Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a stunning 2,600-acre nature preserve celebrated for the pristine waters of the Ichetucknee River and its vibrant wildlife. Located just an hour north of Gainesville and two and a half hours north of Orlando, this park is a cherished destination for tubing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding along its natural lazy river.
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What are the admission fees for Ichetucknee Springs State Park?
During our visit, the entrance fee is $6 per vehicle for up to 8 people, $4 for a single occupant, and $2 for pedestrians and cyclists. You can pay online or by dropping cash in the designated drop box.
How do you get to Ichetucknee Springs?
The park has two entrances—North and South—each offering unique experiences.
For tubing or watercraft rentals, head to the South Entrance. Here is the address for the South Entrance:
12087 SW US HW 27
Fort White, FL 32038
At the South Entrance, you’ll find a General Store stocked with food, souvenirs, and supplies. This is also where you check in for rental reservations. It's wise to book online in advance, as they have a daily limit of 100 boats.
For swimming, picnicking, and hiking, including the hike to the Blue Hole, you'll want to head to the North Entrance. Here is the address for the North Entrance:
8294 SW Elim Church Road
Fort White, FL 32038
How do you rent tubing and snorkeling equipment at Ichetucknee Springs?
You can rent kayaks, canoes, and tubes through the website by clicking here. While reservations are not required, I highly recommend making one to ensure you get the equipment you need, especially if you're planning your visit over the summer.
The cost of a tubing rental starts at $8 and there are several different types of tubes to choose from. You do have to pay extra for park admission and tram or shuttle service.
What are the best activities to do at Ichetucknee Springs State Park?
Tubing:
One of the most popular activities at Ichetucknee Springs is tubing down the crystal-clear Ichetucknee River.
One of the most popular activities at Ichetucknee Springs is tubing down the crystal-clear Ichetucknee River. The tubing experience is divided into two main sections:
The Midpoint Launch: The midpoint launch offers about a 2-hour float to the South Takeout Point at the South Entrance.
Dampier's Landing: If you don't want to experience the entire 2-hour tubing run, you can start your float at Dampier's Landing which gives you about an hour journey to the South Takeout Point.
Kayaking:
While we were at Ichetucknee Springs, we completed the kayaking run. We had a fantastic time kayaking in Ichetucknee Springs State Park.
After checking in at the general store at the South Entrance, we got our life jacket and paddle before boarding a shuttle to the North end of the park, where we found our kayak waiting for us by the water. The “Paddle Ichetucknee” experience is a 3.5-mile trip downstream, offering a gentle, relaxing float.
The Ichetucknee River, means “beaver pond” in the indigenous language, and spans six miles contributing to nearly 233 million gallons of spring water daily to the Santa Fe River. The river, fed by nine springs, is one of Florida’s 33 first-magnitude springs, showcasing the natural beauty of its blue-green waters year-round.
The river's gentle current carries you through shaded hammocks and forests of cypress, maple, oak, and pine. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of wildlife, including turtles, fish, river otters, and birds.
Midway through the journey, you’ll reach the Midpoint Tube Launch, where tubers begin their float. From here, it can get livelier with families and kids enjoying the water. Tubing from the Midpoint Tube Launch to the take-out point takes about two hours to float 1.5 miles. For a shorter float, Dampier’s Landing offers a ¾-mile float lasting about an hour.
Private tubes and kayaks are welcome, but you'll need to pay for shuttle service. At the South take-out point, leave your kayak and return your life jackets and paddles before taking the shuttle back to the South parking area.
Hiking:
There are three hiking trails located at the North Entrance: The Blue Trail, The Trestle Point Trail, and the Pine Ridge Trail.
The Blue Hole Trail: The Blue Hole Trail is a half mile walk through the Icetucknee forest and cypress flood plain that leads to the Blue Springs which is the largest spring in the park.
The Trestle Point Trail: This is a shaded path that winds along the Ichetucknee River and takes about 30 minutes.
Pine Ridge Trail: This is a two mile loop trail that has towering pine trees and wide open vistas.
Swimming, Snorkeling, and Scuba Diving at Ichetucknee Springs State Park
At the North entrance, you'll find two swimming holes: The Head Springs and The Blue Hole.
The Head Spring
The Head Spring is a National Natural Landmark. This spring, along with eight others, feeds into the Ichetucknee River, creating a beautiful blue-green waterway with a consistent temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
The Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is the park's largest spring. To get to Blue Springs, there is a nearly half-mile trail through the Ichetucknee forest and cypress floodplain that leads to Blue Hole Spring.
The Blue Hole is favored by scuba divers for its cave system, which begins 40 feet underwater. The Blue Hole’s cave network spans nearly 600 feet with various passages. Divers need cave/cavern scuba certification and must register at the North Ranger Station.
Are pets allowed at Ichetucknee Springs State Park?
Yes, you are allowed to bring your pets inside Ichetucknee Springs State Park as long as they are on a leash shorter than 6 feet. However, they do not allow your pets near or on the water.
What are some tips for Visiting Ichetucknee Springs?
Arrive Early: To secure your spot, especially for watercraft rentals, it’s best to make reservations online and arrive early.
Pack Essentials: Bring sun protection, water, and snacks in reusable bags. No single-use packaging is allowed on the waterways. If you want to keep your belongings dry, I highly recommend picking up a dry bag like this on Amazon (affiliate link).
Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from animals and avoid disturbing their natural habitats.
Stay Hydrated: The Florida sun can be intense, so drink plenty of water throughout your visit.
Plan for Both Entrances: If you want to experience everything the park offers, plan to visit both the North and South Entrances.
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