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Nature Coast Trail

4.5 (2 reviews)

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Blue Springs Park - The platform for jumping off (not gonna say diving because not a proper dive platform) on a nice spring day.

Blue Springs Park

4.4(11 reviews)
16.3 mi

County-owned and run park with a beautiful natural spring. There is a "dive platform", which I put…read morein quotes because as a platform diver myself, it's not high enough to be a proper dive platform but still you can do basic stuff or just jump off. Most of our state parks sadly have removed their dive platforms (Fanning, Madison Blue, Gilchrist Blue) so it's nice to find one. There are picnic tables and a I think a playground for little kids plus a sand volleyball court which gets very popular on weekends. Actually, the entire place gets very popular on weekends and I'd advise going on a weekday if possible. Otherwise, it's super-crowded and mostly rowdy teens. There are a lot of fish in the springs but if you want to freedive or snorkel and see them, come on a weekday, ideally in the morning. Once kids come around after school, the dive platform is the highlight and there's enough kids jumping off it to make the water very murky so you won't see anything then underwater. Tips: --It's cash-only, $2 admission for adults, not sure what for little ones. --No footballs: volleyballs are allowed, but no footballs! I asked why and was told by the girl at the concession stand "two boys playing football trampled a Karen who complained". So yeah, that. --The focus is very much on family fun: again, if coming to see nature come on a weekday, ideally early. --If you dive/jump off the platform, swim clear off it immediately. There's likely a middle schooler jumping right after you. Some run, jump, and don't look down and I've been hit before by flying tweens. --The road leading to the park is pretty long and paved. People drive like proverbial bats out of hell on it, 60 MPH or more. Be careful.

The good is it is a nice family swimming hole. With extras like volleyball ball, play ground and a…read moredock the kids jump off of. So many here is supposed to be another her so here goes. Police were there a lot so they have security law enforcement to keep the peace there.

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Blue Springs Park
Blue Springs Park - You can dive off the dock

You can dive off the dock

Blue Springs Park - Always beautiful!

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Always beautiful!

Manatee Springs State Park - Glamping Tents! Located in the Hickory Loop!

Manatee Springs State Park

4.2(74 reviews)
6.7 mi

This park is clean and well-staffed. Most of the time, the concession is serving an assortment of…read morekid-loving snacks. There is enough room for everyone, The water is warm (lmao). It's great for birthdays, anniversary, whatever party you want to have. I think you can reserve a table or two, Have fun!!!

My wife and I, along with a few others, booked our campsites online. The cost was $30 per night,…read morebut there are discounts for senior citizens and those with disabilities. Our campsite had running water and electric hookups, but the space was relatively small, accommodating two decent-sized tents, a trailer, and a vehicle. We weren't sure about overflow parking, but they didn't mind when I parked my truck near an unmarked site. There was a dump station on the other side for RVs. The bathhouse was centrally located and clean, stocked with hand soap and toilet paper, although it lacked shampoo in the showers. We observed a variety of wildlife, including deer, otters, turtles, a snake, and squirrels. A raccoon, which I affectionately named "Gangster," rummaged through our belongings at night, even opening a cooler without a latch - amusing yet slightly concerning. A nice walking path leads to the boat dock, and there's a boat ramp for kayaks and canoes, but remember it's a walking path, not accessible by vehicle. The spring itself was spacious and not overly crowded, much better than Ginnie Springs, though there was a noticeable amount of algae on the surface. The store nearby offered snacks, food, and ice cream at reasonable prices, which the kids loved. We saw many dog owners, and it seemed dogs were prohibited only in or near the spring, although some were swimming near the boat ramp. Overall, it's a pleasant campsite, but there are a few drawbacks: numerous ticks and horseflies were present, and the area is very dark at night. There are no trash cans at the sites, so you'll need to bring your own container and take your trash to the dumpster. Lastly, the check-in process was slow due to limited staff.

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Manatee Springs State Park - The Cafe!

The Cafe!

Manatee Springs State Park - NaturalLove~

NaturalLove~

Manatee Springs State Park - Lots of Deer Spotting's!

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Lots of Deer Spotting's!

Bob's River Place

Bob's River Place

4.8(11 reviews)
14.6 mi

Was recommended by some friends to go here when camping at Otter Springs and while it felt like we…read morewere headed to no mans land we were pleasantly surprised to find a welcoming entrance of tiki poles and a small bridge leading into "Bobs place." First they ONLY TAKE CASH! And I can guarantee a bank is very very far away from this place! But it is very reasonable for what kind of fun you're about to have. $35 for four people, $25 for three people six or more it's six dollars a person. The lady at the entrance was very nice and you sign a short waiver. Basically you are on your own if you get hurt. Pretty standard for most places. There is tons of shaded trees and lots and lots of picnic tables with barbecue grills next to almost every table. So pack a cooler full of nonalcoholic drinks and food because they don't sell anything here. And alcohol is extremely prohibited! You get caught with alcohol you might as well kiss your afternoon goodbye. It's a family fun place. Bob is an old dude that sits at the edge of the water with the microphone and his hand and anyone who looks like they don't know what they're doing he is sure to give you some quick direction. The things they have at this place are so much fun if you're into getting your exercise through natural fun play. They have water volleyball, a variety of rope swings at different heights for different comfort levels and abilities and several other fun things. All in all a fun place to cool off during the Florida heat for an ACTIVE outdoorsy family.

Went to Bob's today and it was amazing. The rope swings are so fun…read more This place is just a classic, and very fun "waterpark." It was pretty crowded today, but the waits weren't long at all. The rope swings give you a great rush, it felt great. Bob drives around on his golf cart, and he is very nice. Talks to anyone there about the place, and it's really amazing about how it all came about. Parking is $25, and I definitely think it's worth it. There is plenty of parking and grills, so you can cook your own food. There are slides, rope swings, volleyball nets in/out of the water, and a ton more to do. Definitely a great place to go with a lot of friends to just have a good time!

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Bob's River Place - Lots of rope swings at different heights!

Lots of rope swings at different heights!

Bob's River Place
Bob's River Place - Balance pads so much fun in the water!

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Balance pads so much fun in the water!

Rum Island Park

Rum Island Park

4.0(4 reviews)
22.9 mi

Park was easy to find, didn't cost much to get in just few dollars and has nice swim area and…read morelaunch to put in kayaks..

Rum Island is a park maintained by Columbia County. It offers access to the Santa Fe River for…read morelaunching boats (canoes and kayaks are especially popular) and access to a small spring for swimming. This spring is right on the river and will "brown-out" (become overflowed by dark river water and made less-appealing for swimming) when the river rises or when the natural flow of the spring decreases. Much of the time it is clear though and because the admission to Rum Island is free, it's a popular spot in the summer. I've free-dived the spring and it's often a bit dark but you sometimes can see a lot of fish. Though the county has provided a walkway and boardwalks leading into the spring, they only furnish Port-a-Potties for restrooms and there is nowhere (aside from your car) to change clothes and no showers. That said, let's be grateful to Columbia County for providing it at all. The name comes from the fact that the actual island which is in the river (and can be reached via canoe or swimming) was used apparently during Prohibition as a bootlegger's hideaway. Because it's now a county park, you cannot drink rum or any liquor here now, alas. Several families living on the long, twisting, road to the park have dogs and cats that may be in the road, so please go slow and be careful so you don't hit someone's pet.

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Rum Island Park
Rum Island Park
Rum Island Park

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Kanapaha Park

Kanapaha Park

4.3(7 reviews)
30.2 mi

I had been coming to this park since middle school and since moving back, I wanted to switch up my…read moregym routine with some outdoor walks on a trail. When driving into the parking lot, the parking lot is sufficient especially if you go in the early morning or afternoon. In the last 10 years, they have done some renovations where they have added these beautiful memorial plaques dedicated to fallen soldiers. What I thought was super cool is that I walked up to the World War II plaque and saw my great uncle's name! It was definitely a heartwarming touch and just proud moment. The plaques range from the American Revolutionary War to more recent times. I'm a huge history buff, so for me it's a plus for me. The park has a walking trail that's paved and smooth to walk on, that starts from the parking lot and has different workout station areas along the trail. There's a playground area and multiple pavilions with grills which are great for parties and cookouts/family gatherings. Also, there's a softball field, basketball courts, soccer fields, and also a roller hockey rink. I think this park is great for everyone, singles and families as there's something to do or just enjoy the great outdoor area.

Very civilized park that caters to many local groups and the Gainesville community. It's a perfect…read moreplace to go for exercise without having to pay the gym memberships all while enjoying the great outdoors. They have basketball courts, volleyball, BBQ grills and covered tables for parties, a playground, hiking trails, and more all surrounded by wild animals and nature. The amenities offered at Kanapaha Park are free and great for neighboring communities to enjoy. FYI, there are peak times usually in the summer. The hours are: Mon - Wed: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Fri - Sun: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm

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Kanapaha Park
Kanapaha Park
Kanapaha Park

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Nature Coast Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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