Ichetucknee Springs, Florida

Getting to Ichetucknee Springs

Ichetucknee Springs State Park has two entrances. The south entrance, the primary hub for tubing and concessions, is located at 12087 SW US Highway 27, Fort White, FL 32038. From Interstate 75 south, take exit 399, follow US 441 north to High Springs, then take US 27 north toward Fort White for approximately 4 miles to the south park entrance on the right. From Interstate 75 north, take exit 423, follow SR 47 south and turn onto CR 238, following park signs to the north entrance. The GPS coordinates for the south entrance trailhead are 29.9861 degrees North, 82.7601 degrees West. The park is open 8am to sunset 365 days a year.

A per-vehicle entry fee of four to six dollars applies; pedestrians and cyclists pay two dollars. No advance day-use reservation is required. The tram service from the south entrance to the midpoint tube launch costs $5.50 per person; the shuttle service, which also includes tram return, costs $7.50 per person. Both are purchased at the concession facility at the south entrance. Tube rentals close at 4:30pm and the last launch is at 4pm; all visitors must be off the river by 5pm. The midpoint tube launch has been closed for repairs since March 2024; check the Florida State Parks website for current status before visiting, as this affects available launch points. Tubers from the south entrance use Dampier's Landing as the launch point and South Takeout as the end of the run.

For visitors looking for hot springs near Lake City, Ichetucknee Springs is the most significant spring park in the area, approximately 25 miles south. Canoe and kayak rentals are available from the park concessionaire; call (386) 497-1500 or visit ichetuckneesprings.com to arrange transport. The Ichetucknee Springs Campground is located on the northwest border of the park and accepts RV and tent campers. Nearby accommodation options include several outfitter cabins and camping facilities along the approach roads.

Who Can Visit Ichetucknee Springs

Ichetucknee Springs suits a very wide range of visitors. Tubing on the Ichetucknee River is the primary draw and is an all-ages, low-effort experience suitable for families, solo visitors, and groups. All visitors on the river must have a flotation device or vessel; this is a park rule and not optional. Tube rentals are available in various styles and sizes. The river current is gentle and no paddling ability is required for tubing. Children are welcome; the playground at the north entrance and the accessible facilities throughout the park support family visits. Snorkeling is permitted year-round in the headspring and is excellent due to the exceptional clarity of the spring water. Scuba diving is permitted in Blue Hole Spring only, from October through March, for open-water certified divers.

Ichetucknee Springs has the most comprehensively documented accessibility infrastructure of any Florida spring park. A chair lift at the headspring assists visitors into and out of the water, though staff or volunteer assistance is required and visitors should notify park staff on arrival. Blue Hole Spring has a staircase with handrails but is suitable for strong swimmers only due to depth and strong current. The north vessel launch has a wheelchair-friendly ramp to a fixed dock. The south takeout has a paved pathway and ramp to the water. A wheelchair-accessible tram service transports visitors and their tubes between the south entrance and the midpoint launch, and wheelchairs are transported to the south takeout so they are available at the end of the float. Wheelchair-accessible picnic tables are provided at both entrances. ADA-compliant restrooms are available at all sections of the park.

Pets are not permitted in any vessel on the river or in the water. Service animals may accompany their handlers on the river in a hard-bottomed vessel with minimum 6-inch sides; service animals are not permitted on tubes. The upper north section of the river is for paddling only and does not permit swimming or snorkeling in that portion. For families seeking accessible soaking pools in Florida with a full-day itinerary including tubing, paddling, snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife viewing, Ichetucknee Springs offers the broadest and most inclusive set of activities of any Florida spring park.

Safety and Etiquette at Ichetucknee Springs

Ichetucknee Springs requires attention to river timing rules, wildlife hazards, and spring-specific conditions. All visitors must be off the river by 5pm without exception; tube rentals close at 4:30pm and the last launch is at 4pm. Departing late from a launch or spending excessive time on the river can result in being on the water after close. Plan your float time before entering. The midpoint float to south takeout takes approximately 45 minutes; the full north-to-south float takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Allow a sufficient time buffer before the 5pm closure, particularly on the longer northern route.

Alligators and snakes are present throughout the park along trails and waterways. Do not approach, frighten, or feed any wildlife. Alligators have attacked larger animals at this park and the risk to humans is real if safety guidelines are not followed. Manatees visit the river and springs seasonally; do not touch or pursue manatees. Blue Hole Spring has a strong upwelling current and is deeper than the other swimming areas; it is designated for strong swimmers only and is accessible for scuba diving from October through March only. The stairs into Blue Hole Spring can become slippery due to the natural conditions; use handrails and descend carefully.

All items brought onto the river and springs may be inspected for compliance with park rules. Glass containers are not permitted on the river. Alcohol is not permitted. Do not litter; the Ichetucknee River is one of Florida's most ecologically significant waterways and any contamination or damage has lasting consequences. Sunscreen and insect repellent containing DEET or other harmful chemicals should not be washed off in the spring water; apply before visiting and allow it to absorb fully. The park requests that visitors use reef-safe or spring-safe products where possible.

The north section of the river is closed to tubing year-round to protect the headspring ecosystem. Do not launch a tube from the north entrance. Canoes and kayaks are permitted year-round from both entrances. When the midpoint tube launch is closed, as it has been since March 2024, all tubers must use Dampier's Landing at the south entrance. Check the Florida State Parks website for current launch point availability before travelling. Pets are strictly prohibited from entering the water and from any tube or vessel; service animals follow specific guidelines outlined on the park's accessible features page.