Main Page - Fanning Springs State Park

Manager's Message

Fall is a great time for birding and just enjoying the outdoors in gorgeous weather conditions. Ponder the deep blue jewel of the crystal clear Fanning Springs on the Suwannee River. This park is a hub of the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, featuring rental cabins and easily accessible from U.S. 19.

Canoe and kayak rentals are available through local outfitters such as Suwannee River Tours at 352-490-7359 or Suwannee Guides and Outfitters at 352-542-8331. Take an easy downstream trip from Fanning Springs to her sister park, Manatee Springs. It's about a 10 mile trip and takes about 4 hours depending on conditions of weather and river current.

Check out all the diverse recreational activities available in this park. If you are a SCUBA diver, proof of certification is required and you must have a buddy. Swimming is open year round when the river is calm and the water is clear.

Manatees visit Fanning Springs from time to time. Remember to give them respect and space as they are endangered species and protected by law. When manatees are not present, swimmers are welcome year round. "The fountain of youth" awaits you.

Winds from the southwest and heavy rainfall sometimes cause the tea-colored river water to cover the spring. At those dark water times swimming is prohibited for your safety. Be sure to call the park ahead of time to see if swimming is open.

Fanning Springs State Park also features hiking trails and a pleasant boardwalk to view the river. The rental cabins comfortably sleep 6 people and reservations can be made through Reserve America. Feel free to call the park for more details prior to making your reservations. Escape to Fanning Springs and refresh, renew, re-create yourself.

- Sally Lieb, Park Manager

Welcome to Fanning Springs State Park

Located on the Suwannee River, this inviting source of cool, clear water has attracted people for thousands of years. Fanning Springs produces an average of 65 million gallons of water daily, making it one of Florida´s 33 first magnitude springs. Swimming or snorkeling in the spring is a refreshing activity on a hot day; fishing is also a popular recreation. Visitors can enter the park by boat from the Suwannee River as well as by car. Many visitors enjoy the picnic area, playground, and the park's large open areas for Frisbee, football, soccer and also for several local events. A nature trail and boardwalk overlook the spring and river. White-tailed deer, gray squirrels, red-shouldered hawks, pileated woodpeckers, and barred owls are some of the animals seen in the park. Manatees sometimes visit the spring during the winter months. Reserve a canoe or kayak by calling Suwannee River Tours at (352) 490-0909. Located on U.S. 19/98 in the town of Fanning Springs.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Fanning Springs State Park, please call 352-463-3420.

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Hours of Operation

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

Driving Directions

Fanning Springs State Park is located on U.S. Hwy. 19/98 in the town of Fanning Springs.

Park Fees

Admission Fees - $4.00 per vehicle (limit 8 people per vehicle).

Single car occupant - $3.00

Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers, Passengers In Vehicles With Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit - Admission Fee $1.00 per person.

Motorcycle (one or two occupants) - $3.00.

When the Entrance Station is closed, an Honor Fee of $2.00 per car or $1.00 per person is payable at the pay station just beyond the Entrance Station.

Picnic Pavilion Rental Fees - $15.00/day for the large pavilion, $10.00/day for either of the two smaller pavilions.

Primitive Camping - For Suwannee River Wildnerness Trail users only - $4.00 per person.

Scuba Diving Fee - $10.00 plus tax per diver.

Cabins Rental Fee - $90.00 plus tax.