If you only do one tubing trip in Florida, make it the Ichetucknee. This state park is a National Natural Landmark fed by 8 major springs that combine to form six miles of clear, cool Ichetucknee River water. It is two parks in one: the South Entrance for tubing, and the North Entrance for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
We did the full combo in July of 2026: two tubing laps from the South Entrance in the morning, a midday detour to three nearby Suwannee River springs, and ended our day back at the North Entrance with a Headspring and Blue Hole swim. This guide covers everything you need to plan the same kind of full-day adventure, even during the busy summer season, or a simpler half-day tubing trip at my favorite river in Florida.
Quick Facts
- Location: Fort White, FL, near High Springs
- Water Temp: 72°F year-round
- Entrance Fee: $6 per vehicle (2-8 people), same at both entrances
- Tubing Costs: $10 regular tube rental, $7.50 tram wristband (as of October 2026)
- Hours: 8 a.m. until sundown daily; tube rentals end at 4:30 p.m. and the last launch is 5 p.m.
- Activities: Tubing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming, snorkeling, cavern/cave diving, hiking, picnicking, wildlife watching
- Wildlife: Alligators, river otters, beavers, gar, turtles, birds
- Best For: Tubing, Snorkeling, Swimming, anchor for Suwannee spring-hopping
- Official Website: Ichetucknee Springs State Park
How Cold Is the Ichetucknee?
The Ichetucknee stays 72°F year-round, at the springs and along the tube run. On a hot July day it feels cold for the first minute and then perfect. In fall and winter, the same water feels warm compared with the air, which is why it’s a great time to swim the Headspring and Blue Hole.
If you run cold, an SPF swim shirt helps on the tube run, and a thin wetsuit makes a long snorkel at Blue Hole more comfortable.
Know Before You Go
- Two entrances, not connected. Tube at the South Entrance; swim at the North Entrance. You drive between them on public roads.
- Midpoint is closed. The Midpoint Tube Launch has been closed for repairs since March 17, 2026, with no reopening date. Everyone launches from Dampier’s Landing.
- The park fills up. On summer weekends and holidays both entrances close at capacity. A tube reservation does not get you past the gate line, and you can be cited for waiting along the road.
- Nothing but you and your tube on the river. Food, coolers, disposable bottles and bags, alcohol, glass, tobacco and vapes, pets, pool noodles, speakers, phone chargers and fishing gear are all banned on the water, and bags can be inspected.
- No swimming in the river. Stay on your tube. Swimming is only allowed at the Headspring and Blue Hole.
South Entrance vs. North Entrance: Which Should You Visit?
| South Entrance | North Entrance | |
|---|---|---|
| Go here for | Tubing and paddling | Headspring, Blue Hole, hiking |
| What’s there | Dampier’s Landing, General Store, tube and boat rentals, tram, visitor center | Headspring, Blue Hole Trail, Trestle Point and Pine Ridge trails, North Boat Launch, Riverside Grill |
| Tubes allowed? | Yes | No (pool noodles and life jackets only) |
| Address | 12087 SW US Hwy 27, Fort White, FL 32038 | 8294 SW Elim Church Road, Fort White, FL 32038 |
If you line up at the wrong entrance on a busy summer day, you could miss your tubing window. If you want to do both, I recommend tubing first and swimming second.
Who Should Visit Ichetucknee Springs State Park?
- Tubers: The South Entrance offers one of Florida’s best tubing experiences, with a gentle current, cool water, heavy shade, and very little effort required.
- Families: The tube run and Headspring are the easiest areas for a family day, although summer crowds can make it feel busy.
- Swimmers and snorkelers: Headspring is the easy choice; Blue Hole is deeper and more dramatic for confident swimmers.
- Divers: Blue Hole is a cavern and cave-diving site for properly certified divers.
- Paddlers: Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards see more of the river than tubers, at a quieter pace.
- Hikers and wildlife watchers: The North Entrance trails are short but worthwhile if you want a break from the water.
Who Should Skip It?
Skip a summer weekend visit if you want a quiet, natural experience. The river can get extremely crowded, and capacity closures make the day unpredictable. Ichetucknee is an outdoor destination, not a polished attraction, so if you want resort-style food and lodging on-site, another spring will suit you better.
Things to Do at Ichetucknee Springs State Park
The highlights at Ichetucknee Springs are tubing, swimming/snorkeling, cave diving (if properly certified), paddling, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Tubing at Ichetucknee (South Entrance)
This is the main reason to drive out to the Ichetucknee, and it’s my favorite tubing trip in Florida. From Dampier’s Landing, about a quarter-mile walk from the General Store, the current carries you downriver for 45 minutes to an hour under a canopy of massive trees. The water is so clear that you can watch fish and turtles below you for most of the run.
There is no cap on how many times you can float. Take the tram back from the last takeout (or walk the roughly half-mile trail) and go again. Tube rentals stop at 4:30 p.m., the last launch is 5 p.m., and everyone must be off the river by 6 p.m. Tubing from Dampier’s Landing is open year-round.
Swimming at Ichetucknee Springs State Park
The Ichetucknee Headspring and Blue Hole are entirely different from the tube run, and most people skip them without realizing what they are missing. Swimming is open from 8 a.m. until 30 minutes before sundown, and there’s no lifeguard.
Headspring is the gentler of the two: a shallow, family-friendly second-magnitude spring pumping millions of gallons a day. The visibility rivals anywhere in the state, except maybe Silver Glen Springs. Bring a mask and snorkel.
Blue Hole is a half-mile hike from the North parking lot on a rooty trail, and it’s worth it. This first-magnitude spring is deep and fast, with no gradual entry, so it’s best for strong swimmers. Pool noodles and life jackets are allowed for flotation at the swimming areas. Blue Hole and its trail close an hour before the park does.
Diving Blue Hole
Blue Hole is the only spot in the park where diving is allowed. You must be cavern or cave certified to enter through the vent, dive in a party of at least two, and finish one hour before sunset. Plan to carry your gear the half-mile to the spring; the park suggests bringing a cart. You can still get a good look into Blue Hole from above without entering the overhead environment.
Kayaking and Paddling
Paddling the Ichetucknee is slower and quieter than tubing, and you can cover more ground. The concessionaire runs a 3.5-mile trip from the North Boat Launch (shuttle from the South Entrance, about 2 hours, limited to 100 boats a day), and you can also paddle upstream from Dampier’s Landing and float back. Rentals run 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the North Boat Launch closes at 3 p.m. See the concessionaire’s paddling page for current trips.
Ichetucknee Tube Rentals: Where, Cost, Hours
You rent tubes inside the park at the General Store at the South Entrance, run by the park concessionaire. Tube rentals end at 4:30 p.m., and you can reserve online and sign the required waiver ahead of time. Tube prices don’t include the tram or park entry.
| Rental (South Entrance General Store) | Price, as of October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Regular tube | $10 |
| XL tube | $11 |
| Headrest tube | $12–$13 |
| Mesh single / mesh double | $16 / $32 |
| Kayak lounge | $20 |
| Double headrest tube | $24 |
| Raft | $35 |
| Life vest | $10 |
| Key holding | $4 |
| Air for your own tube | $1.25 |
Prices are plus tax. Source: Ichetucknee Springs concessionaire.
Bring your own if you can. Your own tube must be 60 inches or less in length and width, with no glitter, beans or confetti inside. There have historically been outside tube vendors on the roads into the park, but I did not see any operating along Highways 27 or 238 during our July 2026 visit. Renting in the park was relatively smooth, though it adds time to the start of your day.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day) is peak tubing season with the heaviest crowds. The water feels great when the air is brutally hot, but you need to arrive early, because the park can close at capacity on busy weekends and holidays.
Fall and winter are best for swimming, diving and hiking. The 72°F water feels warm against cool air, the trails are more comfortable, and crowds thin out. A ranger told us we might even see manatees when the river is high and the air is cold enough.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends all year.
Entrance Fees, Hours & Reservations
| Fee | Cost, as of October 2026 | Where you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle (2–8 people) | $6 | Ranger station, either entrance |
| Single-occupant vehicle | $4 | Ranger station |
| Motorcycle (1–2 people) | $4 | Ranger station |
| Pedestrian, cyclist, extra passenger | $2 | Ranger station |
| Tram wristband (all day) | $7.50 per person | General Store ticket window, South Entrance |
| Regular tube rental | $10 | General Store |
Park fees from Florida State Parks. The concessionaire says the $7.50 tram price is a temporary reduction until the new dock at Midpoint is finished.
| What | Hours |
|---|---|
| Park (both entrances) | 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year |
| Tram | 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Tube rentals | Until 4:30 p.m. |
| Last launch, Dampier’s Landing | 5 p.m. |
| Off the river | 6 p.m. |
| North Boat Launch (paddlers) | Closes 3 p.m. |
| Headspring | Closes 30 minutes before the park |
| Blue Hole and Blue Hole Trail | Close 1 hour before the park |
Reservations: Tubing and paddling reservations are strongly encouraged. They hold your equipment and let you sign the liability waiver in advance. But they do not guarantee park admission or let you skip the entrance line; park entry is separate and first-come, first-served. We booked our tubing reservation while waiting in line at the South Entrance after realizing the park was likely to reach capacity.
Capacity closures are real. On our July 2026 visit, the park temporarily closed to more visitors, including reservation and digital day-pass holders, once it filled. Rangers can cite anyone parked along the road waiting for it to reopen, so don’t plan on that as a backup.
How to Get There
- South Entrance: 12087 SW US Hwy 27, Fort White, FL 32038 — from I-75, take exit 399 and follow US 441/27 north toward Fort White.
- North Entrance: 8294 SW Elim Church Road, Fort White, FL 32038 — from I-75, take exit 423, follow SR 47 south, then CR 238 and the park signs.
The two entrances are roughly a ten-minute drive apart on local roads. On busy summer weekends, the second entrance may already be at capacity by the time you leave the first, so have a nearby spring or lunch in town as a backup.
What to Bring
This park is one of the larger ones, so I would recommend bringing the following:
- Water shoes or strapped sandals like Chacos or Tevas; the tube launch and Blue Hole trail both have rocks and roots
- Swimsuit and an SPF swim shirt if you’ll be on the water all day
- Your own tube (60 inches or less)
- Mineral (reef-safe) sunscreen
- Mask and snorkel for the Headspring and Blue Hole
- Dry bag for your phone and keys (or use the $4 key holding service)
- Towels, water and snacks for the car or picnic area, not the river; you’ll want more than you think on a spring-hopping day
- Cash or card for park entry and rentals
- Bug spray if you plan to hike
Leave at home: alcohol (banned in the whole park), glass, and anything on the river’s banned list above. Coolers are fine in the picnic areas but not on the water.
Tips to Avoid Crowds
In summer you can’t avoid the crowds, but you can ease them:
- Arrive at 8 a.m., or 7:30 a.m. from May through September. Summer weekends fill early.
- Visit on a weekday. Summer weekends and holidays get slammed.
- Go in fall or winter for swimming and the trails; the tubing crowd mostly disappears after summer.
- Do the North Entrance late in the day. We found it noticeably quieter after 4 p.m., which is why we saved Headspring and Blue Hole for last.
- Reserve your tube or paddle gear ahead to skip a line at the General Store.
Where to Stay Nearby
There’s no camping inside Ichetucknee Springs State Park. The closest state park camping is O’Leno State Park, 18 miles away, and Fort White has a handful of private campgrounds and cabins built around river access.
My choice would be an Airbnb in High Springs. This charming small town is around 30 minutes away and has a better selection of restaurants. Lake City and Gainesville have more lodging if you don’t mind a longer drive.
Nearby Things to Do
The Ichetucknee sits in the middle of one of the best spring clusters in Florida, so it works well as an anchor for Springsmaxxing.
Other Springs Near Ichetucknee Springs State Park
If you’re coming from Central Florida, don’t drive all the way to the Ichetucknee for two hours of tubing and turn around. The surrounding springs on the Suwannee and Santa Fe Rivers are too good to skip.
| Spring | Drive from Ichetucknee | Fee | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little River Springs | About 25 minutes | $5 per vehicle | Shallow, kid-friendly spring where clear water meets the tannic Suwannee |
| Ruth Springs | About 30 minutes | Free | Undeveloped swimming hole with few people and no real amenities |
| Troy Spring State Park | About 30 minutes | $5 per group (honor box) | 70-foot-deep first-magnitude spring with the Civil War-era steamboat Madison on the bottom |
To extend the corridor, Rum Island Park, Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park and Ginnie Springs are a reasonable drive toward High Springs and worth their own trip.
Hiking Trails Near Ichetucknee Springs State Park
All three trails start from the North Entrance:
- Blue Hole Trail (about 1 mile round trip, easy): Sandy and root-crossed, leading to the overlook and dive platform at Blue Hole. Worth walking even if you’re not swimming there.
- Trestle Point Trail (roughly 0.75 miles, easy): This trail follows the river through shaded forest and connects visitors with the area’s early-20th-century phosphate-mining history.
- Pine Ridge Loop (adds about 2 miles, easy): Branches off Trestle Point into pine flatwoods for a change of scenery from the shaded riverside sections.
Restaurants Near Ichetucknee Springs State Park
In the park: The General Store Grill at the South Entrance serves burgers, sandwiches, wraps and ice cream from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the Riverside Grill near the Headspring is listed as open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Hours can change seasonally, so check before relying on either.
Fort White: Casual and food-truck heavy. Favorites are Shaun’s Kountry Kitchen for breakfast burritos and The Collective Food Yard and Garden, a small food truck park.
Sit-down: Head toward Branford (Our Place Pizzeria & Ristorante) or High Springs, which has the strongest food scene in the area, with Great Outdoors Restaurant, Bev’s Better Burgers and Pink Flamingo Diner.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One of the best tubing rivers in Florida: clear, shaded and low-stress | Midpoint launch closed since March 2026, so the run is a single shorter loop |
| Tubing and swimming/hiking under one $6 entrance fee | Capacity closures are enforced hard in summer |
| 72°F water every day of the year | Very crowded in summer |
| Anchors a spring-hopping corridor with springs within 30 minutes | North and South Entrances aren’t connected inside the park |
| Real wildlife, possibly including winter manatees | On-site dining is limited and pricey |
| Convenient all-day tram on tubing days | No camping in the park |
Sample Itinerary
Quick-visit half day (South Entrance only):
- 7:45 am: Arrive at the South Entrance
- 8:15-9:15 am: First tube run from Dampier’s Landing
- 9:15-9:45 am: Tram back to the launch
- 9:45-10:45 am: Second tube run
- 11 am: Lunch at the General Store Grill, then head out before the midday crowds peak
Full Springsmaxxing day (what we actually did):
- 7:45 am: Arrive at the South Entrance
- 8-11 am: Two tubing runs from Dampier’s Landing
- 11:30 am: Grab a quick lunch and head out toward Little River Springs (about 25 minutes)
- 12-1:15 pm: Swim and snorkel Little River Springs
- 1:30 pm: Drive to the other side of the Suwanee River for Ruth and Troy Springs
- 2:00-2:30 pm: A quiet stop at Ruth Springs
- 2:45 pm: Troy Springs: snorkel over the wreck of the Madison and enjoy the deep spring
- 4:30 pm: Drive to Ichetucknee’s North Entrance
- 5-6:30 pm: Swim Headspring, hike to Blue Hole for a last cold plunge before sundown
How Much Time Do You Need?
| Time | What fits |
|---|---|
| 2 hours | One tube run, or a quick swim at the North Entrance |
| Half day | Two tube runs at the South Entrance, if you arrive early |
| Full day | Tubing in the morning, then Headspring, Blue Hole and the trails at the North Entrance |
| Two days | Add Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs, Rum Island or more Suwannee River springs |
We fit tubing, three nearby springs, Headspring and Blue Hole into one long day in July 2026. It was doable, but I’d take a second day to explore the High Springs and Suwannee River corridor without rushing.
Our Experience at Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Ichetucknee Springs is one of my favorites, and I’ve been coming for years. Here is our latest experience in July 2026 at the park:
South Entrance (Morning)
My wife and I got an early start and made our way up to Fort White. We got in line at the South Entrance at 7:45am, which turned out to be about perfect since we had time to apply sunscreen while we waited. There were many cars ahead of us in line, but we were clearly going to make it in before the cutoff. When the park opened, we checked in and got some souvenirs from the store.
We grabbed our rental tubes and did the short hike to Dampier’s Landing. The water was cool and felt great as we started tubing. There were not a ton of people in the water yet, which let us enjoy the giant cypress trees and wildflower blooms.
Before long, we hit Coffee Spring – Home of the Ichetucknee Silt Snail. This fenced-off spring is the only home of this endangered snail. If you remember from our Wekiwa Springs State Park Post about seeing a cave crayfish, the springs are home to a lot of endangered species and are one of the reasons they deserve protection.
After Coffee Spring, a dragonfly landed on my wife’s hat and rode along with us for a few hundred yards. We enjoyed the remaining float to the endpoint and departed. A tram arrived right on time, and the workers loaded our tubes for us before the ride back to the parking lot.
Back at the parking lot, we left to tube the run again.
On the second run, we saw a lot more people. Some groups were creating traffic jams on the river, which at points was bumper-to-bumper with tubes. Honestly, I kind of liked it. We saw the Ichetucknee River in a more natural state on the first run, so the second tube run added a kind of party atmosphere.
On our second tram ride back, I realized that there were Cut Leaf Coneflowers growing on the side of the tram road. These are one of the plants we emphasize and use in our Florida Native Plant Pollinator Garden.
Back at the parking lot, we ate a Philly cheesesteak and burger at the restaurant. They were pretty good for park food, which was good because they were also kind of pricey.
North Entrance (Evening)
After our morning at the South Entrance, we looped around to the North Entrance to try to get in for swimming. It was at capacity and there was a 50-car line, so we made our way west to the Suwannee River springs. We drove 30 minutes and visited Little River, Ruth, and Troy Springs State Park in the afternoon.
At around 4:30pm, we headed back to the North Entrance for a final attempt to get in. It was not at capacity, so we were able to park. We had kept our receipt from the South Entrance, and staff allowed us to enter the North Entrance without paying a second admission fee.
We started by swimming at the Headspring. The water was cool but crowded. We snorkeled the perimeter and swam down to see the vent. The water near the vent was still crystal-clear despite the crowds.
Next, we hiked the trail to the Blue Hole. There was a huge skink on the trail, which was around a half mile long and definitely felt like more after our long day of spring-hopping. The Blue Hole did not disappoint. The water was even more clear and bright blue than the Headspring, and slightly less crowded.
There were around 40 people on the small deck leading to the spring, but only 15 or 20 in the water. We swam and dove down to see the hole. The water was pumping out of the vent at a surprising pressure that felt equal to the one at Blue Spring State Park. I did not enter the hole since there was an overhead environment, but I was able to see that it opened up into a large room right below the entrance. I would love to hear the story on how the massive tree got to the bottom of the Blue Hole.
We hiked back to the parking lot and left, stopping in High Springs at the Florida Creamery ice cream to end our great day before heading home.
What We Would Do Differently
Visiting in July was a lot of fun, even with the crowds. Next time, I’d come in the fall, when the crowds die down and the water clarity is even better for swimming. On a fall trip, I’d like to paddle the river and hike the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ichetucknee Springs State Park worth visiting?
Yes, without question. Between the tubing, Blue Hole, Headspring, and its position at the center of one of the best spring clusters in the state, it earns its reputation as one of Florida’s premier spring destinations.
Can you swim year-round?
Yes. The water is a constant 72°F, so it feels cool in summer and warm in winter. The park itself is open 365 days a year.
How much does it cost to tube the Ichetucknee?
For two people sharing a car, plan on $41 plus tax as of October 2026: $6 park entry, two $10 regular tubes and two $7.50 tram wristbands. Bring your own tubes and it’s $21.
Can you walk back instead of riding the tram?
Yes. A trail of about 0.55 mile runs from the takeout back to the South Entrance parking lot. Wear shoes, because you’ll be carrying your tube.
Can you bring food or a cooler?
Into the park, yes, for the picnic areas and grills. On the river or at the swimming areas, no: food, coolers and disposable bottles and bags are all banned.
Are there alligators?
Yes, alligators live in the park. Keep your distance from wildlife and never approach or feed them.
Do you need reservations?
You do not strictly need a tubing or paddling reservation, but they are strongly encouraged. They let you reserve equipment and complete the liability waiver in advance. However, they do not guarantee admission to the state park or allow you to bypass the entrance line, and the park can close to all visitors at capacity.
Are there bathrooms available?
Yes, at both entrances.
What is the best spring to go tubing at?
Personally, I like Ichetucknee Springs State Park the best, with Rainbow Springs State Park as the runner-up. Third would be Rock Springs at Kelly Park, and I’d put Blue Springs State Park’s short run in last place.
Is the Midpoint Tube Launch open?
Not currently. It’s been closed since March 2026 for repairs with no announced reopening date, so all tubing currently launches from Dampier’s Landing at the South Entrance. Check the park website before your visit in case that’s changed.
Can you tube at the North Entrance?
No. Tubes are prohibited in both Headspring and Blue Hole to protect swimmers and snorkelers. The North Entrance is strictly a swim, snorkel, dive, and hike destination.
Can you visit Little River, Ruth, and Troy Springs the same day as Ichetucknee?
Yes, and we’d recommend it. All three are within about 30 minutes of the park, and the loop fits comfortably into a single long day if you get an early start on the tubing.
How cold is Ichetucknee Springs?
The water stays around 72°F year-round. That feels refreshing during a hot summer day but can feel surprisingly warm compared with the surrounding air during the fall and winter.
Is Ichetucknee Springs good for kids?
Yes, particularly the tubing run and Headspring. The tubing current is generally gentle, but parents should still supervise children closely. Blue Hole is deeper and has a more forceful outflow, making it better suited to confident swimmers.
Is Ichetucknee Springs good for non-swimmers?
Yes, although tubing and swimming are the park’s main attractions. You can hike the North Entrance trails, picnic, watch wildlife, or explore the park without getting in the water.
Can you bring your own tube to Ichetucknee Springs?
Yes, as long as it’s 60 inches or less in length and width and has no glitter, beans or confetti inside. Air is $1.25 at the General Store.
How long is the Ichetucknee tubing run?
The current tubing route from Dampier’s Landing takes approximately an hour, although the exact time depends on water conditions, river traffic, and how often you stop along the way.
Is Ichetucknee Springs accessible for people with limited mobility?
Partly. Many water access points and the Blue Hole route have roots, sand or stairs, and the tube launch is a quarter-mile walk. Check the park’s accessible features page before you go.
What is the best month to visit Ichetucknee Springs?
For the fewest crowds, fall and winter. Summer is the classic tubing season, but it brings the heaviest crowds and the biggest chance of capacity closures.
Final Thoughts
Ichetucknee Springs State Park is one of the best all-around spring destinations in Florida. The South Entrance gives you one of the state’s best tubing runs, and the North Entrance adds clear-water swimming, Blue Hole and short hiking trails. It’s also perfectly placed for a spring-hopping day: tube in the morning, explore the Suwannee River springs in the afternoon, and finish with a swim at Headspring or Blue Hole.
The main thing to plan around is summer capacity. Arrive early, go on a weekday if you can, and have a backup plan if the park is full. For the best overall experience, I’d visit in fall or winter, but if you want the classic Ichetucknee tubing experience, summer is still worth the crowds.
Leave a Reply