Experiences & Amenities

Know Before You Go

Effective March 20, 2025: Campsite 8 at Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is temporarily tent-only.

Know Before You Go

Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park has very high visitation on weekends and holidays and will close when capacity is reached. When this occurs, only registered campers will be allowed to enter. Cash and credit cards are accepted for entrance fee.

Experiences

Camping

The park features 25 campsites: 17 sites for RV/tent camping (30 amp available) and eight tent-only camping.

  • Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book online or call 800-326-3521 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or TDD 888-433-0287.

Geo-Seeking

Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices. It's effectively an inexpensive, interactive, high-tech treasure hunt that's a great way to learn geography. Participants use location coordinates to find caches. Some caches are easy to find; others are more difficult. The biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place where you have never been.

Geocaching should have minimal impact to the environment and conscientious land-use ethics should be followed.

Paddling

Paddling, snorkeling and swimming are all popular at the main springhead and spring run. Canoe and kayak rentals are available onsite by Anderson's Outdoor Adventures.

Hiking 

The most significant ecological habitats within the park include the spring run stream and floodplain communities. The main spring run is renowned for its support of a diversity of wildlife species including turtles, fish and invertebrates. Nature study and hiking are very popular at this park.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is available in designated areas.

Swimming

Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park offers swimming at many of the springs located at the park.

Wildlife Viewing

The most significant ecological habitats within the park include the spring run stream and floodplain communities. The main spring run is renowned for its support of a diversity of wildlife species including turtles, fish and invertebrates. 

Come out and view the variety of aquatic life that inhabit these springs.

Amenities

Accessible Amenities

Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all of our visitors.

These amenities include:

  • Concession.
  • Picnic facilities with tables and grills.
  • Campsites with picnic table, ground grill and nearby restrooms.

Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.

Picnic Pavilion

Bring a picnic and sit under the covered pavilions for a scenic view of the springs.

Restroom Facilities

When you visit Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, restroom facilities are available to change into your gear and prepare for the beautiful springs swimming areas.