Lafayette Blue Springs State Park

Visitors can take a dip in the first magnitude spring, walk across the natural limestone bridge that crosses the spring run flowing into the iconic Suwannee River or picnic under the shade of the oak trees with their swaying Spanish moss.

Fish or canoe on the Suwannee River or stay in one of the park's rental vacation cabins, which stand on stilts high above the river bank. Bicycling, hiking and wildlife viewing are favorite pastimes for visitors. The picnic area has tables, grills and two pavilions, which are popular for family reunions and parties.

A tent only campground is available for park visitors, and as a river camp for paddlers along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail.  Walk-in campsites are equipped with water and electric.  A primitive youth camping area is also available. Portable restroom facilities are provided in the campground, and a restroom facility with a cold-water open-air shower is available in the spring area. Camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis and all sites are pack-in sites with no vehicle access.

Experiences

Birding
Bring your favorite field guide and binoculars to enjoy birding activities in the park.  Common birds spotted include hawks, eagles, kites, doves, swifts, woodpeckers, flycatchers, wrens, thrushes, waxwings, warblers, cardinals and sparrows.

Boating
Lafayette Blue Springs is located between mile markers 103 and 104 on the Suwannee River.  A boat ramp suitable for canoes, kayaks and boats with motors is available with ample parking at the South Entrance to the park.

Camping Primitive
Primitive camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, charcoal grill, water and electricity as well as a nearby portable restroom facility.  An additional restroom facility with a cold-water, open-air shower is available in the spring area.  This is a pack-in campground with no vehicle access.  A short walk from the parking area is required.  See the camp host for a wagon to help transport your camping gear.

Camping, Primitive Group
The primitive group camping area overlooks the Suwannee River and accommodates up to 30 people.  Amenities include a portable toilet, picnic tables and ground fire rings.  A cold-water, open-air shower is available at the day use restroom.  There is no water or electricity.  This is a pack-in camping area with no vehicle access.  See the campground host for use of a wagon to help carry camping gear.  Call the park for more information and reservations at (386) 294-3667.

Canoeing and Kayaking
Whether you are stopping in to enjoy the park along your route on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail or driving in to the park, Lafayette Blue Springs State Park offers many options for canoers and kayakers.  A paved boat ramp makes access very easy with parking nearby.  Canoe rentals are not available within the park, however a number of Outfitters serve the length of the Suwannee River.  The closest outfitters to the park are the Suwannee River Rendezvous (386) 294-2510 and Camp Suwannee River Outfitters at the Advent Christian Village (386) 647-6624.

Fishing
Fishing is permitted in several areas within Lafayette Blue Springs State Park.  Visitors may fish along the river bank at the South Entrance or along the Alan Mill Pond Spring Run at the North Entrance.  Fishing in swim areas is prohibited.

All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.  A fishing license may be required.  More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.

Picnicking
Picnic facilities are located near to and overlooking the spring and Suwannee River.  Picnic tables and grills are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Two covered pavilions are available for rent at $45.00 plus tax each.  Call the park for reservations at (386) 294-3667.

Scuba Diving
An extensive aquatic cave system associated with Lafayette Blue Springs, known as the Green Sink cave system, is well documented by the local diving community.  Over 12,000 feet of underwater passageways have been surveyed.  The caves extend west and southwest from the main spring.  The system is described as relatively large and open, averaging from 20 feet wide and 10 feet tall, with "rooms" up to 100 feet wide and 30 feet tall.

Divers must register at North Entrance Ranger Station before beginning dive at South Entrance.

For everyone's safety, the following rules must be observed:

All divers must show proof of certification before diving or leave certifications visible on the dashboard of the car.
All divers must sign-in using the Diver Sign-in Form at the North Entrance Ranger Station.
Dive parties must consist of at least two divers.  Solo diving is prohibited.
Cave diving is available to certified dive teams in Blue Springs and Green Sink.
Open Water Diving is prohibited.
Dives must be conducted in designated areas only and within the limits of the diver's certification.
Entering or surfacing anywhere but Blue Springs or Green Sink is prohibited unless necessary to ensure the safety of the divers.
All student divers must sign in under an instructor permit.
Instructors conducting a class must have a current Commercial Dive Permit (available for purchase at any state park that offers SCUBA diving including the North Entrance Ranger Station at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park).
The use of scooters (DPVs) is prohibited within the park.
Fossils and other artifacts are not to be disturbed or moved.  Any aquatic plants or animals that you encounter shall not be trampled or otherwise disturbed.
Do not carve or otherwise deface rocks or any other surfaces.
Dives must be concluded one hour before sundown.
All persons participating in SCUBA diving activities do so at their own risk.

Star Gazing
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park offers some excellent dark sky opportunities.  The remote location of the park and distance from major cities allow the opportunity for cabin and campground visitors to enjoy the night sky.

Swimming
Swim or snorkel in the 72° F spring water while viewing a variety of fish, turtles and beautiful karst rock formations.  Swim at your own risk.  NO lifeguard on duty.

Wildlife Viewing
Quiet visitors have opportunities to see a number of common Florida wildlife.  Deer, turtles and birds are common as well as sturgeon in the summer months, often visible from the river bank leaping from the water.

Amenities

Cabins
Five cabins on stilts are situated within the tree canopy along the river at the South Entrance to the park.  Each cabin features two bedrooms with a total of three beds as well as a pull-out couch, one bathroom and a kitchen/dining/living room combination and an electric fireplace can accommodate up to six people.  Linens, dishes, and utensils are provided for your convenience along with a coffee pot, refrigerator, stove and dishwasher.  Each cabin includes a large, screened porch with picnic table, a swing, and rocking chairs.  On the ground level outside, each cabin also has an additional picnic table, fire ring and charcoal grill.  One accessible cabin with an elevator is available.

For the guests' relaxation, televisions and phones are not provided.
Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin area.
Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica.  Book online or call (800) 326-3521 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm) or TDD (888) 433-0287.

Horse Equestrian Trail
The North Entrance of Lafayette Blue Springs State Park has extensive, shared use service roads which meander through a heavily forested area along the Suwannee River.  Many people choose to park and unload their trailer near the ranger station and ride back along the well packed dirt trail.

Pets
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park.  They must be kept on a 6-foot, handheld leash at all times and cannot be left unattended for more than 30 minutes.  Dogs are not permitted in cabins, buildings or in the springs.  Please see our Pet Policy for more information.

Boat Ramp
The park has a boat ramp located on the north side of the parking lot at the South Entrance to the park.  There is over-sized parking available for six vehicles.  Please remember that the park is open from 8:00 am until sundown, plan your visit accordingly.