Staycation Directory

Blue Spring State Park in Florida

April 19th, 2011

Welcome to Blue Spring State Park
It’s Firefly Season at Blue Spring State Park…

Our 3-4 week Firefly Season at Blue Spring has started. Each night until mid April, beginning at sunset the woods along the Blue Spring run and around the Thursby House are lit up by thousands of fire flies. This light show courtesy of Mother Nature is always a treat for springtime campers at Blue Spring State Park, but is not seen by any of our day visitors who must depart when the park closes at sunset.

This season, day visitors wishing to stay after hours to view fireflies should indicate to gate personnel that they want to stay to view the fireflies. They will receive a firefly pass allowing them to remain in the park for an extra hour after sundown. After hours firefly visitors will leave the park through automatic exit gates. After hours visitors are reminded that they must arrive before sundown to gain admission and to bring a flashlight to safely navigate the paths and boardwalks after dark..

Volusia
County Fire Services has issued an outdoor burn ban. Under the burn ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited. This includes bonfires, campfires, warming fires and cooking fires. Outdoor cooking done with a self contained gas or charcoal grill is the only exception. No ground fires are allowed.

Our cabins are now open and easier to get to. We completed our road upgrades faster than expected, and our cabins are now available. Reservations are easier than ever on ReserveAmerica.com or by calling 1-800-326-3521

Blue Spring State Park covers more than 2,600 acres, including the largest spring on the St. Johns River. Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home to a growing population of West Indian Manatees. The spring and spring run are closed during Manatee season, mid-November through March. Swimming or diving with manatees is not permitted; this rule is strictly enforced.
For centuries, the spring area was home to Native Americans. In 1766 it was visited by Colonial American botanist John Bartram, but it was not 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. 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. This is a very popular park on weekends. To ensure entrance into the park, we recommend arriving early; otherwise, the parking area will be full and you may not be able to enter.

Park Information
2100 W. French Avenue
Orange City, Florida 32763

(386) 775-3663

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