Blue Springs State Park Alabama

Near Lake Eufaula and in the Red Hills area of southern Alabama lies Blue Springs State Park. This small public recreational park is located in Blue Springs just 7 miles east of Clio and 70 miles from Montgomery.

This area is also part of the Wiregrass Region and known for its hot summers. The refreshing constant 68 degree temperature in the two pools at Blue Springs State Park offers residents and visitors an escape from this heat.

The large, concrete swimming pools are definitely the focal point here and attract many each summer, but that’s not all that this pretty park has to offer. Camping, fishing and hiking are also very popular here.

Activities

This year round Alabama state park has more to offer than just its pools. The pools are a really nice relaxing way to spend your summer, but so is bringing in a picnic, taking a ride around the fishing pond in a pedal boat or playing a competitive game of volleyball. And there is a large playground area and sandbox for the little ones.

Here are some of the other activities that await you at Blue Springs State Park:

Swimming at Blue Springs State Park

Clear blue, natural underground springs pump 3,600 gallons of water per minute into the two concrete-ringed octagonal swimming pools and then out through the springs and into the Choctawhatchee River.

The pool is a constant 68 degrees year round, refreshing during the summer and warm enough to swim in during the colder months. The water is clear enough to see the sandy bottom of the pool floor.

Be aware that there’s no lifeguard on duty at the pools.

Hiking at Blue Springs State Park

There are only 2 miles of trails inside of the park but they adjoin the some 80 plus miles of trails in the land surrounding it. Magnolia Trail starts inside of the park and winds through the forest area with great views of the Choctawhatchee River. This 2.1 mile trail also has 2 short connector trails attached.

The Forever Wild Land Trust purchased the 100 acres of land next to the park for the purpose of preserving it and creating trails for everyone to enjoy. The trails go through forest, fields and wetlands.

Fishing at Blue Springs State Park

A small pond inside of the park is stocked with catfish, bass and bream, as well as other fish from the Choctawhatchee River.
Remember to bring your fishing poles and so you can enjoy fishing in this peaceful pond.

Fishing is not allowed from boats or in the natural spring. And there are limits on how many fish you can catch during your visit here: 6 catfish, 6 bass or 30 bream.

Also, make sure you get a valid fishing license ahead of time. You can purchase one online here.

Wildlife at Blue Springs State Park

The Alabama Birding Trail connects to the thick wooded area directly below the pools and is considered a prime bird viewing area.

Some of the species of birds that you can expect to see at Blue Springs State Park are bald eagles, robins, goldfinches, crows, bluejays, chickadees, wild turkeys and waterfowl.

And there are many species of mammals roaming through the area including deer, fox, coyote, bobcat and a few smaller creatures.

Pets at Blue Springs State Park

Pets are welcome as long as they remain leashed.

Camping at Blue Springs State Park

There are 50 modern campsites at Blue Springs State Park. These sites are compatible for tents, campers and RVs. There are also a few primitive tent only sites. The modern sites have water and electric hookups (7 have sewer hookups), picnic tables and grills.

You can also reserve one of the few rental campers or cabins inside the park. The campers sleep up to 6 adults and the cabins sleep up to 4.

Each camper and cabin have a microwave, stove, sink, coffee maker, cookware and a small refrigerator. The cabins also have a TV, a dining table and chairs. When renting either a camper or cabin remember to bring eating utensils, bedding and bath towels.

Pets are not allowed inside of the campers but Cabin #2 is pet friendly for an additional charge per night. Be sure to read through the rules and regulations before booking and let them know how many pets you are bringing with you ahead of time.

Be aware that the park has very strict regulations regarding pets staying in their cabins.

There are restrooms and a bathhouse nearby for your comfort and convenience. And WiFi is available within the Park Office area.

Local Attractions Near Blue Springs State Park

When you first arrive at Blue Springs State Park you’ll probably notice Hagler’s BBQ across the street and maybe even smell the delicious aroma floating through the air. Stop on your way in and have a picnic inside the park!

If you’re planning a visit during October check out the Claybank Jamboree in nearby Ozark. This annual fest is held in the town square in downtown Ozark, practically just down the street from Blue Springs. Enjoy live music, food, art and crafts and lots of yummy BBQ!

Another October festival is the Brundidge Peanut Butter Festival held annually on the last Saturday of that month. They have a full lineup including a parade, live entertainment, food, contests, games and arts and crafts.

Brundidge is a little further away, about 2 hours, but worth the trip and you can check out the Johnston Mill Peanut Butter Museum while you’re there.

Or, if you’re visiting in November, you can check out the National Peanut Festival in nearby Dothan, only 30 miles away from Blue Springs. This annual festival first started in 1938. Why peanuts? Apparently, peanuts thrive in the soil here. Just after the Civil War local farmers were seeking an alternative to cotton (cotton depletes the nutrients in the soil) and turned to peanuts.

History of Blue Springs State Park

During the late 1800s, area residents realized the attraction of the natural springs. The Blue Springs Hotel was erected next to them in 1900 and visitors from all around came for the healing powers of the springs.

A series of natural disasters (a flood, an influenza outbreak and a tornado) devastated the area right before the Great Depression hit. It never fully recovered and in the mid 1960s the land was purchased by the state and Blue Springs Park was created.

Park Location

Blue Springs State Park
2595 AL-10
Clio, AL 36017
Phone: 334.397.4875

Website
Reservations

Park Hours:

March 1 – September 30 8:00am – 7:00pm
October 1 – February 28 8:00am – 4:00pm

Day Use Fees:

Ages 0-3 Free
Ages 4-11 $1.00
Ages 12-61 $4.00
Ages 62+ $1.00

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Blue Springs State Park: