The largest spring on the St. Johns River, Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home (mid-November through March) to a growing population of West Indian Manatees. For centuries, the spring area was home for Native Americans. In 1766 it was visited by Colonial American botanist John Bartram, but it wasn?t until 1856 that it was settled by Louis Thursby and his family. The Thursby house, built in 1872, remains standing. The spring?s crystal clear, 73 degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers with a partner. Swimming or diving with the manatees is not permitted; this rule is strictly enforced. The river is popular for fishing, canoeing, and boating. River boat tours are available; for reservations, call St. Johns River Cruises at (386) 917-0724. The park has plenty of picnic areas and a hiking trail. For overnight stays, air-conditioned cabins, a full-facility campground, and primitive campsites are available.

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Blue Spring is a designated manatee refuge. Temperatures in the spring run remain a constant 72 degrees; creating a safe haven for the West Indian Manatee. To provide a safe warm water refuge for manatees during the winter season, the spring and spring run is closed to all water related activities including swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving and boating from November 15 through March 1. Learn more about the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) which monitors & tracks the manatees.

Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.

Blue Spring State Park offers six (6), two (2) bedroom cabins. Each cabin is equipped with a gas fireplace (available for use November through March), central heating and air conditioning, bathroom, fully equipped kitchen (stove and refrigerator), screened in porch, outdoor grill and picnic table. Linen, pillows, blankets and towels, cooking and eating utensils are also provided. You will need to bring personal use items such as soap, salt, pepper, radio, paper towels, etc. (Linen is NOT furnished on a daily basis). In each cabin, one bedroom is furnished with a double bed, the second bedroom is furnished with two single beds. A sleeper sofa is available in the Living room for additional guests. A maximum of six (6) guests are permitted in a cabin. Sorry, no pets are allowed in the cabins. One vehicle per cabin is permitted.

Blue Spring State Park has 51 campsites, which are located in the sand pine scrub. Available to each site is a table, water, electricity, and a grill. There is no sewage facilities at these sites, but there is a dump station in the Park. Pets are permitted in camping area, with proof of rabies vaccination.

Blue Spring State Park also offers the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library of picture books for campers aged four to nine. From manatees to insects, the Lending Library is a fun way to enhance your child's experience in the Real Florida. For a quiet afternoon or bedtime, share a story with your child to help explain the sights and sounds of Blue Spring. Ask the Ranger Station about how to check out a book.