Fanning Springs State Park
Activities at Fanning Springs State Park
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BoatingVisitors 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 $2.00 per person. |
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Cabins
Located along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail with access to the Suwannee River, hiking trails and a second magnitude spring, spacious two-bedroom cabins have central heating and cooling, an electric fireplace, screened porch and kitchenette. Cabins are equipped with linens and kitchen utensils. Each cabin can accommodate up to six people. An ADA accessible cabin is available.
For the guest's relaxation, televisions and phones are not provided. |
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Camping, Primitive
Primitive camping is available only for those arriving by foot, bicycle or paddling on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Overnight vehicle parking for primitive campers is not permitted. |
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Canoeing & KayakingFanning 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 local outfitters.
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Concession & RestaurantConcession opening May 1st, 2013. Canoe & kayak rental are available. Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures 4060 SW County Road 232 Bell, FL 32691 352-949-6751 or 540-450-6444
Open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
http://www.andersonsoutdooradventures.com/
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FishingFishing is permitted within the park in designated areas. Please contact park staff for exact locations. If you wish to fish from a canoe or kayak you may use the park's canoe launch to access the river. For motor boats, there is a Dixie county public boat ramp directly across the river. A fishing license may be required. |
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Hiking/Nature TrailHikers can stroll along the park’s nature trail. This .75-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 more than 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 or 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, gulf hammock rat, rough green and coral snakes. |
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PetsWell-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. |
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PicnickingPicnickers can enjoy meals overlooking the beautiful spring area. Pavilions are available for rent for $15.00 or $25.00 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 Wayside picnic area off US Highway 19/98 adjacent to the Suwannee River Bridge. There is no entrance fee to the Wayside Area. These tables are all available on a first come first serve basis. Vending machines containing soda drinks are located spring side and also at the Wayside picnic area. |
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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. There must be a minimum of two divers. No divers will be registered after 3:00 PM and divers must be out of the water by 5:00 PM. |
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SnorkelingSnorkeling 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. |
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SwimmingFanning 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! |
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Wildlife ViewingWhite-tailed deer, gray squirrels, red-shouldered hawks, pileated woodpeckers, and barred owls are some of the animals seen in the park. |







