Florida Caverns State Park

About Florida Caverns State Park

This is the only Florida State Park that fills the air with caves and offers cave tours to the public. The caves offer breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean and the Florida Keys, as well as a variety of other natural features.

Florida Caverns is also home to one of the largest equestrian stables in the state of Florida and the only one in Florida. Horse riding schools are available, but the park does not rent horses and does not charge any fees for horseback riding.

The tour lasts about 45 minutes and is considered moderately demanding. Audiovisual programs are available at the Visitor Center, which visits the caves and other natural spaces of the park. The hotel is located on the second floor of the Florida Caverns State Park Hotel, next to the Visitor Center.

Civil Defence finished the facility in 1942, but the attractive visitor centre offers historical interpretations. The museum shows exhibits that inform about cultural and natural resources.

The 1,319-hectare park has 38 campsites with electricity and water connections that can be reserved through the US reserve. The surrounding area offers opportunities for primitive group camping, and youth camps are designed for organized groups of young and old.

The campsite is located near the visitor centre and can accommodate up to 32 primitive campers.

The site has water and electricity connections, as well as a picnic area with picnic tables and picnic benches.

The spring water is usually clear when it rains a little, and the youth zone fee is $4 (plus taxes) per night per person. At the campsite there is a river vent that forms the Blue Hole swimming area, a great way to cool off in the hot summer months. The popular warm weather attraction is just a few blocks from the visitor center and a short walk from all other campsites.

This is one of the best places to observe wildlife and enjoy the surrounding countryside. On the east side of the swimming area there is a retaining wall that provides a wooden platform, and there is even a picnic area with picnic tables and benches.

A vent located right next to the swimming area measures 97.6 feet deep, and in times of heavy rain, flood water can rise more than 10 feet above normal levels. At the entrance to the park near the family campsite there is a boat ramp, but there are no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk.

Boaters can take a leisurely trip on the river and also fish and observe a variety of wildlife, but it is recommended that only small boats start from this area.

Canoeing is possible on the picturesque Chipola River, but the drive from the bridge to the boat ramp to the south is not recommended. Take a leisurely tour of Florida's Outstanding Waterway and experience more of the real Florida.

During your trip you will see a wide variety of flora and fauna, and herons, their alligators, beavers and snakes are just some of the usual places you will see as you travel upstream through this wonderful natural community.

Here is a unique river depression where the Chipola River has sunk 90 feet below the surface and finally emerged. In this area, various fish are fished, such as bluefish, redfish and other small fish. Fishing is available at the Blue Hole Drive boat ramp, and canoe rentals are available near the park entrance and can be rented for a day or full-day excursion.

When fishing at Florida Caverns State Park, you must comply with all boundaries, rules and regulations in accordance with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The logs are made of precipitated wood, which is driven downstream from a nearby sawmill.

There is a $5 pavilion that can be reserved in advance for special events, and tables and barbecues are available, whoever comes first will be served first.

The Horse Camp Shelter is located directly across from the Blue Hole Swimming Area, and the Hickory Shelter has toilets and a playground nearby.

Further accommodation options are the Beech Shelter and the Sweetgum Shelter. Reservations and dates can be requested at the ranger station.

Horseback riding, cycling and hiking are great ways to explore the park's natural areas, such as the Beech and Sweetgum Hills and the Great Swamp. Consider the diversity of plants and animals as you travel through the unaltered natural area. Visit and admire the karst topography of Florida Caves State Park and its natural features.

The Upper Chipola Recreational Trail System was established in the early 1990s as part of the expansion plan of Florida Caves State Park. Hiking maps are available at the designated entrances to the hiking trails and at the ranger station.

Volunteers and staff will take care of the trails and invite you to ride your horse and enjoy the real Florida. There are flowers for everyone, but some paths have moist spots and moving water is dangerous.

The equestrian centre is located in the centre of a versatile network of paths, and riders can use the stables. Directly behind each stable is a washing rack, which cleans and cools the horses after hard work.

The three RV parks are located next to the stables and are available for motorhomes and horses, and toilets and picnic huts are also nearby. To make a reservation, you can call the park office at (904) 543-5555 for more information or the equestrian center for information.

The stables can be reserved for camping, and to reserve a stable place or make a reservation, call the park at (904) 543-5555.

Bring your current Coggin test horse and your vehicle can be towed to the stables for a fee of $5 per vehicle or $10 per horse. Entry to the park is subject to $6 in taxes per horse, plus a $2 fee for the horse and $1 for the owner of your horse.

The park does not rent horses at any time, and horses are restricted to the distance from the parking lot to a distance of 1.5 miles from each parking lot.

Guided tours start at the Visitor Centre, which is open daily at 8.15 a.m. and the number of participants per tour is limited to 25 people. Reservations are possible for groups of 25 or more, arriving in advance from Monday to Friday and on public holidays. For reservations, contact the park at 850 - 482 - 1341 or contact Florida Caves State Park for more information.

The last cave tours start on the day of 16-CEST and last 45 minutes, each tour lasts 45 minutes and passes through a series of caves where you can see a number of beautiful formations as the guide explains. Tour fees are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12.

Learn how early Florida settlers thrived in the caves and experienced a living story interpreted by park staff and volunteers. Celebrate by listening and smelling the sounds and smells of the many natural sounds, smells and sounds of Florida Caves State Park.

Join park staff and the community in a celebration of the holiday season, there is hot cider and cookies for participants, and entrance to the park is $4 per vehicle and $8 per person. Decorate the parks in the splendour of the season to raise awareness of less fortunate areas.

All proceeds will go to the Jackson County Christmas Fund and all costs will be used for toy, food and cash donations.

Florida Caverns State Park is located at the intersection of Highway 276 N. Highway 90 and Interstate 10 in Jackson County, Fla. Turn left on Highway 90 onto Highway 276 N, turn right on I-10, turn left at Exit 142, take Exit 136 eastbound, take Exit 142 westbound, then turn south on Interstate 90 at Exit 136.