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Florida
319

Florida State Parks

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USA Parks
Florida
North Central Region
Suwannee River State Park
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Suwannee River State Park Looking Through the Cypress Trees © Richard Vogel
Looking through the cypress trees is a common sight as you wander along the Balance Rock trail.
Suwannee River State Park Balance Rock Trail © Richard Vogel
A view down river as you hike along the Balance Rock trail.
Suwannee River State Park Lime Sink © Richard Vogel
Found along the Lime Sink hiking trail is a beautiful example of a sink hole. The color is from aquatic growth in the often stagnant water and filtered sunlight of the tree canopy.
Suwannee River State Park Lime Sink Trail © Richard Vogel
A wooden bridge spans part of the Lime Sink trail where it crosses the most captivating part of the sink. Photo opportunities abound, and taking this trail is highly recommended.
Suwannee River State Park Lime Sink and Cypress Guardians © Richard Vogel
Cypress trees act as guardians surrounding a portion of the Lime Sink. The sink is actually a sinkhole and the lime color aquatic life.
Suwannee River State Park © Vicki Iliff
Suwannee River State Park Suwannee River © Morgan Rauch
Suwannee River State Park © Lee Reed
Suwannee River State Park © Lee Reed
Suwannee River State Park © Ben Prepelka
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SUWANNEE RIVER STATE PARK
SUWANNEE RIVER STATE PARK
Route 8, Box 297
Live Oak, Florida   32060

Phone: 904-362-2746
Reservations: 800-326-3521
About a quarter mile past the ranger station, a high bluff overlooks the spot where the Withlacoochee River joins the Suwannee River on its way to the Gulf of Mexico. Vestiges of history in the park show how important the Suwannee River was to Florida history. Along the river are long mounds of earthworks built during the Civil War to guard against incursions by Union Navy gunboats. Other remnants from the past include one of the state?s oldest cemeteries, and a paddle?wheel shaft from a 19th century steamboat. Five trails, ranging from a quarter mile to 18 miles, loop through surrounding woodlands and provide panoramic views of the rivers. Other activities include fishing, picnicking, and canoeing; for overnight stays, the park has a full?facility campground and cabins. Located 13 miles west of Live Oak, off U.S. 90.
History of the Area
The river hums with echoes of history ?of the booming days of plantations and logging empires, of the high times of paddle-wheel boats steaming up and down the river, of the long disorientation after the Civil War, and of the quiet persistence of the strong pioneers who lived off this land and profited from the rivers.

South of the junction of the rivers, an earthwork (an earthen embankment used as a military fortification) was constructed by the Confederates during the Civil War. Its main purpose was to protect the railroad bridge across the Suwannee. Essential supplies, such as beef, salt, and sugar needed to feed the Confederate armies, were shipped by rail to Georgia. Union troops dispatched from Jacksonville to capture the bridge were turned back near Olustee in a hard-fought battle on Feb. 20, 1864. The town of Columbus stood in the vicinity of the earthworks. The remains of the Columbus Cemetery, believed to be one of the oldest cemeteries of Florida, are within the park. Columbus had its heyday and prospered from its railroad bridge, ferry landing, and a large sawmill. Steamboats were a common sight on the Suwannee and Withlacoochee. Near the river?s junction stood the elegant house which belonged to George F. Drew, the operator of the sawmill, who became governor in 1876.
Passes
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.
Cabins
The park has five full service cabins which sleep 6 and include a dishwasher, fireplace and large screened porch. Please note that pets are not allowed in the cabins. Cabin Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through Reserve America online or calling 1-866 I CAMP FL (1-866-422-6735) or 1-800-326-3521.
Camping
Full Facility Camping

Picnic tables, electric, and a grill are provided at all 30 campsites located in the family campground. A restroom with hot showers is within close proximity. Inquire at the ranger station for the availability of firewood and ice. Pets are allowed in the campground. See our Official Pet Policy for more information.

Youth Camping

Two youth tent camping areas for use by organized, non-profit youth groups are available. Youth Camping fees are $4.00 for both adults and youth.

RV's

The campground at Suwannee River State Park has 31 campsites available through the Reserve America system. They can accommodate RV type campers and tent campers as most sites depending upon size of each camping rig. Each site is equipped with electrical hookups (20 & 30 Amps), water, picnic table, and ground grill fire ring. There is a dump station located within the campground facility. All campers must register at the Ranger Station.

Boating
Boat ramps are available for various watercrafts, including boats, canoes, and kayaks. Rental of watercraft is not available at the park.

Canoeing
Canoeing & Kayaking

Both upper portions of the Suwannee River Canoe Trail and the Withlacoochee River Canoe Trail begin in Georgia and end at the park. The lower Suwannee River Canoe Trail begins at the park and ends at the Gulf of Mexico.
Fishing
Visitors can enjoy fishing along the bank of the Suwannee River. Catches of catfish, bass, and panfish reward the persistent angler. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required for person?s 16 years of age and older.


Location
Suwannee River State Park is located near Live Oak, Madison

Picnicking
Two picnic pavilions are available in addition to the individual picnic tables and grills. Picnic tables and grills are standard at the 31 campsites located in the family campground.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore a variety of trails, though caution is advised due to the terrain's occasional roughness. The park offers two main cycling paths: Lime Sink Run and Sandhill Trail.

Lime Sink Run trail spans 3 miles round trip with moderate difficulty level; it requires careful navigation around roots and rocks. It winds through diverse ecosystems including hardwood forests, wetlands, and sinkholes - ideal for nature lovers.

Sandhill Trail covers about 1 mile looped path that meanders through longleaf pine sandhills ecosystem which may be challenging but rewarding for bikers who enjoy scenic views.

Remember to wear helmets while biking as safety should always come first when enjoying these natural surroundings on wheels. Also note that bicycles are not available for rent within the premises so plan accordingly.

Trails
Nature study is easy on the Suwannee River Trail, which winds along the high banks of the river and along Lime Sink Run. Interpretive labels explain the hammock and its various plants and animals for those who take the self-guided tour. The Sandhills Trail takes visitors from the picnic area to the Columbus Cemetery. The open forest of pines here contrasts with the hardwood hammock along the river trail. A section of this trail runs along the route of the old stage road, which ran from Pensacola to Jacksonville and was the major route of travel in the early 1800s. Note: All trails are for foot traffic only. Vehicles and horses are not permitted.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 200 species, including the red-shouldered hawk and barred owl. Birdwatchers can explore five different trails or take a boat tour for waterfowl sightings. The best time to visit is during spring migration season (March-April).

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 1 First timers by Vicki_I
park review stars; one to five Great time hiking on our way to Alabama. Ranger reported water level was up 15 feet. Our feet got a little muddy on the Lime Sink Trail. Would love to come back and camp or stay in a cabin. Also looks like a great river to canoe.
October 10 our anniversary get away... by anniversary in october...
park review stars; one to five this is one of our favorite parks, we camp here for a week, every year for our anniversary, the park is very clean, the rangers a very friendly, and the cemetery is a very peaceful place to visit - lots of history here, and lots to do, we rate this park 5 stars.
November 27 One of my favorite parks by John Smith
park review stars; one to five We only visited for 2 hours but it was well worth it. I have always wanted to see the Suwannee river, and when I saw it it truly impressed me. The grassy, shaded area by the river is beautiful. 5 stars
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Area Campgrounds
Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground
3076 95th Drive
Live Oak, FL
386-364-1683
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Sweet Magnolia Inn - Saint Marks, FL
BBs / Inns
Our historic inn is located in historic Saint Marks, one of the oldest settlements in North America. First settled in 1527, Saint Marks is a historic little city at the confluence of the Wakulla and St. Marks Rivers. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge, it is located just 20 miles south of Tallahassee.
64.1 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com
Pets
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Suwannee River State Park. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and can not be left unattended for more than a half-hour. Dogs are not permitted in our buildings or cabins.

Pet camping is available in our campground. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Pets must be confined, leashed, or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes must be hand-held and may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well-behaved at all times and must be confined in the owner's camping unit during designated quiet hours (11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.). Unconfined pets must be leashed and cannot be left unattended for more than thirty minutes. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets considered a nuisance are not allowed to remain in the park.

Directions
Suwannee River State Park is located 13 miles west of Live Oak, off U.S. 90.

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Florida
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Florida State Parks

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