Located along the meandering Suwannee River, Fanning Springs is an inviting source of cool, clear crisp water that has attracted people for thousands of years.
Fanning Springs now produces around 65 million gallons of water daily, making it a second magnitude spring. Historically, Fanning Spring was a first-magnitude springs as recently as the 1990s. The springs not only offer the perfect 72 degrees water to cool down on hot Florida days, it also offers an abundance of underwater wildlife to view such as musk turtles, bass, mullet, freshwater flounder, bowfin and manatees during the colder days, just to name a few.
Visitors can enjoy grilling and picnicking under the majestic live oaks, kids can swing and run around at the playground and friends and family can have a friendly game of volleyball on the white sand volleyball court. We have a boardwalk that allows you to step back in time to old Florida as you stroll through a breathtaking cypress swamp with cypress knees standing 6 feet tall. This boardwalk ends with an overlook allowing you to see the Suwannee River and all it has to offer, including massive sturgeons jumping during the summer months.
White-tailed deer, gray squirrels, red-shouldered hawks, pileated woodpeckers and barred owls are some of the animals that may be seen around the park. An overlook at the park will allows you to see the spring in its entirety and has a spectacular view of the boil.
Visitors can enter the park by boat from the Suwannee River or by vehicle from US HWY 19.
Experiences
Boating
Visitors wishing to come by boat may enter the park via the Suwannee River. Be careful though, because Fanning Springs' short run may contain manatees and idle speeds are required. Entrance fee from the water is $2 per person.
Camping Primitive
Primitive camping is available only for those arriving by foot, bicycle or paddling on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Overnight vehicle parking for primitive campers is not permitted.
The site, with moderate shade and very little understory vegetation, accommodates eight people. Larger groups can be accommodated, but need to be pre-arranged with the park. The site is located at the top of the bank above the canoe launch on the Suwannee River. The nearest restroom (separate rooms for men and women) is accessible and approximately 600 feet away with an outside, open, cold water shower. There is no electricity at the site and the closest water faucet is about 300 feet away. There is one campfire circle. Reservations are not needed, but we encourage campers to make arrangements in advance if possible. Call the park at 352-463-3420 for more information.
In order to protect the trees you love, we ask that you do not bring your own firewood into the park. The Emerald Ash Borer infestation has been confirmed in northern Georgia and is spread by moving infested wood to a non-infested area. Wood is available at the park for a donation.
Paddling
Fanning Springs is an ideal place to begin or end a Suwannee River canoe journey. Fanning Springs is centrally located to paddle down river to Manatee Springs State Park (7 miles) or to numerous up stream locations. For those who like shorter paddle trips, enjoy exploring the spring run and river surrounding the park. Bring your own craft or call Andersons Outdoor Adventures and arrange delivery of canoes or kayaks.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted within the park in designated areas. Please contact park staff for exact locations. Fishing from the swimming dock is prohibited. If you wish to fish from a canoe or kayak you may use the park's canoe launch to access the river. For motor boats, there is a Dixie county public boat ramp directly across the river.
All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Hiking
Hikers can stroll along the park’s nature trail. This .75-mile long nature trail takes visitors through an area clear cut of pines several decades ago. Today an upland mixed hardwood and pine forest community exist. Many of the trees in the forest are more than 60 feet tall, creating a dense canopy. The ground, covered by a thick layer of leaf mulch helps conserve the moisture of the sandy-clay soil. Along the trail is a series of sinkholes or depressions formed by the collapse of underground caverns. These sinkholes are indicative of karst topography. Animals typically observed in the mixed forest community include white-tailed deer, gray squirrel, red shouldered hawk, pileated woodpecker, barred owl, gulf hammock rat, rough green and coral snakes.
Picnicking
Picnickers can enjoy meals overlooking the beautiful spring area. Pavilions are available for rent for $15 or $25 per day, according to size. Tables are also available on a first come first serve basis.
Additional picnicking facilities are available overlooking the Suwannee River at the Wayside picnic area off US Highway 19/98 adjacent to the Suwannee River Bridge. There is no entrance fee to the Wayside Area. These tables are all available on a first come first serve basis.
Scuba Diving
Open water scuba divers are welcome in the designated swimming area. Divers must have proper certification and are required to register with park staff before entering the water. There must be a minimum of two divers. Divers must be registered 3 hours before sunset and completed 1 hour before sunset.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling in the spring is a refreshing activity on a hot day. Put on your mask and fins and see what lies below the spring water.
Swimming
Fanning Springs is the perfect place to cool off in the summer heat. Swimmers can wade in from the shore or dock. Toddlers and those just learning to swim can stay with their parents in a shallow area. The refreshing crystal-clear water is a cool 72 degrees year round. Access to the swimming and picnicking areas of Fanning Springs State Park is included in the entry fee!
Wildlife Viewing
White-tailed deer, gray squirrels, red-shouldered hawks, pileated woodpeckers and barred owls are some of the animals seen in the park.
Amenities
Cabins
Located along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail with access to the Suwannee River, hiking trails and a second magnitude spring, spacious two-bedroom cabins have central heating and cooling, an electric fireplace, screened porch and kitchenette. Cabins are equipped with linens and kitchen utensils. Although the cabins have room to accommodate 6 people, it only has 3 beds (1 double and 2 twins). Guest are welcome to bring cots and linens to accommodate 2 additional people if needed. An ADA accessible cabin is available.
There is a minimum two night stay in cabins on weekends and holidays, either Friday and Saturday night, or Saturday and Sunday nights. A single Friday or Saturday night may be reserved only if the following Saturday or Sunday night is already reserved.
For the guest's relaxation, televisions and phones are not provided.
Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book Online or call 800-326-3521 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or TDD 888-433-0287. Pets are not permitted in cabins.
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe and Kayak launch available at the north end of the park. You can drive as close as 500ft of the launch and its a very easy sand entry into the beautiful Suwannee River. Please ask the ranger station attendant for directions once your at the park. Rentals are also available by calling Andersons Outdoor Adventures at 352-507-0059.
Pets
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Fanning Springs State Park. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and can not be left unattended. Dogs are not permitted in the cabins, cabin area, buildings or swimming areas.
