View of the springs at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park from above

View of the springs at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park from above. Photo: Paul Clark, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nestled almost halfway between Jacksonville and Tallahassee you’ll find Lafayette Blue Springs State Park.

Undoubtedly one of Florida’s most captivating public recreational spaces, it is notable for containing first magnitude springs that discharge a mind-blowing 168 million gallons of water every day. This makes it the perfect spot to enjoy a dip on a warm summer’s day.

This Florida state park has plenty of other draw cards including boating, paddling, swimming, scuba diving, fishing and horseback riding. While if that proves too energetic for you then stargazing, picnicking, birding and wildlife watching should keep plenty occupied.

Set among tranquil surroundings that offer a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, camping options here are primitive pack-in sites. Providing no access to vehicles, they are available, strictly, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Activities

Visitors to the park can enjoy several outdoor recreational pursuits during their time there.

Below is a small selection of some of the many activities you can engage in during your time at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park.

Boating at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park

Boating enthusiasts will enjoy the fact that Lafayette Blue Springs is situated along the Suwannee River between the 103 and 104 mile markers.

To get you onto it, there is a paved boat ramp available at the park’s southern entrance. It is suitable for kayaks, canoes and motor boats.

While canoes and kayaks cannot be rented directly from the park, they are available from several outfitters a short driving distance away from it.

Scuba Diving at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park

If you are into scuba diving you will love the chance to explore the extensive, underwater cafe system that resides in the park.

This is better known as the Green Sink cave system and features over 12,000 feet of sub-water passageways.

Extending out from the main spring in a southwestern and western direction, the system is recognized for being quite big and expansive. Contained within it are rooms up to 30 feet high and 100 feet wide.

Prior to diving, visitors must register their intention to do so at the ranger station in the north entrance before heading over to the dive site near its southern entrance.

Fishing at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park

Fishing is a very popular activity in the park as you are allowed to do it at numerous locations within it.

This includes the river bank at the park’s south entrance and over at the north entrance at the Alan Mill Pond Spring Run.

To fish in the park you might need a license. You should also follow the rules and regulations for angling as set out by the Florida Wildlife Commission.

Stargazing at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park

Whilst at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park you should take the opportunity to enjoy stargazing.

Due to the park’s isolated and remote location from major cities, the light pollution is virtually non-existent.

This means the skies are very dark and crystal clear, which makes perfect conditions for looking at the various constellations that comprise the Milky Way.

Picnicking at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park

A lovely thing to do whilst at the park is to enjoy a picnic.

There are several picnic areas within the park that are situated on the banks of the Suwannee River or directly looking out to the spring.

Many of these tables are shaded by graceful sways of the gorgeous Spanish moss that resides in the stately oak trees. They also have grills which enable you to cook up a feast for your al fresco meal.

For larger groups, such as parties or family get-togethers, there are two covered pavilions available. These can be rented out well in advance of your visitor. But if they happen to be free when you are there, you can use them on a first come, first serve basis.

Pets at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park

So long as your dog remains well behaved they are welcome to join you at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park.

Whilst with you they must be restrained at all times on a hand held leash that is no more than 6-feet in length.

They also are not allowed into the buildings, cabins or the springs and must not be left alone for more than half an hour.

Camping at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park

For those who want to stay a few nights, the park offers rustic camping accommodation that is best suited to those who are experienced self-sufficient campers.

A pack-in style of campground that prohibits vehicle access, these sites are available to guests on a first come, first served basis. They come with their own fire rings, picnic table, charcoal grill, electricity and water.

Amenities are few and far between at this camping site, although there is a portable restroom nearby. Within the spring area you will also find an open-air, cold water shower.

Should you be in a primitive group of up to 30 people, there is a specifically designated campsite available for you.

Directly overlooking the scenic Suwannee River it has a portable toilet, ground fire rings and picnic tables.

Unfortunately it does not have electricity or water.

If you would like to stay somewhere a bit more upscale, there are five cabins on stilts you can stay in. These are located along the river in the canopy of trees around the park’s southern entrance.

Each cabin has two bedrooms that house three beds and a couch you can pull-out and sleep on. There are also kitchen facilities, a dining table, living room, bathroom and electric fireplace.

The cabins also possess a big screened porch that comes with a swing, rocking chairs and picnic table.

Park Location

Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
799 Blue Springs Rd
Mayo, FL 32066
Phone: 386.294.3667

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

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