Park Summary for Print - Suwannee River State Park

Welcome to Suwannee River State Park

About a quarter mile past the ranger station, a high bluff overlooks the spot where the Withlacoochee River joins the Suwannee River on its way to the Gulf of Mexico. Vestiges of history in the park show how important the Suwannee River was to Florida history. Along the river are long mounds of earthworks built during the Civil War to guard against incursions by Union Navy gunboats. Other remnants from the past include one of the state´s oldest cemeteries, and a paddle-wheel shaft from a 19th century steamboat. Five trails, ranging from a quarter mile to 18 miles, loop through surrounding woodlands and provide panoramic views of the rivers. Other activities include fishing, picnicking, and canoeing; for overnight stays, the park has a full-facility campground and cabins. Located 13 miles west of Live Oak, off U.S. 90.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Suwannee River State Park, please call 386-362-2746.

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Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Suwannee River State Park is located 13 miles west of Live Oak, off U.S. 90.

Park Fees

Admission Fees - An Honor Fee of $4.00 per car or $1.00 per person is payable at the pay station.

Camping Fees - Full facility camping is available for $15.00/night.
Organized Youth and Adult Group Camping - $1.00 per youth. $2.00 per adult/chaperon.

Picnic Pavilion Fees -Two covered pavilions are available for reservation for $45.00 plus tax.
Both pavilions hold approximately 50 people, and include wooden picnic tables.

Canoe Rental Fee - 2 hour minimum: $10.00
Half Day: $15.00
Full Day (8 hours): $25.00

Cabins Rental Fee - $90.00 plus tax.

Activities at Suwannee River State Park

	Boat Ramp A boat ramp is available
	Boating Boat ramps are available for various watercrafts, including boats, canoes, and kayaks.
	Cabins The park has five full service cabins which sleep 6 and include a dishwasher, fireplace and large screened porch. Please note that pets are not allowed in the cabins. Cabin Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through Reserve America online or calling 1-866 I CAMP FL (1-866-422-6735) or 1-800-326-3521. One ADA cabin is available for reservation.
	Canoeing & Kayaking Both upper portions of the Suwannee River Canoe Trail and the Withlacoochee River Canoe Trail begin in Georgia and end at the park. The lower Suwannee River Canoe Trail begins at the park and ends at the Gulf of Mexico.
	Fishing Visitors can enjoy fishing along the bank of the Suwannee River. Catches of catfish, bass, and panfish reward the persistent angler. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required for person’s 16 years of age and older. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Full Facility Camping Picnic tables, electric, and a grill are provided at all 30 campsites located in the family campground. A restroom with hot showers is within close proximity. Inquire at the ranger station for the availability of firewood and ice. Pets are allowed in the campground. See our Official Pet Policy for more information.
	Guided Tours Enjoy a tram ride through the park as our knowledgeable staff and volunteers share the park’s history with you. The tram runs on weekends only (weather permitting) and begins at 10:30 a.m. The Park Tram Tour is provided by the Friends of Suwannee River State Park. A $1.00 per person donation is requested.
	Nature Trails Nature study is easy on the Suwannee River Trail, which winds along the high banks of the river and along Lime Sink Run. Interpretive labels explain the hammock and its various plants and animals for those who take the self-guided tour. The Sandhills Trail takes visitors from the picnic area to the Columbus Cemetery. The open forest of pines here contrasts with the hardwood hammock along the river trail. A section of this trail runs along the route of the old stage road, which ran from Pensacola to Jacksonville and was the major route of travel in the early 1800s. Note: All trails are for foot traffic only. Vehicles and horses are not permitted.
	Pet Camping Pet camping is available in our campground. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Pets must be confined, leashed, or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes must be hand-held and may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well-behaved at all times and must be confined in the owner's camping unit during designated quiet hours (11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.). Unconfined pets must be leashed and cannot be left unattended for more than thirty minutes. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets considered a nuisance are not allowed to remain in the park.
	Pets Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Suwannee River State Park. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and can not be left unattended for more than a half-hour. Dogs are not permitted in our buildings or cabins.
	Picnicking Two picnic pavilions are available in addition to the individual picnic tables and grills. Picnic tables and grills are standard at the 31 campsites located in the family campground.
	RV's The campground at Suwannee River State Park has 31 campsites available through the Reserve America system. They can accommodate RV type campers and tent campers as most sites depending upon size of each camping rig. Each site is equipped with electrical hookups (20 & 30 Amps), water, picnic table, and ground grill fire ring. There is a dump station located within the campground facility. All campers must register at the Ranger Station.
	Wildlife Viewing Wildlife viewing is possible at this park
	Youth Camping Youth Group camping is available
	Youth Camping Two youth tent camping areas for use by organized, non-profit youth groups are available. Youth Camping fees are $4.00 for both adults and youth.

Special Events for Suwannee River State Park

There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.

Suwannee River State Park Ranger Programs

MONTHLY BIRD WALK
Please come join us for a guided bird walk the 4th Saturday of the month during September, October, March, and April.

Bring your binoculars and favorite bird ID book and come out and join us for a guided bird walk. The walk will begin at 8:00 AM from the picnic area parking lot.

This event is being brought to you by the Friends of Suwannee River State Park. For more information please contact the Friends at (850) 971-5354, e-mail Friends of Suwannee River State Park or Suwannee River State Park (386) 362-2746.

The park entrance fee is $4.00 per vehicle (up to 8 people per vehicle).
Call 386-362-2746 for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions about Suwannee River State Park

Question: Do you have horse back riding and stables?
Answer: No. There are currently no horse riding trails or stables available in this park. To find out where horse trails are available, visit our Horse Trails page.

Question: Do you have campsites near the river?
Answer: All campsites are located within a short walking distance away from the river’s edge.

Question: Does the park have a boat launching area?
Answer: Yes. The boat and canoe launch is located a short distance from the main visitor use area and camping area.

Question: Does the river have alligators in it?
Answer: Yes. Alligators can been seen in both the Suwannee and Withlacoochee Rivers.

Question: Can I swim in the Suwannee River?
Answer: No. There is not a designated swimming area at Suwannee River State Park.

Question: Can I make reservations for camping?
Answer: Cabin Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through Reserve America online or calling 1-866 I CAMP FL (1-866-422-6735) or 1-800-326-3521.

Question: Can I make youth camping reservations for the Boy Scouts of America or the Girl Scouts of America?
Answer: Two youth tent camping areas are available for use by organized, non-profit youth groups. Youth Camping fees are $4.00 for both adults and youth. Call Suwannee River State Park for more information. (386) 362-2746.

Question: Are pets allowed in your state park?
Answer: Yes. Pets are allowed in the day-use areas and camping area. Pets must be kept on a six (6’) foot leash at all times. For more information, see the General Pet Policy.

Suwannee River State Park History

The river hums with echoes of history –of the booming days of plantations and logging empires, of the high times of paddle-wheel boats steaming up and down the river, of the long disorientation after the Civil War, and of the quiet persistence of the strong pioneers who lived off this land and profited from the rivers.

South of the junction of the rivers, an earthwork (an earthen embankment used as a military fortification) was constructed by the Confederates during the Civil War. Its main purpose was to protect the railroad bridge across the Suwannee. Essential supplies, such as beef, salt, and sugar needed to feed the Confederate armies, were shipped by rail to Georgia. Union troops dispatched from Jacksonville to capture the bridge were turned back near Olustee in a hard-fought battle on Feb. 20, 1864. The town of Columbus stood in the vicinity of the earthworks. The remains of the Columbus Cemetery, believed to be one of the oldest cemeteries of Florida, are within the park. Columbus had its heyday and prospered from its railroad bridge, ferry landing, and a large sawmill. Steamboats were a common sight on the Suwannee and Withlacoochee. Near the river’s junction stood the elegant house which belonged to George F. Drew, the operator of the sawmill, who became governor in 1876.

Suwannee River State Park Volunteer Information

Volunteers can do many things -- greet visitors, conduct tours, help rangers remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of a beach, waterway or trail.