Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring is a designated manatee refuge. Temperatures in the spring run remain a constant 72 degrees, creating a safe haven for the West Indian manatee. To provide a safe warm water refuge for manatees during the winter season, the spring and spring run are closed to all water related activities including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and boating from November 15 through March 1. Learn more about the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) which monitors & tracks the manatees.

Blue Spring State Park
2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, FL 32763
(386) 775-3663

De Leon Springs State Park

Wildlife is plentiful and can be easily observed from the walkway across the spring. Otters, alligators, manatees, osprey, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and even a swimming black bear have been spotted.

De Leon Springs State Park
601 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, De Leon Springs, Florida 32130
(386) 985-4212

Hontoon Island State Park

Hontoon Island has 40 slips for boat camping in an idle zone on the St. Johns River. Each slip has potable water and marine style 30 amp electric hook-up and a restroom with hot showers. Cooking grills are located nearby in the picnic area. Reservations are not accepted. All slips are first-come, first-served. The nearest public boat ramps are found approximately three miles north at Ed Stone County Park. Please plan to arrive at the park before dark.

Hontoon Island has 40 slips for boat camping in an idle zone on the St. Johns River. Each slip has potable water and marine style 30 amp electric hook-up and a restroom with hot showers. Cooking grills are located nearby in the picnic area. The Island offers picnic area with grills, small playground, horseshoes and 5.75 miles of hiking trails. The island museum and store sells snacks, drinks and souvenirs. Canoes and kayaks are available for rental. Fishing is popular but bait is not sold on Island. Reservations are not accepted. All slips are first come, first served. The nearest public boat ramps are found approximately three miles north at Ed Stone County Park. Please plan to arrive at the park before dark.

Hontoon Island State Park
2309 River Ridge Road, DeLand, Florida 32720
(386) 736-5309

Hickory Bluff Preserve

The 150-acre Hickory Bluff Preserve overlooks the St. Johns River and contains many natural communities including mesic and scrubby flatwoods, oak hammock, cypress domes, floodplain swamp, and wet prairie.

Hickory Bluff Preserve
598 Guise Rd., Osteen, FL 32764
(386) 740-5261

Wiregrass Prairie Preserve

1,400 acres situated almost entirely in the St. Johns River valley. Features three trails open to hiking, horseback riding and bicycling. Group camping by permit.

Wiregrass Prairie Preserve
1751 Lopez Rd., Osteen, FL 32764
(386) 740-5261