Madison Blue Spring State Park

Madison Blue wells up into a limestone basin about 82 feet wide and 25 feet deep on the west bank of the Withlacoochee River, then runs 150 feet to the river. Shallow sections under 5 feet suit kids, the deeper water rewards stronger swimmers, and certified cave divers head below. On weekends and holidays the park often closes at capacity between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., so arrive early.

Directions

Photo: Michael Rivera · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Latest reading · SwimScore 89/100 (Get in) for a typical swimmer: air 29°C, wind 18 km/h, UV 4. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Best conditions: Water averages a consistent 72°F; shallow areas under 5 feet deep work for young children.
Getting in: Park at 8300 N.E. State Road 6, open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year; swimming hours are 8 a.m. to sunset. Entry is $4 to $5 per vehicle and $2 for pedestrians, cyclists and extra passengers.
Parking & transport: The park frequently closes at capacity between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekends and holidays and may reopen later in the day; waiting on the roadside or at the entrance is not permitted and can draw citations.
Lifeguards: No lifeguard on duty; watch children and non-swimmers closely.
Season: Year-round; inflatable floats and tubes are allowed, and a private float vendor operates on weekends from May through September.
Who swims here: One of the largest cave systems in the area, drawing certified cave divers from around the world; open water scuba diving is not allowed.
Watch for: Sections of the spring reach 25 feet deep
Climbing, diving or jumping from the protected limestone and rock formations is prohibited
No food, drink, pets, tobacco, alcohol or disposable items in the spring or river
The cave system is open to certified cave and cavern divers only
Facilities: Picnic tables and grills near the spring · Three rentable covered pavilions · Volleyball court · Hand launch for canoes and kayaks on the Withlacoochee (no rentals)