People swimming in the spring at Fanning Springs State Park

A beautiful clear spring lies near the expansive Suwannee River Wilderness Trail only 40 miles west of Gainesville in Fanning Springs, FL. Located inside Fanning Springs State Park, this picturesque spring is a cool 72 degrees year round. Guests to this peaceful Florida state park love to swim, snorkel, paddle, hike, picnic and bird watch.

Historically, Fanning Springs has been home to many throughout the years. Paleo-Indians were here about 14,000 years ago and many aboriginal sites have been found within the park. Nearby Fort Fanning was built during 1838 at the time of the 2nd Seminole War. And Fanning Springs was also used to transport products from the local plantations up until the early 1900s.

Once you visit Fanning Springs you’ll want to keep returning year after year.

Activities

Visit this serene area for a day or bring your overnight bags and check into a cabin for a few nights of peace and quiet. Guests are welcome to enter the park by car or by boat along the Suwannee River.

Bring a picnic lunch or grill your catch of the day on one of the park’s grills and relax under the large shaded oaks. A playground and volleyball court are located nearby and other large areas are ideal for kicking around a ball or playing frisbee with a friend.

A wander along the boardwalk over the cypress swamp leads out to the gazebo on the river that offers breathtaking views of nature and wildlife.

Here are some of the many activities that you can do during your visit to Fanning Springs State Park:

Boating at Fanning Springs State Park

Canoe, kayak or boat into the park from the Suwannee River. Fanning Springs State Park is only 7 miles upstream from nearby Manatee Springs State Park. Be extra cautious of manatees when arriving or leaving Fanning Springs. A canoe/kayak launch is located along the Suwannee River at the north end of the park.

Swimming at Fanning Springs State Park

Swim, snorkel or scuba dive in the beautiful clear waters at Fanning Springs State Park. The spring’s temperature is a consistent 72 degrees year round and feels very refreshing during warmer months.

Hiking at Fanning Springs State Park

Explore the upland mixed hardwood and pine forest through Fanning Springs State Park during your visit. This 0.9 mile nature trail provides an easy walk past a series of sinkholes, as well as lots of native flora and fauna.

Fishing at Fanning Springs State Park

Bring along your fishing gear and spend a peaceful day out on the river. You may catch bass, freshwater flounder, mullet and bowfin from the canoe launch or your boat. Be sure to also pick up a Florida fishing license before heading into the park.

Birding at Fanning Springs State Park

The park’s mixed forest, cypress, hammock and swampland offer habitat for many bird species both native and migratory. A peaceful walk along the boardwalk over the swamp area will give you a spectacular view of many of these species. Grab your binoculars and bird list and look for Mockingbirds, barred owls, woodpeckers, Swallow-tailed Kites, Red-shouldered Hawks, warblers, bald eagles, Scarlet Tanager and Eastern Phoebe during your visit.

Nature and Wildlife at Fanning Springs State Park

Guests enjoy seeing all of the wildlife throughout Fanning Springs State Park. The trails and along the boardwalk that crosses the swamp area are great spots to see birds, alligators, squirrels, white-tailed deer, snakes and turtles.

Pets at Fanning Springs State Park

Pets are allowed at Fanning Springs State Park as long as they are supervised and kept on a hand held leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs are not permitted inside park buildings (including cabins) or in the swimming area.

Camping at Fanning Springs State Park

Fanning Springs State Park features cabins and a primitive campsite for guests interested in extending their stay. The primitive site is accessible by foot, bicycle or by paddling along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. A campfire circle, restrooms and an outside cold shower is located near this site.

The cabins are located near the Suwannee River and trails. Each spacious cabin has 2 bedrooms, a kitchenette, electric fireplace and screened in porch.

Park Location

Fanning Springs State Park
18020 Northwest, US-19
Fanning Springs, FL 32693
Phone: 352.463.3420

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

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