Driving Directions
Fanning Springs State Park is located on U.S. Hwy. 19/98 in the town of Fanning Springs.

Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Park Fees
The entrance fee is $1.00 per person. Children five years and younger may enter free with adult. Please check our "Park Activities" page for fees of specific activities.

Fanning Spring is one of Florida’s 27 first magnitude springs, releasing approximately 50 million gallons of water per day. The water has a constant temperature of approximately 72 degrees. This is also the average yearly air temperature for this area.

Park Activities

Boating, Canoeing, Fishing, Nature Trails, Picnicking, Scuba, and Swimming

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 $1.00 per person.

Canoeing
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 canoes and kayaks may be rented from the park’s concessionaire.

Fishing
Fishing is permitted within the park in designated areas. Please contact park staff for exact locations. Paddlers may launch from park facilities to access the river.

Nature Trails
Hikers can stroll along the park’s nature trail. This 3/4 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 over 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; 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, eastern glass lizard, and red bellied, gulf hammock rat, rough green and coral snakes.

Picnicking
Picnickers can enjoy meals overlooking the beautiful spring area. Pavilions are available for $10 or $15 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 Riverside area adjacent to the park. These tables are all on a first come first serve basis.

Scuba Diving
Open water scuba divers are welcome in the spring run area. Divers must have proper certification and are required to register with park staff before entering the water. Diving fees are $5.00 per person, minimum of two divers.

Swimming
Fanning Springs is the perfect place to cool off in the summer heat. Swimmers can jump from a platform into the deepest part of the swim area or wade in from the shore or dock. Toddlers and those just learning to swim can stay with their parents in a designated shallow area. The refreshing crystal-clear water is a cool 72 degrees year round. The cost of playing in the swimming and picnicking area of Fanning Springs State Park is $1.00 per person.