Suwannee River State Park
Situated at the place where the Withlacoochee River North flows into the Suwannee, Suwannee River State Park offers natural, recreational, and historic interest. The park comprises over 1800 acres of riverine and forest ecosystems. Historic artifacts are on display along the Earthworks Trail.
The park is located along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, affording camping opportunities for paddlers on the river. A boat ramp offers river access. Canoes can be rented at the park. A 30-site developed campground can be used by both tent campers and RVers. Each site contains a picnic table, grill, clothesline, electric and water service, and a sewer hook-up. A bathhouse with laundry facilities is located within this campground. Two youth camps with restrooms and showers can be used by large groups. In addition to the campgrounds, 5 full-service cabins that sleep 6 people can be reserved. Each cabin has a kitchen, living room with fireplace, and a screened-in porch. Pets are not permitted in the cabins.
Florida has 2 Withlacoochee Rivers. The one designated Withlacoochee River North originates in Georgia, northwest of Nashville, and flows south for 70 miles into Florida. In Florida, it runs for 32 miles before emptying into the Suwannee. This river is considered by some to be a top paddling destination that can be traveled over its entire length. Depending on water level, it offers multiple shoals or small rapids to traverse. Just before its confluence with the Suwannee, it flows over Melvin Shoals, a larger rapid that should be scouted before a crossing is attempted.
History
Native Americans have occupied this area for at least 12,000 years. In 1540, the De Soto expedition passed through. In 1818, Andrew Jackson led American troops through, looking for Indian raiders.
Along the Earthworks Trail, defensive mounds can be seen. They were built during the Civil War to defend the railroad crossing that brought supplies to Confederate troops. A railroad bridge still spans the Suwannee at that location.
The state of Florida acquired the land in 1936 and opened it as a state park in 1951.
Recreation
Aside from boating and camping, Suwannee River State Park offers other recreational activities. These include fishing in the Suwannee River, picnicking, hiking, and birding. The picnic area has 2 pavilions in addition to picnic tables and grills and has a playground nearby. There are 5 hiking trails that range from 0.25 to 18 miles in length. And the park is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Suwannee River State Park is located at:
3631 201st Path
Live Oak, FL 32060
Phone (386)362-2746
Campground and cabin reservations can be made online at the ReserveAmerica website or by phoning (800)326-3521.
The park is located along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, affording camping opportunities for paddlers on the river. A boat ramp offers river access. Canoes can be rented at the park. A 30-site developed campground can be used by both tent campers and RVers. Each site contains a picnic table, grill, clothesline, electric and water service, and a sewer hook-up. A bathhouse with laundry facilities is located within this campground. Two youth camps with restrooms and showers can be used by large groups. In addition to the campgrounds, 5 full-service cabins that sleep 6 people can be reserved. Each cabin has a kitchen, living room with fireplace, and a screened-in porch. Pets are not permitted in the cabins.
Florida has 2 Withlacoochee Rivers. The one designated Withlacoochee River North originates in Georgia, northwest of Nashville, and flows south for 70 miles into Florida. In Florida, it runs for 32 miles before emptying into the Suwannee. This river is considered by some to be a top paddling destination that can be traveled over its entire length. Depending on water level, it offers multiple shoals or small rapids to traverse. Just before its confluence with the Suwannee, it flows over Melvin Shoals, a larger rapid that should be scouted before a crossing is attempted.
History
Native Americans have occupied this area for at least 12,000 years. In 1540, the De Soto expedition passed through. In 1818, Andrew Jackson led American troops through, looking for Indian raiders.
Along the Earthworks Trail, defensive mounds can be seen. They were built during the Civil War to defend the railroad crossing that brought supplies to Confederate troops. A railroad bridge still spans the Suwannee at that location.
The state of Florida acquired the land in 1936 and opened it as a state park in 1951.
Recreation
Aside from boating and camping, Suwannee River State Park offers other recreational activities. These include fishing in the Suwannee River, picnicking, hiking, and birding. The picnic area has 2 pavilions in addition to picnic tables and grills and has a playground nearby. There are 5 hiking trails that range from 0.25 to 18 miles in length. And the park is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Suwannee River State Park is located at:
3631 201st Path
Live Oak, FL 32060
Phone (386)362-2746
Campground and cabin reservations can be made online at the ReserveAmerica website or by phoning (800)326-3521.
You Should Also Read:
The Suwannee River
Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail
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