Madison Blue Spring is a stunning first-magnitude spring famous for its crystal-clear 72°F water year-round. It’s a favorite spot for swimmers, paddlers, and cave divers, who explore its extensive underwater passages. Surrounded by a lush hardwood and pine forest, the spring blends adventure and relaxation in a peaceful natural setting.
If you’re exploring more of North Florida’s natural springs, here’s our complete Florida springs guide to help you plan your trip.
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What Should You Know Before Going to Madison Blue Spring
Madison Blue Spring is a family-friendly state park known for its refreshing 72°F water and world-class cave diving opportunities. The spring is about 82 feet wide and 25 feet deep, with water flowing into the Withlacoochee River through a short spring run. While the swimming area is perfect for casual visitors, the underwater cave system is only for certified and experienced cave divers.
There are no rental facilities on-site, so bring your own gear for swimming, snorkeling, or paddling. The park provides picnic tables, restrooms, and shaded areas, but pets are not allowed in the swimming zone. Alcohol is prohibited.
Because the spring water is cool year-round, wearing a wetsuit can make swimming more comfortable outside the summer months. No reservations are required for day visits, but the park operates with a limited capacity. On busy weekends and holidays, it’s best to arrive early to secure entry before the parking lot and swimming area fill up.
How to Get to Madison Blue Spring
Madison Blue Spring State Park is located east of the town of Madison in northern Florida, just off State Road 6 near the Georgia border. It’s about a 1-hour 13 minutes drive from Tallahassee and roughly 1.5 hours from Jacksonville. There’s free on-site parking for day visitors.
Public transportation is not available, so the easiest way to reach the park is by car. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are generally not available in this rural area, so plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit Madison Blue Spring
Madison Blue Spring is open year-round, but the best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when the warm air balances the cool 72°F water.
Summer weekends are the busiest, with families, swimmers, and divers filling the park early in the day. Weekdays offer a quieter, more relaxed experience, ideal for those who want to enjoy the spring without the crowds.
Winter visits are possible and the park remains beautiful, but the cooler air makes wetsuits highly recommended for swimming or diving.
Opening Hours and Entry Costs Madison Blue Spring
Madison Blue Spring State Park is open daily year-round from 8:00 AM until sundown.
Admission is $5 per vehicle (up to 8 people) or $4 for a single-occupant vehicle. Pedestrians, cyclists, or extra passengers pay $2 per person.
All guests must pay at the honor box or entrance station before entering the park. There is no re-entry once you leave, so plan to bring everything you need for the day.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, check the official Florida State Parks website.
Where to stay nearby Madison Blue Spring
There is no lodging inside Madison Blue Spring State Park, so if you want to extend your stay, the best choice is to book a hotel or guesthouse in the surrounding towns. Madison is a friendly small town with a relaxed atmosphere, local diners, and basic amenities, making it a convenient base for visiting the springs.
Just north of the park, near the Georgia border, lies Jennings, a quieter rural community perfect for travelers seeking peace and a slower pace of life. Both towns are only a short drive from the spring, giving you quick access while offering different vibes — Madison for small-town charm, Jennings for country calm.
Recommended stays nearby Madison Blue Spring
Best Western Plus Madison
Located about 17 minutes drive from Madison Blue Spring in the town of Madison, this modern hotel offers comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Ideal for those who want convenience and amenities close to the park.
Super 8 by Wyndham Madison
About 18 minutes drive from the springs, this budget-friendly motel has clean rooms, free breakfast, and quick highway access for easy trips to the park. A practical choice for travelers looking to keep costs low while staying nearby.
You can explore more nearby accommodations and book directly through the interactive map below:
What to do nearby Madison Blue Spring
After a day at Madison Blue Springs, you can follow the gentle flow of the Withlacoochee River. It is perfect for paddling, snorkeling, and swimming, with spring water running straight into the river and plenty of spots for picnics and relaxing between dips.
Just a 15 minutes drive away, Twin Rivers State Forest offers quiet longleaf pine trails for hiking and biking, opportunities for bird‑watching, and easy access to the water for a peaceful paddle. It is a low‑key slice of North Florida nature where the crowds thin and the woods take over.
For a longer outing, head to Suwannee River State Park. The Suwannee River meanders through river bluffs and pine flats here, with canoe and kayak access, hiking routes, and scenic overlooks. If you want a touch of small‑town charm, swing by Historic Downtown Madison and Four Freedoms Park, a leafy square anchored by a notable monument and a classic gazebo.
Other Hot Springs Nearby Madison Blue Spring
North Florida has several other springs that pair well with a visit to Madison Blue Spring. About an hour south, Ichetucknee Springs is famous for its tubing run through cool, glass-clear water shaded by cypress and longleaf pine. If you’re heading toward the Suwannee River, Fanning Springs offers calm turquoise water and an easy place to swim or launch a paddleboard. For cave divers and those curious about Florida’s underwater networks, Wes Skiles Peacock Springs features one of the largest cave systems in the state and a quiet forest setting.