Experiences
The endemic Florida scrub-jay inhabits Blue Spring State Park. With many families dwelling in the rare scrub ecosystem, it is likely you will catch a glimpse or hear their calls.
Please keep in mind that feeding Florida scrub-jays is against the law and can cause great harm to the birds.
St. Johns River Cruises and Tours operates boat tours daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. This is a two-hour narrated nature and ecological cruise on the beautiful and historic St. Johns River.
- For fees and reservations, please call 833-953-2583 or visit Blue Springs Adventures.
St. Johns River Cruises has become the latest Florida ecotour provider to successfully complete the Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism's rigorous certification program and was awarded the prestigious Platinum Level Certification for meeting over 90% of the bonus criteria on the society's checklist.
Wheelchair access is provided with a wheelchair lift into the vessel. Please mention any accessibility needs when making a reservation.
The campground has 51 campsites (recreational vehicles up to 40 feet long) located in the sand pine scrub and within walking distance of the spring. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, water, electricity and a grill. A dump station is available in the park.
Pets are welcome in the camping area in accordance with our Pet Policy. Accessible sites are available. Two new bathhouses are complete with accessible showers and bathroom stalls.
- For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
- Swimming in the spring is prohibited after hours.
Visitors can fish from the accessible fishing dock on the St. Johns River. Fishing is not permitted in the Blue Spring Run.
- All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
The same pristine beauty enjoyed by Florida's earliest residents can still be seen today. An accessible boardwalk leads visitors on a self-guided tour through a lush hammock to Blue Spring.
Pine Island Trail is 3.6 miles in length (one way) and takes you through numerous plant communities from the desert-like scrub to the blackwater stream known as the St. Johns River.
- Please check postings at the trail head for information on trail conditions.
You are invited to canoe beautiful Blue Spring Run and the St Johns River. Canoes and kayaks may be rented at Blue Springs Adventures along the St. Johns River.
- For more information, current conditions, availability, costs and reservations, call 833-953-2583 or visit Blue Springs Adventures.
Blue Spring is a designated manatee refuge. Temperatures in the spring run remain a constant 72 degrees, creating a safe haven for the West Indian manatee.
To provide a safe warm-water refuge for manatees during the winter season, the spring and spring run are closed to all water-related activities including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and boating from approximately mid-November through March.
- For the safety of visitors, climbing onto the spring banks or trees is prohibited.
Blue Spring State Park offers two separate picnic areas. There are accessible covered pavilions with accessible grills located at these areas for larger groups. One of these areas also has a large covered barbecue grill.
- All pavilions are first come, first served.
- There are many grills and picnic tables throughout the park.
Blue Spring State Park is pleased to allow access for responsible, certified divers. To ensure the safety of all divers and other visitors, the following criteria must be met:
- All divers must show proof of certification before diving and leave certifications visible on the dashboard of the vehicle.
- All divers must have a dive buddy and remain together for the duration of each and every dive.
- Cavern and cave diving is available only to certified cave divers.
- Open water divers are permitted to 50 feet.
- Open water divers are not permitted to carry lights.
- Instructors conducting a class must have a commercial dive permit.
- Divers dive at their own risk.
- No solo diving is permitted.
- Dives cannot extend past 5 p.m.
- Swimming after hours is prohibited.
- No scooters (DPVs) or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
- No fishing.
- Divers must keep a distance of 50 feet between themselves and manatees.
- For those seeking a guided underwater experience, Florida Dive Company offers a Scuba Discovery tour that allows participants to experience what it is like to breathe underwater and see wildlife in its natural habitat. For more information, availability, costs and reservations, call 386-663-8030 or visit Florida Dive Company.
Tube rentals are available through Blue Springs Adventures at 833-953-2583. You can enter the water at the upper entry, swim to the spring boil and float back down to the main swim dock. The float run lasts about an eighth of a mile.
Amenities
Blue Spring State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all of our visitors. These amenities include:
- Boat tours.
- Fishing dock.
- First floor of Thursby House.
- Picnic facilities with tables and grills.
- Concession for food and gift shop.
- Interpretive exhibits.
- Campsites with concrete pad, picnic table, ground grill and nearby restrooms.
- Cabins for overnight accommodations.
- Restrooms.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.
Six two-bedroom cabins are located in a shady oak hammock near Blue Spring, a designated manatee refuge.
- Swimming in the spring is prohibited after hours.
Cabins accommodate up to six people. One bedroom is furnished with a double bed, and the second bedroom is furnished with two single beds. A sleeper sofa in the living room converts to a double bed. Each cabin is equipped with a gas fireplace (for use November through March), central heating and cooling, bathroom, fully equipped kitchen with stove and refrigerator, screened porch, outdoor grill and picnic table.
Linens, pillows, blankets and towels plus cooking and eating utensils are provided. Linens are not changed daily. Two vehicles per cabin are permitted. For the guests' relaxation, televisions and phones are not provided.
- Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance. For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287. Pets are not permitted in cabins. Service animals are welcome.
- There is a minimum two night stay in cabins on weekends and holidays, either Friday and Saturday night, or Saturday and Sunday nights. A single Friday or Saturday night may be reserved only if the following Saturday or Sunday night is already reserved.
- Cabin 2 is accessible.
The Manatee Gift Shop, food service, camp store and water activities rental station are located near the public swimming area.
- For more information, costs and seasonal hours, contact Blue Springs Adventures at 833-953-2583.
The Thursby House was built by Louis Thursby in 1872 and became a hub of activity on the St. Johns River, hosting steamboat passengers as they made their way up and down the river.
Interpretive exhibits are available in the Thursby House and on kiosks along the accessible Spring Run boardwalk. Interpretive programs on manatees are offered daily during the manatee season (Nov. 15 - March 1).
- Special programs are offered to schools and organized groups upon request.
