Fanning Springs State Park

18020 US-19, Fanning Springs, FL 32693

Get directions * Phone (352) 463-3420 * floridastateparks.org

The closest state park to the treehouse, beautiful freshwater spring great for swimming and kayaking, right off of the Suwannee River. The park also has a playground and hiking trails. Please call ahead to make sure it is open for swimming (closed during high rain events).

Manatee Springs State Park

11650 NW 115 St, Chiefland, FL 32626

Get directions * Phone+1 352-493-6072 * floridastateparks.org

Another beautiful freshwater spring great for swimming and kayaking, right off of the Suwannee River. Many trails to hike as well, with a nice boardwalk that leads to the spring and river. The park has plenty of amenities. About 25 minutes from the treehouse. Please call ahead to make sure it is open for swimming (closed during high rain events). In the winter you might get lucky and see manatees!

Andrews Wildlife Management Area

Enjoy hunting, fishing, paddling and miles of trails along the Suwannee River. This area is also part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Mature hardwood forest offers shaded trails for hiking during warmer times of the year. Please note there are no restrooms. "A Daily-Use Permit is required to enter this area, unless you have purchased a Management Area Permit. To hunt or fish you must also possess the appropriate license and permit."

Visit their website for activities and hunting information. Located on Hwy 160 off of State Road 19, between Fanning Springs and Chiefland. See here for directions.

Nature Coast State Trail

The trail can be picked up in multiple areas including Fanning Springs, Chiefland, Trenton, and Cross City. Please see the map and information on the state website. Great for walking and biking, much of it is paved. 352-535-5181

Hart Springs County Park

One of the largest spring fed swimming areas in Florida, this county park is located in Bell, on the east side of the Suwannee River. Explore the park by bicycle where you can connect to multiple trails, or walk the half mile boardwalk. Visit the website for hours and more information.

4240 SW 86th Avenue, Bell, Florida 32619 * (352) 463-3444 * fun@hartsprings.com

Gornto Springs County Park

One of the closest parks and boat ramps to the Treehouse and Cabin Retreat (11 miles). "Also called Guaranto Springs, Gornto Springs is owned by Dixie County. It is a pleasant 2nd magnitude spring just perfect for picnicking. This 2nd-magnitude spring is a county-owned park with a man-made berm and culvert form an oblong pool that is 30-40 feet wide and 125 feet long before draining into the Suwannee River. Steps lead to the spring from both sides, and there is a platform on the south side that extends to provide a view of the vent. The water is clear and blue over the vent, and 10 feet deep. There is a parking area on the south side of the spring, and a picnic shelter on the north side. Access: Take CR 349 north from Old Town, turn right on Rock Sink Church Road (CR 353) and follow it to the end." See more at this website.

(352) 498-1426
2463 Northeast 816 Avenue, Old Town, FL

Little River Springs

Located just outside of Branford in O'Brien, this park offers swimming in a spring with beach and underwater cave system (use caution). Can be very popular especially on weekends. Trails around the park as well.

24891 105th Ln, O'Brien, FL 32071 +13863623004

Royal Springs

Also located in O'Brien upriver from Little River Springs, Royal Springs offers a beautiful spring with rope swing and generally fewer crowds than Little River.

Royal Spring Rd, O'Brien, FL 32071

Shired Island Trail Beach

Probably the closest "true beach" to the treehouse (30 miles), this lesser-known stretch of sand can be found by driving west towards Cross City then south towards Horseshoe beach, turning off on SE 357 and heading south to the beach. There is not much there; a boat ramp, the beach, and further down, a campground. Bring provisions with you and use the restroom before you go! Water shoes are also recommended as oyster beds are in the area. Expect to walk a trail from the parking lot to the beach. There is also a fishing pier. For more information, visit these websites.

https://www.naturalnorthflorida.com/blog/fish-shired-island-near-horseshoe-beach-in-dixie-county-florida/

http://floridaramblings.com/shiredisland.html

Suwannee River