Blue Spring State Park

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Blue Spring State Park Effective April 1, 2026: Blue Spring State Park is open to all water activities. Swimming season is from April 1 to Nov. 14. Johns River. John’s River.

The park frequently reaches capacity and may temporarily close. Page sponsored by the Friends of Blue Spring State Park. This is the official page for Blue Spring State Park. This page is ran by the Citizens Support Organization - Friends of Blue Spring State Park which is a non profit 501(c)3 organization. If you have any questions about the park, please CALL THE NUMBER OR GO TO OUR WEBSITE! Blue Spring State Park covers more than 2,600 acres, including the largest spring on the St. Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home to a growing population of West Indian Manatees. During our famous manatee season, which approximately runs from mid-November through March, several hundred manatee can be viewed atop the spring’s overlooks. The spring and spring run are closed to all water activity while manatees are present during this time. Swimming or diving with manatees is not permitted; this rule is strictly enforced. The spring´s crystal clear, 73 degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers with a partner during our designated swimming season. Fishing, canoeing and boating are also enjoyed along the St. River boat tours are available; for reservations, call Blue Spring Adventures at (386) 775-0046

A self-guided tour inside the historic Thursby house, built in 1872, can also be experienced. In addition the park has plenty of picnic areas as well as three covered pavilions. Air-conditioned cabins and a full-facility campground are available for visitors interested in staying overnight. Due to heavy visitation, we recommend arriving early to ensure entrance into the park.

Meet the Friends! | Volunteer DebbieDebbie has been a Friends member and park volunteer for two years. She volunteers as...
10/18/2026

Meet the Friends! | Volunteer Debbie

Debbie has been a Friends member and park volunteer for two years. She volunteers as a manatee observer, helps with special events throughout the year, and recently joined the Friends of Blue Spring State Park Membership Committee.

Last summer, her grandson Brayden began volunteering alongside her as part of his community service. Together, they’ve shared some special experiences at Blue Spring State Park — including helping with a manatee release!

When asked what she enjoys most about being part of the Friends, Debbie shared:

“I’ve met a lot of wonderful, friendly, caring and dedicated members all working to make the parks great places to visit. I love being a manatee observer protecting manatees and educating visitors about them."

Thank you for everything you do, Debbie!

Learn more about membership and become a Friend here: https://www.friendsofbluespringstatepark.org/memberships

7 DAYS UNTIL BOO SPRING BEGINS! 👻Halloween at BOO SPRING returns October 23th & 24th with two evenings of Halloween fun ...
10/17/2026

7 DAYS UNTIL BOO SPRING BEGINS! 👻

Halloween at BOO SPRING returns October 23th & 24th with two evenings of Halloween fun throughout the park!

👻 Brave the Haunted Trail
🌙 Explore the park on a Guided Moonlight Hike
🎃 Experience Blue Spring State Park after dark
🛥️ Take an Evening River Cruise (sold separately here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/bluespringadventures/items/571005/calendar/?flow=904617&full-items=yes)

🎟️ One $35 pass gets up to 8 people into the park for the evening — park admission included!

🔗 Get your BOO SPRING pass: https://www.friendsofbluespringstatepark.org/halloweenatboospring

We hope to see you there… if you dare! 👻

10/16/2026

It’s almost that time! Manatees will soon begin gathering at Blue Spring State Park to seek refuge in the spring’s 72-degree water.

November 14th is the last day for swimming before the spring closes to water activities for manatee season, helping provide a safe refuge.

Want to be part of manatee season at Blue Spring State Park? Join us as a volunteer! There are opportunities to help educate visitors and support the park throughout the season.

Learn more: https://www.friendsofbluespringstatepark.org/volunteer

Our annual Trunk or Treat event is approaching! And we are looking for families, businesses, organizations, and Hallowee...
10/15/2026

Our annual Trunk or Treat event is approaching! And we are looking for families, businesses, organizations, and Halloween lovers to decorate a trunk for our Trunk-or-Treat at Blue Spring State Park! 🚗

Bring your creativity, your best decorations, and your Halloween spirit for an evening of family-friendly fun, sweet treats, and spooky surprises! 👻

📅 When: Saturday, October 31st | 5:00–6:30 PM
📍 Where: Blue Spring State Park

🏆 Prizes for Best Decorated Trunk!
🍭 Trunk-or-treating for sweet treats
✨ Family-friendly fun for all ages

2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL
Lower Parking Lot

Want to join and decorate a trunk? We’d love to have you!
📩 If interested please email [email protected]

Help us make this a spooktacular evening for the whole family!

Halloween at BOO SPRING returns October 23 & 24! 🎃Swipe through to explore this year’s activities and make plans to join...
10/08/2026

Halloween at BOO SPRING returns October 23 & 24! 🎃

Swipe through to explore this year’s activities and make plans to join us!

Passes are $35 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers). Park admission included. No separate day-use reservation required for entry after 5 PM.

Purchase your passes here: https://www.friendsofbluespringstatepark.org/halloweenatboospring

📅 October 23 & 24
⏰ 6:00–9:30 PM

We look forward to welcoming you! 👻👻👻

DARK FRIDAY AT BLUE SPRING STATE PARK 🌙🔭Join us on November 27th for Dark Friday, an after-hours astronomy event featuri...
10/07/2026

DARK FRIDAY AT BLUE SPRING STATE PARK 🌙🔭

Join us on November 27th for Dark Friday, an after-hours astronomy event featuring opportunities to observe the night sky, learn about the constellations above us, and experience Blue Spring State Park from a completely different perspective!

Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy:
🔭 Telescope Viewing
🪐 Saturn Viewing (weather conditions permitting)
✨ Constellation Tours

EVENT DETAILS
📅 Date: November 27
🕐 Time: 6PM - 9PM
🎟️ Admission: $15 (park admission included, no reservation needed after 5PM)

Get your pass here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dark-friday

**Space is limited. Advance registration is recommended. Dark Friday is an after hours outdoor event. Guests are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.**

See the comments for more about how to preserve the dark environment for everyone to enjoy.

10/07/2026

Good morning from Pine Island Trail. 🦌

If Blue Spring State Park is a place you return to again and again, we invite you to become a Friend!

By joining the Friends, your membership helps support our work at Blue Spring State Park and Hontoon Island State Park, including programs, special events, park projects, and more.

🧍Individual Membership | $15/year
👭Family Membership | $25/year

Friends members receive a punch park for up to 12 reimbursed entries to Blue Spring State Park.

Become a member or learn more at https://www.friendsofbluespringstatepark.org/memberships.

Don’t forget to join us for manatee bingo tomorrow night!
10/06/2026

Don’t forget to join us for manatee bingo tomorrow night!

We want to meet you! Join the Friends of Blue Spring State Park on Tuesday, October 13 for our Annual Membership Meet & ...
10/05/2026

We want to meet you! Join the Friends of Blue Spring State Park on Tuesday, October 13 for our Annual Membership Meet & Greet.

This is an opportunity to learn more about our organization, the work we do to support Blue Spring State Park and Hontoon Island State Park, and the many ways you can get involved.

Meet fellow Friends, connect with others who care about our parks, and learn how membership and community support help further our mission.

📅 Tuesday, October 13
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Blue Spring Brewing | 1070 S. Volusia Ave., Orange City, FL 32763

Current members, prospective members, and anyone interested in learning more are encouraged to attend. You do not need to be a member to join us.

RSVP by visiting: https://www.friendsofbluespringstatepark.org/events-1/membership-meet-and-greet

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing more about the Friends and our mission!

Address

2100 W French Avenue
Orange City, FL
32763

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