About a quarter mile past the ranger station, a high bluff overlooks the spot where the Withlacoochee River joins the Suwannee River on its way to the Gulf of Mexico. Vestiges of history in the park show how important the Suwannee River was to Florida history. Along the river are long mounds of earthworks built during the Civil War to guard against incursions by Union Navy gunboats. Other remnants from the past include one of the state?s oldest cemeteries, and a paddle?wheel shaft from a 19th century steamboat. Five trails, ranging from a quarter mile to 18 miles, loop through surrounding woodlands and provide panoramic views of the rivers. Other activities include fishing, picnicking, and canoeing; for overnight stays, the park has a full?facility campground and cabins. Located 13 miles west of Live Oak, off U.S. 90.

The river hums with echoes of history ?of the booming days of plantations and logging empires, of the high times of paddle-wheel boats steaming up and down the river, of the long disorientation after the Civil War, and of the quiet persistence of the strong pioneers who lived off this land and profited from the rivers.

South of the junction of the rivers, an earthwork (an earthen embankment used as a military fortification) was constructed by the Confederates during the Civil War. Its main purpose was to protect the railroad bridge across the Suwannee. Essential supplies, such as beef, salt, and sugar needed to feed the Confederate armies, were shipped by rail to Georgia. Union troops dispatched from Jacksonville to capture the bridge were turned back near Olustee in a hard-fought battle on Feb. 20, 1864. The town of Columbus stood in the vicinity of the earthworks. The remains of the Columbus Cemetery, believed to be one of the oldest cemeteries of Florida, are within the park. Columbus had its heyday and prospered from its railroad bridge, ferry landing, and a large sawmill. Steamboats were a common sight on the Suwannee and Withlacoochee. Near the river?s junction stood the elegant house which belonged to George F. Drew, the operator of the sawmill, who became governor in 1876.

Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.

The park has five full service cabins which sleep 6 and include a dishwasher, fireplace and large screened porch. Please note that pets are not allowed in the cabins. Cabin Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through Reserve America online or calling 1-866 I CAMP FL (1-866-422-6735) or 1-800-326-3521.

Full Facility Camping

Picnic tables, electric, and a grill are provided at all 30 campsites located in the family campground. A restroom with hot showers is within close proximity. Inquire at the ranger station for the availability of firewood and ice. Pets are allowed in the campground. See our Official Pet Policy for more information.

Youth Camping

Two youth tent camping areas for use by organized, non-profit youth groups are available. Youth Camping fees are $4.00 for both adults and youth.

RV's

The campground at Suwannee River State Park has 31 campsites available through the Reserve America system. They can accommodate RV type campers and tent campers as most sites depending upon size of each camping rig. Each site is equipped with electrical hookups (20 & 30 Amps), water, picnic table, and ground grill fire ring. There is a dump station located within the campground facility. All campers must register at the Ranger Station.