Just off I-4 between Orlando and Daytona, Florida’s Blue Springs State Park is a refreshing place to relax after a long day on the road. The constant 72-degree water offers a chilly respite from the Florida summer heat for humans and enticing warmth for manatees in the fall and winter months. So, whether you are here to beat the heat or marvel at the manatees, this park offers a year-round welcome just far enough into the woods to feel a world away from two of Florida’s most popular tourist destinations.
BLUE SPRINGS @ A GLANCE
Arrive early. Summer or winter, the place fills up fast. We arrived just after lunch. If you want to find a spot to spread your blanket on the beach down by the spring, don’t do that.
“Blue” spring is a misnomer. The water here is more jade than azure, but it was every bit as clear and cool as advertised. Our little guy bounded down the steps to the river waving water-winged arms. He hit the first submerged step, froze and looked up at Daddy. “WHOOOOH!” Easily the most accurate weather report I’ve ever witnessed. The water was indeed chilly (for a Floridian) but heavenly. And, though most folks rent tubes
Snorkel or just float in the headspring
Even if there are no manatees around, expect to share the spring with the local wildlife. You may see an alligator sunning on the far bank and you will definitely see some spectacular river fish. We saw gar, bass, bluegill and mullet; but tarpon, catfish and bowfish also roam this run. My 17-year-old son caught a turtle as he swam by. I don’t necessarily recommend this. If you latch onto a snapper he may decide to keep your fingers. Otherwise this is a terrific opportunity to, literally, immerse yourself in the “Real Florida.”
HISTORY & CULTURE
In the mid 1800’s, steamships were the preferred method of transport on the St. Johns. Rich tourists came south while cattle and citrus went north. Louis Thursby, gold rush prospector turned citrus grower, saw an opportunity to get a piece of the river trade. He purchased the land around Blue Springs in 1856, and, in the next decades, built a river landing and a two-story house that quickly became a key stop along the river. Even when the railroads began to replace the river as the transportation conduit of choice, the Thursby homestead remained important. Today park visitors may tour the house, view artifacts and learn the facts of life in 19th-century Florida.
WHAT TO DO @ BLUE SPRING
Swim, snorkel or tube – There are two entrances to the spring run for swimmers or tubers. One is right by 
Spend some time serenely tubing down the river
- Beach swimming gets deep quick, chest high just a few feet from the steps and over six feet shortly thereafter. More popular with rowdy teens, there’s a good bit of loud laughter, splashing and hormonally influenced decision-making here.
- Boardwalk swimming is shallower and a bit more secluded and relaxing. If you want less noise or have small children this is probably where you want to be.
Hike the Blue Spring Trail – An easy 10-minute walk beside the river leads to the top of the headspring. The boardwalk trail is completely bordered by broadleaf hammocks.
St. Johns River Cruises (www.sjrivercruises.com) – Secure a spot on a riverboat or guided kayak tour or rent a kayak and venture off by yourself. Ask about sunset cruises or private tours. Ticket booth and dock are inside the park. For reservations call 407.330.1612.
Tour the Thursby House
Thursby House Tour – Self-guided trip back in time. View photos and artifacts that delve into the lives of the first family of Blue Springs and life along the St. Johns in the 1800s.
Picnic & Play – The park offers several covered picnic areas and a playground for kids. These are on the opposite side of the park from the springs, and, on our visit, were quiet even during the busiest time of day.
Grab Lunch – Adjacent to the gift shop is the campground store that offers sandwiches, snacks and drinks. Eat at nearby café tables or spread out on the grass for a picnic.
GETTING THERE
Get all the facts at www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring. Located at 2100 W. French Ave. Orange City, FL 32763. GPS: 28.952182, -81.333592. Admission is currently $6 per car (up to 8 persons). Call 386.775.3663 for more information.
SIDE TRIP
Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp (www.cassadaga.org)
About a ten-minute drive from Blue Springs, Cassadaga is Florida’s first permanent faith-based community. But don’t let the name fool you, this is not a campground. Established in 1894 on nearly 60 acres near Lake Helen, Cassadaga is a permanent “community of likeminded people who live, worship and work in harmony.” Designated a historic district in 1991, the residents of this spiritualist community (about 25 are professed mediums) have been welcoming true believers, skeptics and curious tourists for over a century.
- Cassadaga Hotel Fish House – Surf and turf at reasonable prices. Mahi, scallops, chicken, beer or buffalo-style gator bites! All you can eat specials Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (355 Cassadaga Rd.) 386.218.6875.
- Historic tours – Learn about the history of Cassadaga, the interesting old-Florida architecture and how spiritualism is practiced and taught at the Camp.
- We created our own “historic tour” cruising through the village, admiring the classic homes and chatting with folks we happened upon. Residents were friendly, welcoming and willing to answer questions.
The camp main office is located in the Summerland House at 1325 Stevens St. Cassadaga, FL 32706. GPS: 28.966791, -81.236651. Call 386.228.3171 for additional information.
Florida Manatees at Blue Springs
WHERE TO STAY NEAR BLUE SPRING
PUBLIC CAMPGROUND
Blue Spring State Park Campground (www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring)
The campground is inside the state park, but well secluded from day-trippers. The sites are separated by thick trees, scrub and underbrush. The sites felt tight, and the few bigger coaches we saw looked shoehorned in. That being said, plenty of room for smaller Class Cs, towables and popup campers. If you have young children, ask about the park’s Bedtime Story Lending Library.
- Electric (50 amp) and water hookups
- No sewer hookup, dump station on site
- No pull thrus, maximum rig size 40 feet
- Families and pets encouraged
Located at 2100 W. French Ave. Orange City, Florida 32763. GPS: 28.952182, -81.333592. For park information visit the website or call 386.775.3663. Book through Reserve America at 800.326.3521.
PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS
Both of the private campgrounds we visited were less than 15 minutes from Blue Spring and less than an hour from both Disney and Daytona. Popular with tourists, nature lovers and race fans, you are sure to make lots of new friends no matter which you choose.
Clark Family Campground (www.clarkfamilycampground.com)
A shady, friendly spot. Family owned and operated for a quarter century, the park managers work hard to
Clark Family Campground
- Full hookups: Water, sewer & electric (50 amp)
- WiFi
- Pull thru sites with big rig access
- Family & pet friendly
Located at 1440 East Minnesota Ave.
Orange City, Florida 32763. GPS: 28.968292, -81.288022. Call 866-953-3358 for reservations or more information.
Orange City RV Resort (www.sunrvresorts.com/orange_city_rv_resort)
Mostly long-term and full-time residents here. More a manufactured home park than an RV resort, but there are a number of short-term sites. Residents were warm and welcoming, even to the younger faces in our group. We saw several kids playing, unusual in some long-term parks. The community center offers regular activities and endless opportunities to meet and mingle with both seasonal residents and weekend campers.
- Full hookups: Water, sewer & electric (50 amp)
- WiFi & Cable TV
- Pull thru sites with big rig access
- Pool, game room
- Family & pet friendly
Located at 2300 East Graves Ave. Orange City, FL 32763. GPS: 28.948648, -81.263287. Reserve online. For additional info call community manager Kim Turner at 888.485.3886.
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