Hidden deep in the forest near Live Oak, North Florida, lies one of the state’s most fascinating underwater sites — Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park. Named after renowned underwater photographer and conservationist Wes Skiles, the park protects one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world.
Its two main springs — Peacock Springs and Orange Grove Sink — feed a vast network of crystal-clear passages stretching nearly 50,000 feet (over 15 kilometers) underground.
If you’re exploring more of North Florida’s freshwater springs, our Florida springs guide offers a full overview of the region.
Jump to:
What Should You Know Before Going to Wes Skiles Peacock Springs
Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park is a remarkable place that combines natural beauty with adventure. The park is best known for its vast underwater cave system, one of the largest on Earth, and is primarily visited by certified cave divers.
Diving within the cave passages requires proper certification and equipment — there are no guided or commercial dive services on-site. Recreational diving and swimming are allowed only at Orange Grove Sink, where visitors can safely explore the surface waters and admire the spring vent.
Even for non-divers, the park offers peaceful opportunities for hiking, photography, and nature observation. The Peacock Springs Trail winds through the forest, past sinkholes and spring vents, revealing the unique limestone terrain shaped by underground water over thousands of years.
The spring water maintains a constant temperature of 72 °F (22 °C) year-round, making it a refreshing stop even on hot Florida days. However, there are no stores, restaurants, or rental facilities inside the park, so visitors should bring their own water, snacks, and any necessary gear.
Pets are welcome on a leash, though not near the spring entrances or dive areas. Alcohol, open fires, and camping outside designated areas are prohibited.
How to Get to Wes Skiles Peacock Springs
Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park is located near Live Oak, Florida, close to the Georgia border. Surrounded by quiet forests and farmland, the drive itself feels like an escape into Florida’s peaceful north.
From Live Oak, it’s about a 23-minute drive south on FL-51, with clear signs pointing toward the park entrance. Those coming from Tallahassee can expect 1 hour and 30 minutes drive northeast via I-10 and US-129.
The roads are paved almost all the way, with just a short gravel stretch leading to the parking area, suitable for all vehicles.
There is no public transportation nearby, so driving is essential, and it’s a good idea to download directions in advance, as cell service can be limited in the area.
Parking is available at the main entrance and near the spring sites (Peacock and Orange Grove Sink).
Best Time to Visit Wes Skiles Peacock Springs
You can visit Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park year-round, though the experience changes with the seasons.
For divers, the best time is from fall through spring (October–April), when water conditions are stable, visibility is excellent, and air temperatures are mild. Summer brings lush green surroundings but also more humidity and rainfall, which can slightly reduce water clarity in the caves.
For hikers and photographers, spring and late autumn are ideal, when the forest is vibrant and the park feels peaceful. The water temperature remains a constant 72°F (22°C) all year long, making it pleasant even during cooler months.
To enjoy a quieter visit, come during weekdays or early mornings, when the park is calm and wildlife is most active — you might spot otters, turtles, or herons along the spring edges.
Opening Hours and Entry Costs at Wes Skiles Peacock Springs
Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. until sundown, allowing visitors to enjoy the springs year-round. All diving activities must be completed at least one hour before sunset to ensure a safe ascent before dark.
Admission is paid via an honor box at the park entrance, so exact cash is required.
The fee is $4 per vehicle (up to eight people) or $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers in a vehicle with an Annual Individual Entrance Pass holder.
Credit cards and checks are not accepted, so visitors should come prepared with cash.
Where to Stay Nearby Wes Skiles Peacock Springs
The easiest place to base yourself when visiting Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park is the quiet town of Live Oak, located just a short drive away. It’s a small, welcoming North Florida community surrounded by forests, farms, and freshwater springs — ideal for travelers looking for peace, comfort, and a local feel.
About 43 minutes east lies Lake City, a slightly larger town with more hotels, restaurants, and shops, offering a convenient stop for those exploring multiple springs in the Suwannee River region.
Recommended stays nearby Wes Skiles Peacock Springs
Comfort Suites Lake City, Lake City
A cozy and recently updated hotel located along US Highway 90 in Lake City. It offers modern, well-kept rooms, free Wi-Fi, and private parking, making it a comfortable base for exploring the nearby Wes Skiles Peacock Springs and Ichetucknee Springs. Guests highlight the cleanliness, quiet setting, and friendly service, ideal for a short, hassle-free stay
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Live Oak by IHG, Live Oak
A budget-friendly hotel conveniently located near US-129 North in Live Oak, just a short drive from Peacock Springs. It offers comfortable rooms, free continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a seasonal outdoor pool. Travelers appreciate its easy access to Suwannee River parks, friendly staff, and quiet surroundings, making it a solid choice for a relaxed overnight stay.
You can explore and book more nearby stays directly through the interactive map below:
What to Do Nearby Wes Skiles Peacock Springs
The area around Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park is full of natural beauty and peaceful outdoor experiences. Just a short drive away, the Suwannee River flows through quiet forests and limestone banks — perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or picnicking along its shaded shores.
A must-visit nearby is Troy Springs State Park, where you can swim, snorkel, or dive in a crystal-clear basin surrounded by tall cypress trees. The spring is home to the remains of a 19th-century steamboat, making it a fascinating spot for history lovers and divers alike.
In Live Oak, you’ll find a few local cafés and diners that capture the charm of small-town North Florida. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and people still greet each other by name.
If you’re looking for a more active day, you can go to Ichetucknee Springs State Park, less than an hour away. There you can float down the river in an inner tube, enjoying the cool, blue spring water and lush greenery — one of Florida’s most iconic summer experiences.
Other Springs Nearby Wes Skiles Peacock Springs
North Florida is home to several other clear, spring-fed swimming spots that pair well with a visit to Peacock Springs. Just west of the park, Madison Blue Spring offers bright turquoise water, a scenic limestone basin, and one of the region’s most inviting places for a cool swim. Less than an hour to the south, Ichetucknee Springs is famous for its drifting river run, where visitors float beneath cypress trees in 72°F water.
For something quieter and more family-friendly, Fanning Springs provides an easy swimming area along the Suwannee River with calm, clear water and shaded picnic spots.