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Three people in a canoe glide through tannin waters reflecting the clouds and sky.

Blackwater River State Park

Immerse yourself in 600 acres of Florida's inland ecological wonders

GPS Navigational Issues

Due to the inaccuracy of some GPS/navigation systems, please double check your route to the park or call the park office for turn by turn directions at 850-983-5363 or 850-712-0193.

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

$4 per vehicle. Please use the honor box to pay fees. Correct change is required. 

See all fees

Location

7720 Deaton Bridge Road
Milton FL 32564

Get directions

Contact Info

850-983-5363

Park Menu

  • Hours & Fees
  • Experiences & Amenities
  • Events
  • History
Make a Reservation Download Park Map

Welcome to Blackwater River State Park

Float under the pines on a pristine river and timeless shifting sands. Blackwater River boasts an incredible array of activities for the outdoor enthusiast, many centered around the park’s namesake waterway.

Despite its name — Blackwater, or the original Oka-lusa (water black) in the Muscogee language — the Blackwater River is normally a transparent golden-brown when seen against the white sandbars.

Most of the stream flows through undeveloped lands of the Blackwater State Forest and Blackwater River State Park, core areas of the largest contiguous longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem remaining in the world, one described as being rarer than a tropical rainforest.

Water seeping from this forest is as pure as it comes, merely tinted with tannins from leaves and roots of shoreline vegetation.

Canoeing, kayaking, camping and picnicking are popular activities in the park along with strolling along forested nature trails.


Pay Online, Single-Use Day Pass

Plan Your Visit

Marshall Shaw, Park Manager
Learn

Manager's Message

Floating down the river is my favorite way to enjoy the park in the summer. Escape the hustle and bustle of life and slow down to the river’s flow and enjoy nature all while cooling off.
Man glides through water on green kayak.
Service

Blackwater River Trips

Blackwater Canoe Rental provides rental equipment and shuttle options for canoeing, kayaking or tubing the Blackwater River. Enjoy a short trip or spend the entire day drifting down the River. 
Young boy peers through binoculars from the inside of a tent.
Learn

Camping at Blackwater River

Camping at Blackwater River State Park is a sensory experience allowing visitors a new perspective on the park. An extended stay in the park also affords more opportunities to view park wildlife.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Camping
Camping
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Swimming
Swimming
Tubing
Tubing
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station
Water Fountain
Water Fountain
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible

Visitor pulling a canoe on the river banks
Wide sandy beach along Blackwater River.
Chain of Lakes Trail
Visitors on Sandy River Bank
Turtle perched on a log.
Woman in canoe throws arms up to embrace her surroundings. Fall foliage is a mix of vibrant yellows and oranges.
Large vibrant orange lily flower.
White sandy river bottom is visible through shallow tannin waters.
A view of visitors canoeing down the Blackwater River.
Learn

The Blackwater River

The Blackwater River, one of the most pristine rivers in the nation, provides the perfect setting for this 590-acre park. The park’s sandy bottom, white beaches and large sandbars are a sharp contrast to the dark tannic water that gives the river its name
Cycling, biking, bike, trails
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Trails at Blackwater River

Situated within the Blackwater River State Forest, this park has miles of trails that wind through secluded wilderness and along creeks lined by dogwood trees. Walking through these areas, visitors can spot wildlife like gopher tortoises, great blue herons, wild turkey, white-tailed deer and opossums.

People Make the Parks

Park ranger Mike Rajkovich.

Staff Spotlight

Mike's passion for Blackwater River State Park starts with the dark tannin river, dotted in white sandy bars and the diverse ecosystems.
Rick and Nancy Morgan

Volunteer Spotlight

Rick and Nancy ensure that everyone can enjoy the beauty and cleanliness of the park.
Florida State Parks Foundation

Florida State Parks Foundation

The statewide nonprofit partner meeting critical funding needs for universal access, conservation, education and preservation.

Park Map

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Florida State Parks

Main Menu

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Have Questions?

Contact the Statewide Information Line:

(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:

FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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