Manatee close to Kayak

Blue Spring State Park

Encounter the gentle giants we call Manatees

Arrive Early

Blue Spring State Park frequently reaches capacity during the week and on the weekends, during both the winter and summer months.  To avoid waiting, visit the park early.

Hours

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

Fees

$6 per vehicle

See all Fees

Location

2100 W French Avenue
Orange City FL 32763

Get directions

Contact Info

386-775-3663

Welcome to Blue Spring State Park

Refreshing 72 degree waters of Blue Spring State Park greet visitors at this gem along the St. Johns River, and the West Indian Manatees love it too!

Hundreds of them make this park their home for the winter, and the springs’ overlooks make viewing these gentle giants a rare experience. Swimming, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and canoeing are also ways to relax on these pristine waters, while history buffs can tour the historic 1872 Thursby House.

Manatee Cam

Watch the manatees at Blue Spring State Park courtesy of the Manatee Cam by Save the Manatee Club.

Plan Your Visit

Michael Watkins, Park Manager
Learn

Manager's Message

I welcome you to Blue Spring State Park. Come for a visit and lean about manatees, or during the hot Florida summer days, enjoy dipping into the cool 72-degree invigorating spring water.
Blue Spring VS
Service

Visitor Services

Our concessions offer a fully-stocked gift shop and camp store and also provide rental for the visitors of the park to enjoy. In addition, St Johns River Cruises are available for a 2-hour narrated Nature and Ecological Cruises on the St Johns River or a Guided Wilderness Escape Segway tour.
Jr. Ranger
Program

Jr. Ranger PROGRAM

The Florida State Parks' Junior Ranger Program provides the opportunity for young people to learn, serve and share Florida's natural and cultural resources.

Experiences

Camping
Camping
Boat Tours
Boat Tours
Birding
Birding
Swimming
Swimming
Tubing
Tubing
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving
Paddling
Paddling
Hiking
Hiking
Picnicking
Picnicking

Amenities

Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Cabins
Cabins
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Concession and Restaurant
Concession and Restaurant
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Historic Site
Historic Site
Playground
Playground
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Parking
Parking

Blue Spring State Park
Child running on Trail
Blue Spring State Park
View of Kayaks and Canoes on banks of river
Boardwalk around Spring
Children having a picnic looking at the historic Thursby House
Pine Island Trail Entrance
Historic Thursby House
Manatee Swimming close to Kayak
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Learn

Springs

Florida's springs are windows into the past and places of tremendous natural beauty. No two springs are the same, and each one has its own unique place in human history and in Florida’s ecosystem.
Big Lagoon State Park Trail
Learn

Trails

Whether by bicycle, horse, wheelchair, kayak or on your own two feet, trails both within and outside our state parks can lead to a wide variety of adventure and opportunity throughout Florida.

Upcoming Events

See More Events
Event

National Public Lands Day: Blue Spring State Park

Saturday, September 22, 2018 9:00 am EDT
Event

Blues Cruise Friends Event

Saturday, September 22, 2018 9:30 am EDT

People Make the Parks

Friends of Blue Spring

Friends of Blue Spring State Park

Friends Groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.
Volunteer

Volunteer with us!

Help fulfill the Florida State Parks' mission. Assist park employees to preserve, interpret and restore ...the Real Florida!
Park Staff

Join the Team

Are you active, enthusiastic and enjoy serving others? Come join the Florida State Parks’ team where we help visitors and residents experience the wonder of Florida’s best loved places.

This Park is Recognized by:

Designated Greenway
Florida's Springs
Great Florida Birding Trail
Green Lodging

Park Map

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