Boating

Visitors wishing to come by boat may enter the park via the Suwannee River. Be careful though because Fanning Springs' short run may contain manatees and idle speeds are required. Entrance fee from the water is $1.00 per person.

Cabins

Conserve water and energy…
… and help us save nature’s resources while vacationing in a beautiful Florida State Park cabin.

Florida state parks will begin a new initiative for cabin guests on
July 1, 2009, which will save water, detergent, electricity and related costs. Florida state parks will no longer supply bedroom, bathroom or kitchen linens for cabin or yurt stays, including sheets, blankets, pillowcases, mattress pads, bed covers, towels (bath towels, hand towels, face towels, or dish towels), or bathmats. When making reservations, available beds and bed sizes may be found by looking online at the Site Type details pages for the cabins.

Each of our cabins can accommodate a maximum of 6 people. These spacious two-bedroom cabins have centralized heating and cooling, a gas fireplace, screened-in porch, and kitchenette. They are fully equipped with linens and kitchen utensils. One of the cabins is ADA accessible. Pets are not permitted in the cabins or cabin area. No minimum or maximum stay is required. Cabin Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through Reserve America.
Cabins Rental Fee - $90.00 plus tax.

Canoeing & Kayaking

Fanning Springs is an ideal place to begin or end a Suwannee River canoe journey. Fanning Springs is centrally located to paddle down river to Manatee Springs State Park (7 miles) or to numerous up stream locations. For those who like shorter paddle trips, enjoy exploring the spring run and river surrounding the park. Bring your own craft or canoes and kayaks may be rented from the park's concessionaire.

ADA restrooms are located by the concession stand by the main spring and at the "wayside" area located near highway 19.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted within the park in designated areas. Please contact park staff for exact locations. Paddlers may launch from park facilities to access the river. A State of Florida fishing license is required.
Do you need a Fishing License?

Nature Trails

Hikers can stroll along the park’s nature trail. This 3/4 mile long nature trail takes visitors through an area clear cut of pines several decades ago. Today an upland mixed hardwood and pine forest community exist. Many of the trees in the forest are over 60 feet tall, creating a dense canopy. The ground, covered by a thick layer of leaf mulch helps conserve the moisture of the sandy-clay soil. Along the trail is a series of sinkholes; depressions formed by the collapse of underground caverns. These sinkholes are indicative of karst topography. Animals typically observed in the mixed forest community include white-tailed deer, gray squirrel, red shouldered hawk, pileated woodpecker, barred owl, eastern glass lizard, and red bellied, gulf hammock rat, rough green and coral snakes.

Pets

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Fanning Springs 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 the cabins, cabin area, buildings, swimming or picnic areas.

Picnicking

Picnickers can enjoy meals overlooking the beautiful spring area. Pavilions are available for rent for $10 or $15 per day, according to size. Tables are also available on a first come first serve basis. Additional picnicking facilities are available overlooking the Suwannee River at the Riverside area adjacent to the park. These tables are all on a first come first serve basis.

Scuba Diving

Open water scuba divers are welcome in the designated swimming area. Divers must have proper certification and are required to register with park staff before entering the water. Diving fees are $10.00 plus tax per person, minimum of two divers.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling in the spring is a refreshing activity on a hot day. Put on your mask and fins and see what lies below the spring water.

Swimming

Fanning Springs is the perfect place to cool off in the summer heat. Swimmers can jump from a platform into the deepest part of the swim area or wade in from the shore or dock. Toddlers and those just learning to swim can stay with their parents in a designated shallow area. The refreshing crystal-clear water is a cool 72 degrees year round. There is no charge for playing in the swimming and picnicking area of Fanning Springs State Park!

Wildlife Viewing

White-tailed deer, gray squirrels, red-shouldered hawks, pileated woodpeckers, and barred owls are some of the animals seen in the park.