Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Blue Spring
Overview
Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida, is a world-renowned natural destination famous for its crystal-clear headwaters and its status as a designated manatee refuge. Spanning over 2,600 acres, this park offers a quintessential Florida experience where the focus is on preserving the delicate ecosystem while providing a serene getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. It is particularly popular during the winter months when hundreds of manatees seek the warmth of the constant 72-degree spring water, creating a unique wildlife spectacle.
Location & Surroundings
Located in Volusia County, the park is situated along the historic St. Johns River, offering a lush landscape of hammocks and pine flatwoods. Its position in Orange City makes it a convenient stop for travelers exploring Central Florida. The surrounding area is characterized by the quiet charm of the river valley, providing a significant contrast to the bustling coastal cities nearby. The park serves as a lush green sanctuary that feels miles away from the modern world despite its proximity to major highways.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground at Blue Spring is designed to immerse visitors in nature while providing essential comforts. Each of the 51 campsites is tucked into the shade of the forest. Key features include:
- Water and electrical hookups supporting both 30-amp and 50-amp service.
- Campsites that accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length.
- Access to modern restrooms, hot showers, and laundry facilities.
Each site also includes a picnic table and a grill, perfect for evening meals under the canopy of ancient oaks.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the spring itself, where visitors enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the clear headwaters. The Pine Island Trail offers a four-mile hike through diverse ecosystems for those who prefer land-based exploration. Nearby, the historic Thursby House provides a glimpse into 19th-century river life. Beyond the park gates, the vibrant town of DeLand is just a short drive away, offering local boutiques and dining options that complement a nature-focused trip for those looking to explore the local culture.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for nature lovers and wildlife photographers who appreciate a rustic, tranquil atmosphere. It is a perfect fit for RVers who prefer natural beauty and outdoor recreation over high-end luxury resort amenities. Families often find the educational value of the manatee sightings and the safe swimming areas highly rewarding. If you enjoy birdwatching and paddling, the easy access to the St. Johns River and the spring run makes this a premier destination for your Florida RV itinerary.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Edwin Abbett
We had a wonderful time! We saw lots of manatees, hundreds of fish, and some lovely birds. There are clearly bears there as there were a lot of bear droppings along the trails, but we didn't see any. It was February when apparently it's the best time to see manatees. Despite it being winter and the trails being flat, if you aren't used to the humidity, they are tiring (Pine Island is about 6/7 miles in total). There are kayak, canoe, and boat activities available but we didn't do them. The staff at the gate and in the facilities were very friendly and efficient. The park was generally very clean but there were a few bits of car-related trash on the Pine Island Trail. We'd read online that it fills up fast and they stop letting people in, so we headed there early. At 9:15 I'd say it was maybe 30% full. It's a lovely park and I'd definitely go again.
Nelson Montero
It's was an awesome experience! During the cooler months if you want to see the manatees I recommend arriving early because as the water warms up through out the day they go out into deeper waters. We did see them start arriving as the evening got later. We are planning to return again during the warmer months to enjoy the clear water and the summer activities the park has to offer.
Angela Fischetti
Visited in January 2026 to see the Manatees. An absolutely beautiful park. A long amazing boardwalk with so many places to view the manatees. Wheelchair friendly. Has gift shop and a snack place. We went on a Sunday and got there at 7:45am, it opens at 8am. There was a line already to get in. We were in and parked by 8:19am. So many manatees. A dream come true for this manatee lover. I would say it is a bucket list type thing that will not disappoint. I can't wait to go in the summer and experience the spring. It's so big. Biggest I have ever been to
Tammi Voskuhl
This is a beautiful park, ESPECIALLY when its cold. Maybe one of the most populated places for manatee. Over 800+ on the day we were there. Definitely go this week because it'll be cold again. The park rangers even have names for many of them because they come back every year. There were so many babies & they are adorable, floating by their mommy's sides. Although you can go in the water in summer, you CAN NOT during this time. It is very sad to see scars on them from boat propellers. Wish that didn't happen 😪there are also paths for hiking, picnic tables or just a blanket in the sun. You can also explore the old house on the property, pretty cool. Fee to get in was $6. Plenty of restrooms. There is a little shop at one end & a little place to get food. Definitely check this place out.
The Baseline
The Baseline: For a park/monument the site must be informative, have great attraction, and have a park rangers that are knowledgeable of one of the park we are visiting. Park: This was one of the cleanest and best organized state parks I have ever visited. The parking was easy and the access to the main attraction was easy to get to. The walkway trail along the spring was well taken care of and safe. There is no graffiti or vandalized buildings in the park. Thank you State of Florida and California you should take notes. Attraction: The Springs are the main attraction with options to swim, tube, snorkel, and scuba dive in the spring in the summer. When we visited that was all restricted because the manatees were here to nest in the winter. This was awesome and it was great to see these amazing creatures in their winter respite. This is a must if you are visiting the Orlando area in the winter. Cost: Six dollars to come into the park with up to 8 people in the vehicle. Great price for an unforgettable experience.