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Submission
Located on U.S. 41 North in White Springs. From I-75 take Exit 439 to HWY 136 East. Go east 3 miles. Left on U.S. 41. Park entrance on the left. From I-10 Exit number 301, US 41 North, travel 9 miles to White Springs
We rented two cabins for a family gathering and it was wonderful! This the second time we have rented here. The cabins are great! There are wrap around porches, they are clean ans suitable for an active family. The kitchen has what you need including modern cooktops, a small microwave and a dishwasher. The cooktop controls are low so watch out for your little ones.
You can get supplies in town, whatever you forgot. There is a code to get back in after hours. They have great activities at different times of year. These are generally weekends, as far as we could tell.
We got firewood for the pit at the store which was really convenient. Our only disappointment was we hit the between time from converting the fireplaces from gas to electric, so we missed getting to use them.
We had a great time, given the hiking trails, the river, historical museum and bell tower. We found out belatedly that dogs are ok at the campground but not the cabins. We were given grace this one time. It is not obvious in the written materials I read beforehand.
That said, overall it is an awesome state park!
The ranger station is never open and I found it difficult to communicate and get information even arriving during their operating hours. I actually didn't figure out the tag system until the next day when I walked back to the ranger station and finally saw the signs directing me to a paper tag stuck on an information board. Also, they had the canoe launch closed with warnings that the river was too high even though it was only at 62' and their own sign said it wasn't dangerous until 65'. And I still couldn't even find a ranger to ask about it. The only reason we chose this campground was to use our kayak. Very disappointed. Doubt we'll be back.
New camper check in procedures!
Great park, this is my second visit here. They recently added new trails, but be aware that if you take the access roads, they may be very wet! The museum has trail maps, but I also suggest downloading the offline Google maps before you travel. I have Verizon and had no cell issues though.
When I was here in 2021 the check-in was at the entrance. There is a new procedure for 2024.
Drive in, go around the tower to the camp/craft store, park to the left in the back side of the museum, follow the signs for the craft store/firewood, and you tell them your spot and name. Too easy (if you know this, I did not, haha).
If you enter the trail from the septic dump, it is dry and well marked, but if you are wanting to go for a mileage, watch your markers (trails are skinny, access roads are wide).
Either commit to the whole trail, or turn back when you achieved 1/2 the distance of your journey. This will ensure you don't need access roads to return, because they may be wet (see pictures).
People are very pleasant, I loved my last visit here, this visit was just as nice!
Enjoy the blacksmith exhibit (also behind there you can access the trailhead), the river gazebo, and the canoe launch, just beautiful!
Also if you geocach, there are a few here, just saying!!
Enjoy!
Two night camp trip to this historic park. Site 27 was in the back of the campground and secluded. Well-kept, bathhouse and campsites. They were getting ready for a Christmas light show in the park was decorated with thousands of lights for Christmas. We rented a canoe that left from the park and headed 5 miles down stream. did a little bit of bike riding and some hiking. Highly recommended if you’re in this part of the state.
We arrived for a one night stay in the campground about 3:30. We had a very hard time finding the “store” where we were to check in. The actual check in process was very easy and quick. We had just enough time to visit the Stephen Foster museum and while there were able to direct another lost camper to the check in building.
Our campsite #44, is a pull through spot. Very secluded. The campground seems quiet, but we are here on a Monday for only 1 night.
The restrooms are clean. Very clean!! The water pressure is good, more powerful than at home. There are 2 louvered screened openings for ventilation. I was afraid the room would be too cold but it was not. The outdoor temperature was 53°. There was a light and heat lamp in the shower area that warmed the bathroom well. Along with the hot water I was actually hot at the end of my shower.
I wish we were staying longer on this trip. I definitely want to come back.
