gift Shop volunteers
Special events
Research and assist develop programs
Interpretation and tour
guide

Volunteer Benefits Florida Park Service volunteer benefits include workers compensation, training and recognition. Other advantages include the volunteer ID card and the volunteer pass as well as educational opportunities and experiences. Volunteer recognition is ongoing.