Commentary: GO!

Blue Spring State Park is one of our absolute favorites. We visited in December when the manatee had started migrating to their Blue Spring winter refuge. Enchanted by the gentle creatures, I wanted to watch them as much as possible. The spring was only a 5-minute walk from our campground site, and since we were staying in the park, we could explore the boardwalk any time of day or night.


Highlights:
Swim in crystal clear waters in the summer. Watch manatees glide up and down the run in the winter. The highlight of Blue Spring State Park is Blue Spring and the water's constant 73-degree temperature. In the summer, visitors can swim and play in the refreshing water. In the winter, they can watch endangered Florida manatees cruise the run. From mid-November to early March, Blue Spring becomes their protected domain. As many as 200 manatees may be in the run on a single day. Visitors get the best close up views of the endearing creatures when the manatees hang around the summer swim dock.

Location:
Blue Spring State Park is located west of Interstate 4, Exit 114 in Orange City, Florida.

Amenities:

• Manatee winter refuge (mid-November to March)
• Bird watching
• Water activities (swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle sports) in the spring and run (March to mid-November)
• Nature trails through upland mixed forest, sand pine schrub, pine flatwoods and floodplain forest
• Park interpretive programs
• St. Johns River cruises
• Kayak tours
• Sites accommodate a variety of RV lengths, up to 45 feet.
• Ample sites made private by natural fence of palms and pines
• Water and electric hookups
• Dump station