Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Blue Spring Campground reservations are available via Florida State Parks online or by phone 11 months in advance.
- Same-day reservations can be made before 1pm ET. After that, open sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Spring break season in March and April can be especially busy, so book early for trips during this time.
When to Go
Blue Spring State Park is open year-round. Manatee season is typically November to March, with the swimming season running from April to October, only once the manatees are gone. As in other parts of Central Florida, expect cooler winters and hot, humid, and rainy summers.
Know Before You Go
- The park’s gift shop and concessions are near the main manatee viewing deck. Food and groceries can be purchased during your road trip in nearby Orange City and DeLand.
- Just 35 miles from Orlando, Blue Spring State Park makes for a fun day trip—but day-use access is limited during swimming season, when the park can fill up early. Overnight campers gain access to the water and hiking trails regardless.
- The Save The Manatee Club runs a live webcam of Blue Spring, so you can check for their presence before your trip.
- Other attractions at Blue Spring State Park include hiking the 3.6-mile (each way) Pine Island Trail and the historic Thursby House.
Blue Spring State Park
Mesmerizing manatees and crystal-clear water make Blue Spring State Park unforgettable.
At Blue Spring State Park, 72-degree, spring water bubbles up from limestone aquifers to feed the St. Johns River. Each winter, this warm water draws hundreds of West Indian manatee and plenty of campers, who head to the observation decks and boardwalks to stand over these creatures as they torpedo their way through the Blue Spring Run. Once they leave their winter home come summer, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and inner tubing are allowed in the waters, as well as boat tours and on-site kayak and canoe rentals. The park’s sole Blue Spring Campground features six cabins, and dozens of tent camping and RV camping sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings.
At Blue Spring State Park, 72-degree, spring water bubbles up from limestone aquifers to feed the St. Johns River. Each winter, this warm water draws hundreds of West Indian manatee and plenty of campers, who head to the observation decks and boardwalks to stand over these creatures as they torpedo their way through the Blue Spring Run. Once they leave their winter home come summer, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and inner tubing are allowed in the waters, as well as boat tours and on-site kayak and canoe rentals. The park’s sole Blue Spring Campground features six cabins, and dozens of tent camping and RV camping sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Activities in the park
1 campground in Blue Spring State Park
Amongst sand pine scrub and shrouded foliage, the park’s campsite is nestled in the northeast region but offers easy walking access to Blue Spring and its marvelous mecca of manatees. With 51 sites, water, electricity, showers, grills and more, the campgrounds are particularly appealing to families with youngsters thanks to the Bedtime Story Campe Read more...
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Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Blue Spring Campground reservations are available via Florida State Parks online or by phone 11 months in advance.
- Same-day reservations can be made before 1pm ET. After that, open sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Spring break season in March and April can be especially busy, so book early for trips during this time.
Read more...Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Blue Spring State Park is open year-round. Manatee season is typically November to March, with the swimming season running from April to October, only once the manatees are gone. As in other parts of Central Florida, expect cooler winters and hot, humid, and rainy summers.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —