Beautiful Scenic View of a Cavern at Florida Caverns State Park

Florida Caverns State Park lies along the Chipola River in Jackson County Florida, only one hour from both Tallahassee and Panama City. This peaceful 1300 acre natural area features dry caves, containing spectacular limestone formations, that guests are allowed to tour.

The cave system, although thousands of years old, was chiseled during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps in an effort to make them more easily passable for tour groups. You can still see their chisel marks as you move between the large underground rooms.

Guests of this Florida state park also enjoy camping, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, swimming and boating.

Activities

A visit to Florida Caverns State Park is an adventure for any age. Guests have the opportunity to explore the stunning caverns underground plus many miles of trails through the woods and along the river above ground.

The park’s visitor center was built by the CCC and features exhibits, artifacts, maps and displays plus park guides, souvenirs and refreshments. Some of the other features of the park include picnic areas with tables and grills and a playground.

Caverns at Florida Caverns State Park

Florida Caverns State Park is the only state park in Florida that offers cave tours to visitors. These tours are offered Thursday through Monday year round (except on Christmas and Thanksgiving) and 7 days a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

During your visit to this unique park you will have the opportunity to view the inside of these ancient caverns and learn more about how they have evolved over thousands of years. Arrive early to purchase your tickets.

Boating at Florida Caverns State Park

Bring your canoe or kayak and enjoy a leisurely paddle along the Chipola River. A boat ramp is located between the family camping area and the park entrance; and boat rentals are available through the Florida Caverns Gift Shop.

Swimming at Florida Caverns State Park

You can swim in a designated area inside Florida Caverns State Park. Please be aware that there is not a lifeguard on duty. The Chipola River conditions and flooding can greatly affect swimming conditions in the 35 foot deep swimming area.

Hiking at Florida Caverns State Park

Florida Caverns State Park has two networks of trails, one for hikers only and the other multiuse for hikers, mountain bikes and horseback riders. These trails all flow throughout the park’s hardwood forests, past the river, swamp, streams and caverns.

Here are some of the trails at Florida Caverns State Park:

  • Visitor Center Trail – A short easy walk through the woods and along the limestone bluff above the river. The bluff is 30 feet high in places and offers a spectacular view of the forest below.
  • The Floodplain Trail – An easy flat trail that runs along the floodplain of the Chipola River and through Tunnel Cave, a hundred foot passage through the bluff.
  • Magnolia-Beech and Bluffs Trails – Both of these moderately rugged trails were created by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the late 1930s. They wind through the woods, across small bridges over the creek, past sinkholes and the river.

Biking at Florida Caverns State Park

Discover the unique beauty of Florida Caverns State Park as you ride along the multi use trails through woods and past rivers, swamps and wildflowers. Trail maps are available at the ranger station. Explore the strenuous 6.8 mile Bumpnose Trail or the easy 1.1 mile Sinkhole Trail.

Horseback Riding at Florida Caverns State Park

Bring your horse and explore miles of hilly trails and past sinkholes, rivers, swampland and forests. You must carry proof of a negative Coggins test for each horse that enters the park.

Birding at Florida Caverns State Park

Wild turkey, dove, hummingbirds, heron, egret, ibis, gulls, vultures, hawks, eagles, owls, woodpeckers, Canada goose and more may be seen in and around the park.

Nature and Wildlife at Florida Caverns State Park

A visit to Florida Caverns State Park is an opportunity to explore underground life in addition to seeing nature and wildlife in its varied forms and habitats throughout the park. Inside the caverns live bats, salamanders and blind crayfish.

Look for wildflowers, magnolia trees, dogwood trees and American beech trees, as well as turtles, beavers, deer and various birds during your visit.

Pets at Florida Caverns State Park

Florida Caverns State Park does allow well behaved pets, but they must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and supervised at all times. Pets are not allowed inside park buildings or inside the caverns.

Camping at Florida Caverns State Park

Extend your stay at Florida Caverns State Park. The park’s amenities include 38 campsites situated within walking distance of the Blue Hole day use area. The main camping area features 32 sites with electric, water and sewer connections. And the equestrian camping area has 3 RV/trailer campsites with electric and water hookups, and another 3 primitive tent only sites with water connections.

All campsites throughout the park have picnic tables, fire rings and grills, and are conveniently located near restrooms and showers.

Stables are located in the equestrian area and are strictly for overnight guests to use. Horses are allowed on the trails and in the equestrian camping area only. Please bring a copy of a negative Coggins test for each horse brought into the park.

Park Location

Florida Caverns State Park
3345 Caverns Rd
Marianna, FL 32446
Phone: 850.482.1228

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Florida Caverns State Park: