On foot or by canoe, experiencing the park’s historical significance is its own timeless reward.
At the intersection of the Suwannee and Withlacoochee rivers, patches of rain lilies spring up on earthen mounds built to defend against Union Navy gunboats. This park is alive with history. Visitors can see remnants of a nineteenth-century steamship and two ghost towns that have been reclaimed by the sandhill wilderness, which is home to diverse and imperiled native species.
Look out over the river, or stop by Little Gem Spring, and you are treading on storied ground.
Experiences
Bicycling
Suwannee River’s trails offer a variety of challenges to cyclists. From the paved park drive to off road and great fat tire bicycle trails through hardwood canopies, pine and palmetto forests and alongside the bluffs overlooking the Suwannee River. Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
Birding
Birding enthusiasts will find a large variety of species at Suwannee River, including herons and egrets, wood ducks, red-tailed hawks and red-shouldered hawks, woodpeckers, barred owls, warblers, vireos, wrens, swallows and thrashers. Suwannee River State Park is also a hub for the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Boating
Suwannee River State Park offers access to the Suwannee and Withlacoochee rivers for your boating enjoyment.
Camping
Located near the Suwannee River, the campground offers 30 oak-shaded sites with electricity, water, sewer, picnic table and fire ring. Three campsites are ADA accessible. The campground offers an ADA accessible restroom with showers. A dump station is also available. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a six foot leash controlled by the pet's owner.
Maximum RV length = 45 feet.
Reservations: Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica . Book Online or call (800) 326-3521 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) or TDD (888) 433-0287.
Camping, Primitive Goup
Suwannee River State Park offers two group camp options. Lime Sink Group Camp can accommodate approximately 30 guests and is located along Lime Sink Run. Hickory Bend Group Camp is slightly larger and can host approximately 45 guests and is located on the banks of the Suwannee River. Both locations have restrooms and showers, picnic tables, fire rings, water and electricity. Fees are $5 per adult and $2 per youth per night. For more information and reservations, please contact the Ranger Station at (386) 362-2746.
Fishing
Suwannee River State Park has outstanding fishing opportunities. Not only can you fish on the Suwannee River, but also at the river's confluence with the Withlacoochee River - a great location to try your luck. A boat launch is available providing anglers ease of access to the rivers by boat, canoe or kayak.
Hiking
Have an hour or a day or a weekend? There is a hiking adventure perfect for you... Leave the city's hustle and bustle behind, as you meander along the high banks of the Suwannee River with highlights such as Little Gem Spring overlook, Lime Sink Run, bottomland and upland forests, and limestone outcroppings. Or take a stroll on the Sandhill Trail through an open, sunny pine forest that leads to Columbus Cemetary - one of the oldest in Florida. See Confederate earthworks and an old ferry landing on the Earthworks Trail. For those looking for a longer hike, the scenic Big Oak Trail (part of the Florida National Scenic Trail) is 12.5 miles.
Paddling
Paddle access is provided to the Suwannee and Withlacoochee rivers from the boat ramp. There are no canoes for rent at Suwannee River State Park; however, rental options are available nearby.
Picnicking
Suwannee River State Park has a large picnic area that includes two historic picnic pavilions. Picnic tables and BBQ grills are available with the playground nearby. The location sits high on the river's banks with scenic views and a porch swing for relaxing.
Amenities
Cabins
Located along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, each of five riverside cabins accommodate up to six people. These spacious two bedroom cabins have heating and cooling, an electric fireplace, screened porch and kitchenette. They are fully equipped with linens and kitchen utensils. Picnic tables and grills are conveniently located at each cabin. One cabin is ADA accessible. On weekends and holidays there is a two night minimum stay unless only one night is available between two confirmed reservations. Pets are not permitted in cabins. 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. Cabin Rental: $100 per night, plus tax, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee.
Boat Ramp
Suwannee River State Park offers a boat launch providing access to both the Suwannee and Withlacoochee rivers.
Playground
Whether you are visiting the park for the day or camping for the weekend, the park has a wonderful playground for children to enjoy. It is located directly across from the campground and adjacent to the picnic area - its ease of access will make any child's day!
