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Suwannee River was among the first parks to become part of the Florida State Park system. An original 300 acres was purchased in 1936. The park now has more than 1800 acres in three counties: Suwannee, Madison, and Hamilton. The river hums with echoes of history - of the booming days of plantations and logging empires, of the high times of paddle-wheel boats steaming up and down the river, of the long disorientation after the Civil War, and of the quiet persistence of strong pioneers who lived off this land and profited from the rivers. South of the junction of the rivers, an earthworks was constructed by the Confederates during the Civil War. Its main purpose was to protect the railroad bridge across the Suwannee. Essential supplies, such as the beef, salt, and sugar needed to feed the Confederate armies, were shipped by rail to Georgia. Union troops dispatched from Jacksonville to capture the bridge were turned back near Olustee in a hard fought battle on February 20, 1864. The park offers many opportunites for recreation in the "Real Florida." For further information on this campground, please click on the following link: click here |
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The park gates close at sunset. If you plan to arrive late pleasecontact the park prior to 5 PM on the day of your arrival. Camping fires are allowed at all times unless severe fire conditionsprohibited them. Firewood is available for sale at the Ranger Station.A boat ramp affords easy access to the Suwannee River. The SuwanneeRiver (upper) Canoe Trail and the Withlacoochee River Canoe Trail bothbegin in Georgia and end in the park. The Suwannee River (lower) CanoeTrail begins at the park and ends at the Gulf. Catches of catfish, bass and panfish reward the persistent angler. AFlorida freshwater fishing license is required for persons 16 years ofageand older. All trails are for foot traffic. All types of motorized vehicles andhorses are not permitted on trails. For everyone's enjoyment, including pets, please observe the following pet camping rules. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or check out of the campground. Domestic pets are permitted in designated day-use areas at all Florida State Parks. For the complete Florida State Parks Pet Policy, click here . Pets are not allowed in any state park cabins or cabin areas. All pets must be confined, leashed, or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. This rule does not apply to horses and pack animals brought in for equestrian trail use. Pets must be well-behaved at all times. In campgrounds, pets must be confined in the owner's camping unit during designated quiet time hours, 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. At other times, pets may be left unattended on the owner's campsite for no more than 30 minutes and must be leashed. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets that are noisy, vicious, dangerous, disturbing or intimidating to other persons or pets, or which damage park resources, are considered to be nuisances and will not be permitted to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds or fish, must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Captive wild species, whether native or non-native and barnyard animals, except horses, are prohibited. Dogs, cats and other pets must be vaccinated as per Chapter 828, F.S. Florida Law. Owners do not need written proof of vaccination when registering to camp. Equestrians are required, upon request, to provide proof of negative Coggins test (EIA test) for each horse on areas administered by the division in accordance with F.A.C. 5C-18.010, 5C-18.011. This also applies to miniature horses that are service animals. Pets are not allowed at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs State Park because of the captive wildlife. The park provides complimentary kennels at the main entrance of the park on US 19 for those visitors traveling with pets. They are self-service and free. Service animals are welcome in all areas of the park where visitors are normally allowed. No one younger than 18 may camp overnight unless accompanied by aresponsible adult, who will remain onsite for the period rented. |