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O'Leno
Overview
O'Leno State Park is one of Florida's oldest and most unique state parks, originally developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Located along the banks of the scenic Santa Fe River, the park is famous for the river sink, where the water disappears underground before re-emerging miles away. It offers a peaceful, wooded environment that blends historical charm with the natural beauty of North Central Florida's wilderness.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just six miles north of High Springs, Florida, the park is nestled within lush hardwood hammocks and sandhills. The surrounding landscape is defined by the unique geology of the area, featuring sinkholes and river bluffs. Visitors feel a deep sense of seclusion while remaining close to the charming local shops and cafes of High Springs, making it a perfect base for exploring the region's famous freshwater springs.
Amenities & Park Features
The park features two main camping areas, the Magnolia and Dogwood loops, which provide a combined total of 61 campsites. Each site is equipped with water and electric hookups, and a central dump station is available for RVers. Travelers can enjoy the iconic suspension bridge over the river, numerous picnic pavilions, and well-maintained bathhouses. While the sites offer a rustic feel, they provide the essential comforts needed for a multi-day stay.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor activities are the main draw here, with over 13 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Just a short distance away is River Rise Preserve State Park, where the Santa Fe River returns to the surface. For those who love the water, the nearby Ginnie Springs and Ichetucknee Springs offer world-class tubing and diving. The local town of High Springs provides a delightful afternoon of antiquing and local dining.
Who This Park Is Best For
O'Leno is ideal for nature enthusiasts and history buffs who appreciate a quiet, rustic camping experience over a busy resort atmosphere. It is a fantastic choice for families and birdwatchers looking to disconnect and explore Florida's unique ecosystems. If you prefer tall pines, shaded campsites, and the sound of a flowing river over concrete pads and swimming pools, this park will fit your travel style perfectly.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Holly Harden Cason
Walked the river trail and discovered that two of the walkway bridges were closed. We had to walk down into the natural "trench" to continue on the trail. Hopefully bridges will be repaired soon. Otherwise it's a great trail. Remember to bring bug spray and wear sturdy shoes. There is a swimming area, but largely depends on how high the water level is.
J Rivers
Stunning section of river, the bridge is beautiful, the trails are nice, the trees are amazing. More photos and videos on Grace Walks on FB.
L.M.M.B
The park is absolutely lush with trees. There's also a suspension bridge right at the beginning, which is supposedly one of the "attractions." You can hike along the trails that border the river. At one point, you reach a section that is the very definition of the word "swamp." The seaweed is so dense that if a rock falls into it, it will cover the impact site almost instantly. At the beginning of the park, you can also swim in the river/swamp, where the water is a bit chilly. One (and major) downside of the park is that the trail that borders the river hasn't been cleared, so there are a lot of weeds, spider webs, and branches. Furthermore, one of the bridges on this same trail was also somewhat rotten and slippery. All of these factors make the hike dangerous and difficult. Therefore, I would say that if this is your first time hiking in natural parks, be careful when hiking this trail.
Ryan O'Toole
Cool place to take a hike. This is where the Santa Fe River sinks down in to the Florida aquifer runs under ground for 3 miles before reappearing in the River Raise Preserve. We pretty much had the whole place to ourselves. Worth checking out if you are a nature lover.
krakookify
I live nearby and go to O'leno to walk several times a week. It's a serene park. Haven't camped there due to proximity to our property, but I've hiked all the trails and their park road multiple times. They recently repaired the suspension bridge that crosses the river from storm damage some years ago. Great playground. Lots of places to picnic. This is also a filming location for the 2025 Film Festival favorite, It Ends. Look that up on IMBD. Great for families. There's a swim area but for me, I'd rather drive to Gilchrist Blue or Ichetucknee to swim in the local springs.