Blue Spring State Park
Manager's Message
Hot Fun in the Summertime!
Join the fun, its summer at Blue Spring State Park, 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! September is just around the corner and once again the Florida Park Service will be celebrating September as Literacy Month. This year, free entry into state parks with a library book, library card or book donation will occur from Sunday, September 7 through Saturday, September 13. Blue Spring State Park will celebrate Literacy Month with a Book Signing by author Bill Leyden on Saturday September 13, 2008 at the park gift shop.
September is also time for the 3RD ANNUAL ST. JOHNS RIVER PADDLE BATTLE Date: Saturday, September 27, 2008. This is a 2 mile upstream race from Blue Spring State Park and back. Or for a challenge, try the 10 mile around Hontoon Island and through Snake Creek Course. All proceeds go to Friends of Blue Spring State Park, Inc. For more information & registration, visit our site: Paddle Battle 2008 Sponsored by Friends of Blue Spring State Park and TravelCountry.com.
Please remember if you plan a trip to Blue Spring 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 get-away; 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, 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 family fun in the great outdoors, take a stroll of bike ride on the recently opened 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, Hontoon Island across the river to enjoy the pleasures of freshwater fishing in a scenic location along the banks of 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 the Hontoon Island pages for details.
- 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 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.
