The best camping near Madison Blue Spring State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Madison Blue Spring State Park adventure.

Turtle-watching and cave diving in landlocked Madison County.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Madison Blue Spring State Park

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Cabin At Little River Springs

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · O'brien, FL

Rustic cabin located just outside of Little River Springs. This off-grid property features over an acre of privacy and is perfect for small to medium sized recreational vehicles. Campers, enjoy this open cabin with A/C during the summer months where there is a small generator on-site available for use, included with rental. Property is a short five minute walk to Little River Springs, with several more springs in the surrounding area. This area is great for swimming, diving, and enjoying Florida. Boaters can launch at the private boat ramp at the end of the street. Popular ATV area with rural dirt roads.

4A River Camp

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Fort White, FL

This area was inhabited by indians many years ago and the remnants of their civilization are scattered about in the rivers and land. The Ichetucknee River was named by a tribe of Creek Indians who came down from north Georgia and Alabama, and means "place of the beavers". This area is rich in history and beautiful nature.With over 1/3 acre of dedicated riverfront property on the Santa Fe River, you’ll have all the peace and quiet you can handle in this single spot campsite. The campsite was purpose-built for friends and family who come to visit this slice of paradise we call home. Ideally located in the heart of spring country in North Central Florida, we have over 18 major springs within a 50-mile radius of this location, which allows for all the outdoor exploration and watersports you desire. With tubing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, swimming, boating, and fishing available within feet of the campsite, you can stay nearby or venture out to some of the best springs in the world. Boaters – Private boat ramp is 200 yards up the road on the Santa Fe, public boat ramps within 10 miles on the Santa Fe and Suwannee rivers. Tubers – Tube the private section of the crystal-clear Ichetucknee river accessible only by the homeowners via our 3 waterfront parks. Both get-out parks are within walking distance to the campsite for your convenience. Paddlers – Paddle the Santa Fe or Ichetucknee rivers from within the neighborhood, or if the time of year is right, venture up to the Ichetucknee State Park to paddle the head waters and north entrance. This is limited in season and numbers to keep the impact on the river to a minimum. Swimmers – Swim the Santa Fe or Ichetucknee rivers from within the neighborhood via our 9 waterfront parks (6 Santa Fe, 3 Ichetucknee) or venture to either entrance of the Ichetucknee River State Park just a few miles away. Nature lovers – Explore the unspoiled conservation areas within the neighborhood that can be hiked and explored. Setup a hammock and sit by the river and watch all your worries wash away, you may get to see the occasional manatee. Whatever your passion, this campsite accommodates it with electric (50/30/15), water, picnic table, concrete firepit, clothesline and plenty of room to spread out. The neighborhood is golf-cart and UTV friendly and has lots of dirt roads to explore. The deer can be found quite easily every morning and evening while riding around and rarely run away from the vehicles. Area Springs and Recreation attractions include the following springs and state parks. Google search Florida Springs for more information on each.

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Kokomo Farms

13 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Live Oak, FL

Kokomo Farms is an Organic rescue farm on approximately 20 acres. We named Kokomo Farms after our two loves. We traveled for years only to discover Kokomo is inside of us all . Our love for unwanted animals from horses, pigs chickens, ducks, dogs, birds (well you get the idea) allows us to care for rescued animals. We offer many different unique stays from our Glamping Netted Hanging Round Bed to a converted Shipping Container made into an Eco Friendly Tiny Home to even a Tiny House Cottage and a treehouse! Soak in our zen garden hot tub . The Zen garden is a peaceful botanical retreat. It's a fun and romantic vibe if you love animals to just relax and breathe! Bring a good book to read on the back porch of the Main house, add your artistic talents to our artwall, lie on our stargazing bed and enjoy our beautiful dark skies, meander thru the greenhouse, or enjoy our weekend community fires, or just Wander around Kokomo's spacious property which includes a beautiful Hammock of 200+ yr old Live Oak trees. Bring carrots to make horse friends. All our animals are retired but love to interact. Rent a Kayak from a local outfitter for the Historic Suwannee River and enjoy North Florida's best natural resources that are very nearby, or just visit our local beautiful springs for a swim or hike! Come enjoy a little of our paradise.

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Bowman's Landing

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Fort White, FL

We are a 12.5 acre campground on the Sante Fe River. We have cabins as well as primitive car campsites directly on the river as well. See the following distances: Ginnie Springs - 6 miles Blue Springs - 9 miles Ichetucknee Springs - 4 miles Gainesville - 38 miles Rum 138 - 8 miles Lake City - 27 miles White Springs - 38 miles Branford - 13 miles High Springs - 12 miles Dollar General - 3 miles Publix - 15 miles Bobs River Place - 20 miles

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Royal Springs Riverfront Retreat

2 sites · RVs1 acre · O'brien, FL

Relax with your feet up by the historic Suwannee River under majestic hickory trees, catch some bass from the dock or along the river bank. Walking distance to Royal Springs and boat ramp. Bring your gear to the Spring Diving capital or go spring hopping in a kayak to the many local springs in the area. Have the site to yourself, or bring your friends as there are 3 full hookups (30 amp) and one electric/water only as well as beautiful spots for tent camping. Just message me and I'll make the additional site(s) available. If you have family or friends without an RV, they can stay next door at Royal Springs River House Retreat: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/florida-royal-springs-river-house-retreat-v1qh9wdy?adults=1&children=0

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Suwannee Glades

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Jasper, FL

Beautiful secluded camping spot on the Suwannee River bank. Florida National Scenic Trail passes right by the property. Enjoy fishing, canoeing and boating in the river. Both Suwannee River State Park and Madison Blue Spring State Park are 15 minutes away. Gibson County State park with a boat ramp is a few minutes away.

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Off Grid River Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · White Springs, FL

Enjoy Peacefulness on the beautiful historic Suwannee River, fish, canoe, kayak, hike, bike, view wildlife. The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is within 8 miles of this property and about 7 miles from the Stephen Foster Memorial State Park. Many Springs are located close by where you can swim and scuba dive. There is a Canoe Outpost close by that offers drop off and pick up with canoes. Property has many trees, cement benches around a firepit, picnic table, a large extra work table for cooking. Bring your RV, Tent, Van, Hammock or whatever you are comfortable in. Unwind, relax and enjoy the sounds and beauty of nature. I supply a map of the River and the surrounding area to help you make the most of your experience. If you need help with things I am close by. There is soo much history about the Suwannee River in North Florida! :D It is known that Indians once traveled along these banks and proof has been found from many Arrow Heads and other artifacts being found along the Suwannee River. There are many Springs along the over 240 miles of River as it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The Suwannee River begins it's journey in the Okefenokee Swamp in South Georgia. This is also where the Suwannee River gets it's tannic color from the decaying vegetation in the swamp. More about the Suwannee River can be found at: MySuwanneeRiver.com

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Springhill Farm

5 sites · Tents165 acres · Live Oak, FL

This farm has been in my family since the early 60's. I purchased it from my Mom in 2011 after my Dad passed away, hoping and wanting to improve it for the enjoyment of others. It's always been a Fun Place for my family and I feel like it would be a Fun place for your family also. It is a Pine Tree farm with fish ponds, walking trail and is friendly to a lot of different kinds of activities. It's located across the street from the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park, home of several 4 day music event during the year.Learn more about this land:Planted pine-trees with Grand-daddy Live Oak Trees. Two stocked fishing ponds with and extra pond hidden under another group of old cypress and oak trees. Good walking and bike paths. Golf-carts and side-by-sides welcome. Across the street from the Spirit of Suwanee Music Park, home of the largest country music festival in the South. One mile to the banks of the Suwanee River and Suwanee Springs. State owned property within 3/4 mile with extra hiking trails. Canoe Outpost is located across the street which offers a full line of canoe excursions rentals from 4 hour trips to overnight trips and they provide all the gear (tents, canoes, and safety equipment)

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Free to Be Acres

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Fort White, FL

Welcome to Free to Be Acres. An entire private acre, nestled in the beautiful N Central Florida forest. In spring country you are free to unwind and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Be greeted by a family of deer while enjoying your morning coffee or tea, listen to the barred owls talking to one another in the evenings. You will have easy access to both the Ichetucknee and Santa Fe rivers just a short 5 minute drive from your campsite. Encounter manatees, spotted gar and a multitude of different species of turtles as you float down the crystal clear Ichetucknee river. Spend the day boating or fishing on the Santa Fe or world famous Suwannee River. Just 15 minutes from well known Ginnie Springs, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Rum Island Spring, Ichetucknee Spring State Park, Peacock, Little River, Royal and more. We offer 30/50amp electric and water on site as well as a port o let that has weekly scheduled cleanings. Dumping of black and gray tanks can be done on your way out of town (within a 1/4 mile) for a nominal fee of $15.

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Suwannee River Glamping

7 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · White Springs, FL

In 1990 the State of Florida banned logging within 1,000 feet of the Suwannee River so Southeast Timberlands sold off it's holdings and we were lucky enough to purchase 6 acres and 444 feet of riverfront. A designated "Pristine Scenic Waterway" with very steep banks, the Suwannee is one of the few"wild" rivers left in the United States and can rise over 30 feet to flood stage almost overnight; yet due to its unique topography we can access it no matter how high or low the water. The Forest Service has bought up the surrounding lots, creating a 10 mile Conservation corridor supporting the National Scenic Florida Trail, it's clearly marked footpaths and natural attractions. To that end, we have left the old growth upland forest the way we found it. The campsite is a natural feature as is the Zen deck and canoe launch, a swale draining the ridge. The campsite is level, the lane to the river slopes gently dropping in elevation 20 feet over 1,000 in making it easy for able bodied guests to navigate their way to the white sugar sand beach. We want to share our retreat with those who are looking for a real wilderness experience in an exclusive private setting. A Waiver of Liability is required by all guests as the Wilderness is an inherently dangerous place. We only offer one accommodation per weekend with a maximum of 8 people so our guests can have the seclusion they desire and be free to enjoy the natural wonder of the woodland experience in any manner they choose.

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The Bird Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · O'brien, FL

***(Lower part of the trail is still blocked by storm tree - Access to trail for tent camping is available behind the Cabin on the right at the top of the hill - 5 to 10 minute detour back down trail to your site sign. Parking is still only available at the bottom of the driveway).*** There is plenty of firewood available after 2 hurricanes this year. The Bird Ranch is 4 acres of peaceful nature. We have 3 pioneer sites (2 with fire pits), and one RV hook-up (power and water) to choose from. We never really know what wildlife is wondering around or when they might pop up. Rest assure though; there are always birds singing, crickets chirping, frogs croaking, owls hooting, and we can even hear the neighboring pigs, chickens, cows, goats and dogs from time to time. I will take all that over city noise any day of the week! The Gofer Turtles are protected wildlife here, but please do not disturb any of the animals or their homes. The property has trails, an open field for games, and plenty of day outings to do. There are 2 natural springs (Royal and Little River) off the Suwannee River that are each a 10-minute drive. Branford Springs and Troy Springs are within 20 minutes. You can float down the Ichetucknee River on an innertube (seasonal), catch a local rodeo just down Hwy 129 or take a 3 hour round trip bike ride on the Suwannee River Greenway. The Mystic Jungle Educational Facility is a quick 15 minutes up Hwy 129 where you can learn about their wild animals on a guided tour, but they are only open on Saturdays. Cedar Key is a quiet little town 1.5 hours away with cute shops and restaurants for a nice day trip ***(also very messed up from hurricanes this year, so no promises)***. They roll up the streets after sunset; but what a beautiful sunset! There are also a few horseback riding ranches within 20 minutes from the property and if you're really adventurous and want to ride a camel; Lonesome Chicken Camel Ranch is less than an hour away. Please be courteous of your fellow campers and my neighbors by adhering to a 10 pm noise maintenance.

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The Dood Ranch

7 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Lake City, FL

We're a 10.5 acre property within 25 minutes of 6 fresh water springs, the closest one is just over 10 miles away. We are dog friendly, have water straight from our sping fed well to fill your tanks and two 110 hooks ups and lots of room for boondocking! We are planning on having three RV hook ups with electricity and water mid-June!

The best camping near Madison Blue Spring State Park guide

Overview

About

With its glittering blue-green waters fringed by dense woodland, it’s easy to see why Madison Blue Spring has been voted the “No. 1 swimming hole in the country.” Whether you want to cool off with a swim, go kayaking, fishing, and tubing along the Withlacoochee River, or enjoy hiking and birding along scenic nature trails, Madison Blue Spring State Park is the perfect place to escape Florida’s heat. The scenery is just as impressive underwater—scuba divers can explore natural caves and spot freshwater turtles. There’s no campground at the state park, but you’ll find family campgrounds, RV parks, and Hipcamps within a short drive.

When to go

Florida’s balmy temperatures mean you can take to the water all year round, and the spring’s natural waters average 72°F through all four seasons. The park is open from 8am to sundown but frequently reaches capacity on weekends and holidays, so arrive before 10am or after 3pm to avoid disappointment. Note that you won’t be able to bring watercraft or inflatables on the river during the spring run.

Know before you go

Madison Blue Spring State Park is located along the Withlacoochee River, 10 miles east of Madison, or about a 10-minute drive away.
There are day-use fees for all Florida State Parks.
You can bring your own canoes/kayaks, inflatable tubes and floats, and scuba diving gear to Madison Blue Spring. Diving is only permitted for certified divers.
Facilities at Madison Blue Spring include picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and picnic pavilions (available on a first-come, first-served basis).
Dogs are permitted in the park but not in the swimming area and must be kept on a 6-foot, hand-held leash at all times.
There are accessible restrooms and picnic areas at Madison Blue Spring State Park.