Region: Central

BLUE SPRING STATE PARKS
Orange City, FL

Contact Information
2100 West French Avenue
Orange City, Florida 32763
Phone: 386-775-3663

Description
Blue Spring is the winter home (November-March) for an ever-increasing population of the endagered Florida manatee, as well as being a favorite recreation area. Popular activities include swimming, fishing, canoeing, and camping. Visitors may hike the 4-mile trail through pine flatwoods and cypress swamp, or marvel at the 1872 Thursby House that sits atop an ancient Timucuan shell midden.

Hours of Operation
Blue Spring State Park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions
Take exit 114 off Interstate 4 and follow the signs. Go south on 17-92 to Orange City, about 2.5 miles. Make a right onto West French Avenue.

ACTIVITIES

Full Facility Camping
Blue Spring State Park has 51 campsites, which are located in the sand pine scrub. Available to each site is a table, water, electricity, and a grill. There is no sewage facilities at these sites, but there is a dump station in the Park. Pets are permitted in camping area, with proof of rabies vaccination.

Primitive Camping
Primitive camping requires a four-mile hike to and from the site. All food, water and garbage must be carried in and out.Reservations for campsites may be made up to 11 months in advance.

Swimming
Blue Spring offers swimming and scuba-diving in a crystal clear, 72 degree spring run. Scuba-divers must register at the entrance station between the hours of 8 AM. and 3PM, with an up-to-date certification card and a partner. Swimming or diving with the manatees is NOT permitted.

Nature Trails
The same pristine beauty enjoyed by Florida's earliest residents still can be seen today. A self-guided boardwalk guides visitors through a lush hammock to Blue Spring.

Picnicking
Blue Spring State Park offers two separate picnic areas throughout the park. There are covered pavilions with grills located at these areas for larger groups. One of these areas also has a large covered barbecue pit, and can be reserved, for a fee, from October through March. Contact the park office for details.

Canoeing
You are invited to canoe beautiful Blue Spring Run and the St Johns River. Canoes may be rented at the Park Concession. For more information, costs, and reservations call (386) 775-6888.

Fishing
From the accessible fishing pier, anglers will find an abundance of bluegills and blue cats, in addition to largemouth bass, shellcrackers and speckled perch. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required for persons age 16 years and older. A concession stand offers snacks, camping supplies and limited groceries. Canoe rentals are available.

Cabins
Blue Spring State Park offers six (6), two (2) bedroom cabins. Each cabin is equipped with a gas fireplace (available for use November through March), central heating and air conditioning, bathroom, fully equipped kitchen (stove and refrigerator), screened in porch, outdoor grill and picnic table. Linen, pillows, blankets and towels, cooking and eating utensils are also provided.