The best camping near Madison Blue Spring State Park

With its glittering blue-green waters fringed by dense woodland, it’s easy to see why Madison Blue Spring has been voted the “No. 1 swimming hole in the country.” Whether you want to cool off with a swim, go kayaking, fishing, and tubing along the Withlacoochee River, or enjoy hiking and birding along scenic nature trails, Madison Blue Spring State Park is the perfect place to escape Florida’s heat. The scenery is just as impressive underwater—scuba divers can explore natural caves and spot freshwater turtles. There’s no campground at the state park, but you’ll find family campgrounds, RV parks, and Hipcamps within a short drive.

Florida’s balmy temperatures mean you can take to the water all year round, and the spring’s natural waters average 72°F through all four seasons. The park is open from 8am to sundown but frequently reaches capacity on weekends and holidays, so arrive before 10am or after 3pm to avoid disappointment. Note that you won’t be able to bring watercraft or inflatables on the river during the spring run.

• Madison Blue Spring State Park is located along the Withlacoochee River, 10 miles east of Madison, or about a 10-minute drive away.
• There are day-use fees for all Florida State Parks.
• You can bring your own canoes/kayaks, inflatable tubes and floats, and scuba diving gear to Madison Blue Spring. Diving is only permitted for certified divers.
• Facilities at Madison Blue Spring include picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and picnic pavilions (available on a first-come, first-served basis). 
• Dogs are permitted in the park but not in the swimming area and must be kept on a 6-foot, hand-held leash at all times.
• There are accessible restrooms and picnic areas at Madison Blue Spring State Park.