Madison Blue Springs is a beautiful spot that feels off the beaten track – if you go on a weekday. The crystal clear spring water bubbles up in this first-magnitude spring before immediately hitting the Withlacoochee River.
The quick guide below shares my experience at the state park, the wildlife spotted, and some tips that might make your visit more enjoyable.
Where is it?
Madison Blue Springs is situated on the west side of the Withlachoochee River, not too far south of the Georiga state line. It’s about a 15-minute drive off of 1-75. We visited this park on our way north – definitely a fun way to break up a long drive.
What we did
The spring’s blue waters called our name. Within a few minutes, we were both in the water.
Unfortunately, we forgot our goggles. But we swam over the boil and floated out towards the river several times. The water is a crisp 72 degrees, which meant I hopped out of the water to sun on the river bank after a little bit.
We packed a picnic lunch and watched the spring water collide with the river on warm, late summer afternoon. It’s a little slice of paradise!
Wildlife spotted at Madison Blue Springs State Park
You never know what you’ll see around a river. And the crystal-clear water makes it easy to spot critters. Here’s what we saw:
- A couple of turtles sunning themselves
- Fish swimming out to the river
- A cache of freshwater mussel shells on the bank, possibly left behind by a raccoon or an otter
- A red-shouldered hawk soaring above us
It wasn’t a big day for wildlife sightings. But you might be lucky enough to spot an otter!
Tips
- Cost. Like all Florida state parks, there is an entrance fee. Come prepared to pay a few bucks.
- Food. No concessions. We didn’t see any amenities, bring your own snacks.
- People. Crowds swarm this spot on the weekends. I’ve been on a Saturday with wall to wall people and needless to say it was a less enjoyable experience.
- Go early. Although I didn’t experience this problem, the state park’s website claims that the park closes due to frequent capacity issues. If possible, going early can help you avoid a crowd.
- Animals. Wild animals, like cottonmouths and alligators, live here. Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Pack snorkeling gear. If you want to take a closer look at the spring, consider packing snorkeling gear (like a mask). Many people dive into the spring, but that requires a specialized permit.
Note: My visit to the park was in August 2024. I haven’t been after the string of hurricanes hit the area. With that, things might be different now :/ Let me know if your experience is different by shooting me an email (thewidlifequest at gmail dot com). I always enjoy hearing what’s happening with the parks.