Blue Spring State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Blue Spring State Park is a 2,600-acre park west of Orange City, just a short drive from Orlando and Daytona Beach in Florida. You'll find a rich tapestry of flora and fauna that is truly breathtaking, together with a crystal-clear spring and scenic waterways that provide a home for the a sizable population of both alligators and West Indian manatees. The weather is typically hot and sunny year-round, with average temperatures ranging from the 70s in winter to the 90s in summer. While in the area, you can visit the nearby towns of DeLand and Sanford, which offer a variety of artsy, culinary, and shopping experiences. You can also discover the rich history of the Seminole tribe at the nearby historic site of Fort Mose or take a scenic boat tour on the St. Johns River. There are several events in the area throughout the year that you can attend, including the Orange City Blue Springs Manatee Festival, which celebrates the seasonal migration of the gentle giants at the end of January. Nearest cities: • DeBary, FL • Deltona, FL • DeLand, FL • Lake Helen, FL
Spring 77 F - 86 F
Summer 90 F - 91 F
Fall 77 F - 89 F
Winter 70 F - 72 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park Campground • Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: No • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: Yes • Max RV length: 35 feet • Other amenities: Picnic tables, grills, showers, restrooms, playground, dump station
Luna Sands Resort
A family owned and operated campground for 30+ years, Luna Sands accommodates all types of RVs and motorhomes. Oaks, palm trees, and pines offer nicely shaded campsites, and the pond is home to storks, ibis, cranes, eagles, hummingbirds, and other native birds.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: pool, laundry, showers, dog park, shuffleboard
DeLand/St. Johns KOA
Alongside the meandering St. Johns River, this new KOA is the perfect place to relax! Rent a canoe or kayak from the campground and paddle along the shore, or grab some fresh seafood from the on-site restaurant. There’s also live music on weekends, and the campground is close to the town of DeLand and its architecture, shopping, and restaurants.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: pool, showers, laundry, snack bar, boat rental
What to Do at
Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park is home to the largest spring on the St. Johns River, boasting crystal-clear water and a temperature of 72 degrees year-round, creating a safe haven for West Indian manatees. You are welcome to paddle the beautiful Blue Spring Run for most of the year. However, to provide a safe warm-water refuge for manatees during the winter season, the spring and spring run are closed to all water-related activities, including swimming and boating, from mid-November through March. For those looking for activities on land, the park has plenty of trails to explore. Camping facilities are also available where you can fully immerse yourself in the park's natural beauty.
Inside Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring is along the St. Johns River, and there’s plenty to do to explore the park! Take a boat tour, go on a hike, or visit the Thursby House, which hosted steamboat passengers as they headed up and down the river. Other activities in the park include:
Birding: Look for Florida scrub-jays, which live in the park, and listen for their calls (just remember, it’s against the law to feed them!).
Boat Tours: Take a two-hour narrated cruise to learn about the nature and ecology of the St. Johns River.
Paddling: Canoe Blue Spring Run and the St. Johns River. You can rent canoes and kayaks along the river.
Hiking: Take a self-guided tour along the accessible boardwalk to Blue Spring. There are also longer trails that take you through various plant communities, from desert scrub to the St. Johns River.
Scuba Diving: Certified divers are allowed to scuba inside the park. Check the rules to be sure you have all the necessary equipment and permits.
Swimming: You can swim in the crystal clear waters of the spring, but be aware swimming with the manatees is not permitted.
Tubing: You can take a relaxing float about an eighth of a mile from an upper entry to the main dock.
Fishing
The St. Johns River runs through the park, and anglers can fish for bass, catfish, and bluegill in its waters. You can cast from the park's riverbanks or at the accessible fishing dock. Alternatively, you can launch a boat from the ramp. You should be aware that no fishing is permitted in the Blue Spring Run.
Flora and Fauna
While exploring the park, you might spot one of the resident alligators basking in the sun or glimpse the rare manatees that visit the area during the winter. You can also keep your eyes peeled for the white-tailed deer, river otters, and raccoons who inhabit the area. While hiking the trails, you will be shaded by cypress, hickory, and palm trees. Underneath, the forest is flush with ferns and flowering plants like honeysuckle and gayfeather.
Hiking
The Blue Spring Boardwalk Trail is an easy route that takes you through a picturesque boardwalk winding around the beautiful spring. If you're up for a more challenging hike, the Pine Island Trail is the perfect choice. The trail offers stunning views of the St. Johns River and the surrounding wilderness.
Boating
Non-motorized watercraft, such as canoes and kayaks, are a popular choice for many visitors to the park, especially on the spring run. For those looking for more speed and adventure, motorized boating is allowed on some sections of St. Johns River. You can rent a boat at the park's boat launch area and find all the amenities necessary to enjoy a day boating at the park.
Swimming
The crystal-clear, 72-degree water in the Blue Spring Run makes it an ideal destination for a refreshing dip on a hot day. There are restrooms and a shower station nearby for you to use.
How to Get to
Blue Spring State Park
From Orlando, drive north on I-4 for 22 miles and merge onto US-17. Continue north on this road for nine miles and turn left onto French Avenue. Drive another two miles to find the Blue Spring parking lot on your left.
Entering Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park Per Vehicle : $6.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Spring State Park
The park is open year-round with mild temperatures most of the time. If you visit the park during the winter when it becomes a sanctuary for the West Indian Manatees, and you can get a chance to view these gentle giants up close. The weather is also pleasant, with average temperatures being the lowest of the year.
The park is home to over 140 different bird species, such osprey, woodpeckers, and songbirds. Visitors can also spot other animals like river otters, alligators, turtles, and fish.
The park has over 51 campsites with water and electric hookups for RVs up to 35 feet long. Each site has a grill for cooking as well as a picnic table. A playground for kids and a dump station are also available.
Reservations are not required at the park, but they are recommended, and there is no additional fee to make one. Most campsites cost $24 a night.
Your four-legged family members are welcome at Blue Spring State Park. They must be on a leash, and you are expected to clean up after them. They are allowed in the camping areas and on the trails but not in any of the park's buildings, including the cabins, restrooms, and picnic pavilions.
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