Hundreds of manatees make this park their home for the winter, and viewing these gentle giants from the spring's overlooks is a rare experience. The refreshing 72-degree waters of Blue …

The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Campers who plan to arrive after sunset should call the park on the day of arrival at 386-775-3663 for the gate combination and …

Blue Spring State Park is home to a first-magnitude spring that is one of the largest winter gathering sites for manatees in Florida. Visitors can see hundreds of manatees enjoying the …

The endemic Florida scrub-jay inhabits Blue Spring State Park. With many families dwelling in the rare scrub ecosystem, it is likely you will catch a glimpse or hear their calls.

HISTORY AND NATURE lons of water daily into the St. Johns River. When early American botanist John Bartram paddled into Blue Spring in 1774, he appreciated the “admirable …

Effective Nov. 21, 2025: The spring run at Blue Spring State Park is closed to all water activities due to the presence of wintering manatees. This includes swimming, snorkeling, diving, tubing, …

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.

The documentary brought attention to the manatee and the importance of Blue Spring as a winter refuge, greatly influencing the state's decision to purchase the land.

Blue Spring is a designated manatee refuge. To Provide a safe warm water refuge for manatees during the winter season, the spring and the spring run is closed to all water related activities …

Our concessions offer a fully stocked gift shop and camp store and provide rentals for park visitors. Also available are a two-hour narrated Nature and Ecological Cruise on the St. Johns …