Troy Spring State Park

Sunken remains of a 19th century steamboat lie inside a warm picturesque spring just 92 miles west of Jacksonville.

This 70 foot deep spring lies inside Troy Spring State Park, near Branford in Lafayette County, Florida.

Guests to this Florida state park enjoy swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving in the pristine spring. Guests also enjoy getting a closer look at the historic Madison, the mid 1850s steamship that was intentionally sunk here during the Civil War. This ship was used as a floating mail service and trading post for many years before it was sunk.

Activities

Pack a picnic lunch and come spend a relaxing day inside Troy Springs State Park. The park’s picnic area is nestled among the hardwoods close to the spring. Tables, grills and restrooms are available to make your stay more comfortable.

Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Troy Spring State Park:

Boating at Troy Spring State Park

Spend a relaxing day paddling along the famous Suwannee River during your visit to Troy Spring State Park. Guests who bring their own kayaks and canoes may access the river year round as long as they are able to carry their craft across 200 yards to launch.

Swimming at Troy Spring State Park

Swim, float, snorkel and scuba dive in the beautiful waters of Troy Spring.

This pristine pool is 70 feet deep and ideal for open water diving and it’s a constant 72 degrees making it refreshing year round.

Swim out to the river or dive below to discover the sunken remains of the Madison, a steamship intentionally sunk during the Civil War. All divers must be certified and able to show certification when asked.

Use caution when swimming or diving, there are no lifeguards. An outdoor shower and rinse station are located next to the restrooms.

Hiking at Troy Spring State Park

Explore the ½ mile interpretive nature trail inside Troy Spring State Park. This trail passes through the hardwoods and along two small ponds for a chance to see the beautiful flora and fauna that exists within the park. Interpretive panels line the path and showcase native plants, trees and other wildlife along the way.

Fishing at Troy Spring State Park

Pack your angling gear and pick up a Florida fishing license for a chance to catch blue catfish, crappie, bass, gulf sturgeon and Florida gar. The park allows fishing from the dock or along the river bank but not near the swimming area.

Birding at Troy Spring State Park

Bring your binoculars and take a leisurely walk through the woods and along the trails inside Troy Spring State Park.

You’ll discover many species of birds during your visit here. A few to watch out for include the Red-headed Woodpecker, American Kestrel, Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Northern Bobwhite, Bachman’s Sparrow and the Barred Owl.

Nature and Wildlife at Troy Spring State Park

White-tailed deer, Eastern cottontail Rabbits, turtles, wading birds, fish, pallid cave crayfish, otters, gray squirrels, snakes, gopher tortoises, wild turkey and more may be spotted inside this peaceful park.

Pets at Troy Spring State Park

Pets are welcomed at Troy Spring State Park. Please supervise your pet and keep them on a hand held leash no longer than 6 feet. Pets are not allowed inside park buildings.

Camping Near Troy Spring State Park

After you’ve spent the day swimming, hiking, birdwatching and more head over to one of these nearby state parks and spend a relaxing night:

• Lafayette Blue Springs State Park, located at 799 N.W. Blue Spring Road in Mayo, is just 22 miles north of Troy Spring. This park’s overnight accommodations include primitive camping sites and cabins.

  Each of the primitive campsites are accessible only by foot and feature a picnic table, grill, fire ring and access to water, electricity, restrooms and a cold outdoor shower. The park may have wagons to help transport your stuff to your campsite.

  A primitive group camping area is also available here and can accommodate up to 30 people. This area lies along the Suwannee River and features picnic tables, a fire ring and access to portable toilets

  The cabins’ stilt-like construction place them among trees overlooking the river. Each cabin has 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, an open concept dining room, living room and a fully equipped kitchen plus an electric fireplace. Cabins also feature large screened in porch areas with a swing, rocking chairs and a picnic table for additional comfort. Be advised that pets are not allowed inside cabins.

• O’Leno State Park lies just 28 miles south of Troy Spring, at 410 SE O’Leno Park Road in High Springs. This nearby state park features 61 modern campsites, a primitive camping area and a developed camp that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s.

  Each of the modern campsites have water and electric connections, a picnic table, grill and access to nearby bathhouses and a playground. The primitive campsite, along the shores of Sweetwater Lake, is accessible only by foot. This site includes a fire circle and a non flushing toilet.

  The group camp contains 3 leader cabins, 13 sleeper cabins, 2 bathhouses, a dining hall with a full kitchen, a recreation hall, a craft building, and a concession building. This area can accommodate up to 120. These rustic buildings do not have heat or A/C and only the leader cabins have restrooms.

Park Location

Troy Spring State Park
674 NE Troy Springs Rd
Branford, FL 32008
Phone: 386.935.4835

Park Website

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Troy Spring State Park: