Blackwater River

Blackwater River SP https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blackwater-river-state-park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackwater_River_State_Park Blackwater River State Park is located fifteen miles northeast of Milton, near Harold in Florida. A favorite destination for canoeists and kayakers, Blackwater River offers opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation. The river is one of the purest sand-bottom rivers in the nation, making this park a popular place for swimming, fishing, camping, and paddling.

BLACKWATER RIVER STATE PARK HISTORY AND NATURE Blackwater River State Park was established in 1967 and opened in 1968 with 360 acres. In 1981 an additional 230 acres were acquired from the Division of Forestry. Blackwater River State Park has one recorded archaeological site–an unnamed stone scatter, which may be as old as 10,000 years or as recent as a few hundred years old. Since rivers have been major transportation corridors in Florida for more than 10,000 years, it is probable that human activity existed here long ago. The park and adjoining Blackwater River State Forest are known for their historic trams, sawmills and timber industry, especially near Milton. It is interesting to note the geographical distribution of mills along the streams and watersheds. 7720 Deaton Bridge Road Holt, FL 32564 850-983-5363 PARK GUIDELINES • • • • • When mills were at peak operation, everyone made trips to mills. The earliest roads led to mills and as the community grew, commercial ventures such as the blacksmith shop, livery and general store would spring up nearby. • • Atlantic white cedars line the river. In 1982, one of the park’s cedars was designated Florida Champion, the largest of its species. The park was also designated a Registered State Natural Feature in 1980 for its “exceptional value in illustrating the natural history of Florida.” • White-tailed deer, bobcats and turkeys are common, while river otters and alligators are occasionally seen. A variety of birds live here, including red headed and pileated woodpeckers, hawks, warblers and Mississippi kites. • • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. An entrance fee is required. Additional user fees may apply. All plants, animals and park property are protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited. Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a handheld leash no longer than six feet and well-behaved at all times. Fishing, boating and ground fires are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing licences is require.. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited in all Florida state parks. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed in designated areas only. Become a volunteer. Inquire at the ranger station. For camping information, contact Reserve America at 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica.com. Florida state parks are committed to providing equal access for visitors to all facilities and programs. If you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact staff at any ranger station or call 850-245-3076 (Voice) or 711 (Florida Relay Service). Visit us online at FloridaStateParks.org Follow us on social media FloridaStateParks.org #FLStateParks BLACKWATER RIVER STATE PARK Immerse yourself in 600 acres of Florida’s inland ecological wonders Swim, canoe or tube in the cool waters of the Blackwater-all great family activities. Canoes may be rented from outfitters in the area. Three-day use areas with restrooms, outdoor showers and picnic tables are within short walking distance of the beaches. W d eR oa N E S Ranger Station Boat Ramp Road Florida Trail The river usually flows 2-3 miles per hour with an average depth of 2.5 feet. Depending on rainfall, water levels can fluctuate rapidly. Please contact the ranger station for updated water levels. Juniper Lake Trail Visitors may hike on either of two trails–the Chain of Lakes Nature Trail in the park’s southeast corner near Deaton Bridge, or Juniper Lake Nature Trail that extends from the campground and pavilions. On both trails visitors can view small crescent-shaped lakes called oxbows that are created when the river changes course. Situated among longleaf pines are two campground loops with 30 campsites that offer water, electricity, sewer, picnic tables and a playground. Sites accommodate camping from tents to 40-foot RVs. A facility in the center of the two camping loops has hot showers and clean restrooms. A dump station is located on the campground entrance road. Juniper Lake Nature Trail leads from the campground down to the water for swimming and relaxing. Bri dg Welcome to Blackwater River State Park. The Blackwater River, one of the most pristine rivers in the nation, provides the perfect setting for this 590-acre park. The Blackwater’s sandy bottom, white beaches and large sandbars are a sharp contrast to the dark tannic water that gives the river its name. Designated a Florida Canoe Trail, the river and the park are part of the statewide system of greenways and trails. Blackwater River State Park De ato n EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES Blackwater River Camping Canoeing Fishing Chain of Lakes Nature Trail Hiking Parking Pets Overnight Picnicking Playground Directions From I-10 East: take exit 31; turn left on Hwy. 87; then right on Hwy. 90. Turn left on Deaton Bridge Road in Harold - it is 3 miles to the park. From I-10 West: take exit 45; turn right; then l

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. 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. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c