Situated just four miles from the town of Fort White, the 2,242-acre Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a natural recreation area famous for its crystal-clear waters and lush environment. In addition to Ichetucknee Springs, it’s home to the Blue Hole Spring.
Locals and tourists come here to escape the city, reconnect with nature, and do a little of everything from cave diving to hiking.
History
This magical region isn’t just a place for outdoor recreation in northern Florida, it holds a lot of history on its soil. Long ago, dinosaurs and prehistoric animals wandered by the river, and tribal people lived off the land. The state park was also the location of a European mission along the springs around the 19th century.
To discover more about the area’s past, stop by the visitors’ center to see the interactive and informative displays.
Ichetucknee Springs and Blue Hole Spring
The Ichetucknee River and head springs are 72℉ year-round, but most visitors come to refresh during the hot summer months. The two areas that allow snorkeling and swimming are the main Ichetucknee Spring, which is ideal for families, as well as the Blue Hole Spring, which is only for experienced swimmers due to strong currents and depths.
Scuba diving is also allowed in the Blue Hole Spring, but only for those with the proper certification.
Tubing and Other Activities
The most popular activity at Ichetucknee Springs State Park is tubing and kayaking down the river. The best time of year to do it is from about May through September when the entire river is useable. Visitors can still tube the rest of the year, but they must start at the mid-point by Dampier’s Landing.
The park has a lot of beautiful nature on land too, and hiking trails offer incredible sights of the plants and trees. Picnicking, geocaching, and bird watching are also frequently done throughout the area. Near the picnic area is a nice playground with equipment for young kids to burn off energy while families enjoy their lunch outside.
Nearby Camping
The three nearest campgrounds to the state park are Ichetucknee Springs Campground, River Run Campground, and Moonshine Acres RV Park. They are found just outside the park on different sides, and all have modern amenities with community facilities.
Details
Address: 12087 Southwest, US-27, Fort White, Florida 32038
Phone: 386-497-4690
Season: Year-round
Hours: 8 am to sunset
Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ichetucknee-springs-state-park
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