Equal in beauty to such famous sites such as Mammoth Cave and Carlsbad Caverns, the caves at Florida Caverns State Park contain dazzling formations of stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, columns, rimstones, flowstones and draperies. These fragile formations are composed of calcite, a mineral dissolved from limestone rock when surface water containing carbonic acid percolates through the rock into the caves. As this mineral-charged water encounters the air inside the caves, layers of calcite are deposited.

Florida Cavern is the only developed "tour cave" in the park. Florida Park Service Permits are required to enter all other caves in the park. Some of the caves, which require research permits for entry, are open for scientific research only.

Boating
A boat ramp is located between the park entrance station and the family camping area. Only small boats are recommended to launch from this area due to water levels and possible underwater hazards along the Chipola River. Boaters can take a leisurely tour along the river and can also fish and view a variety of wildlife. Traveling south under the bridge at the boat ramp is not recommended.

Full Facility Camping
This 1,319-acre park has 35 campsites with electric and water hookups available for reservation through Reserve America.

Youth Camping
We have two youth camp area. Both are designed to accommodate organized groups, young and old alike. The settings allow all a chance to experience primitive group camping. One area is located near the Visitors Center. It will accommodate up to 32 primitive campers. This area has 2 toilets, 1 cold shower, 1 water faucet, picnic tables, and 2 large fire pits. The second youth camping area is near the Horse Camp and Blue Hole swimming area. This primitive camping area can accommodate 20 campers. It has full bathroom facilities, including showers, picnic tables, and a large fire pit. Fees for the youth areas are $2.00 per night per child, and $3.00 per night per adult.

Canoeing
Canoeing is available up the scenic Chipola River. Take a leisurely tour up this Florida Outstanding Waterway and experience more of the "Real Florida". A wide variety of flora and fauna can be observed during your trip. Herons & Egrets, Alligators, Beavers, and snakes are just a few common sites you will see as you travel upstream through this wonderful natural community. Canoe rentals are available at the park entrance station and can be rented for ½ day and full day trips. Fees are $10.00 ½ day (up to 4 hours) and $15.00 full day. Large boats are not recommended in the river.

Concessions
The park's Gift Shop is located downstairs from the museum in the Visitor Center. This is where tour tickets are sold, information is given concerning the cave tour, the park, and any other item of interest our park patrons might need. The Gift Shop has hundreds of items to help remember your stay at Florida Caverns State Park, as well as, candy, soft drinks, snacks and coffee.

Fishing
Fishing is available at the boat ramp located on Blue Hole Drive. A variety of fish such as Bass, Catfish, Sunfish, Mullet, etc. can be caught from this area. A unique river sink is located here, where the Chipola River sinks 90 feet below the surface and finally reappears ¼ mile downstream. Prior to the early 1900’s a ½-mile natural land bridge existed where the Chipola River disappeared into a sinkhole. Evidently at that time a "log run" was created across the natural land bridge for the purpose of floating felled timber downstream to a nearby sawmill. Please be sure to know your limits and follow all rules and regulations while fishing at Florida Caverns State Park.

Golf
Adjacent to and part of the Florida Caverns State Park is our exquisite nine-hole golf course. The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones. It is maintained by the Marianna Golf Association and is a well-groomed golf course with undulating greens, rolling hills, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the Florida Panhandle. Don’t be surprised to see a Fox Squirrel, or White Tail Deer during you rounds. A pro shop is also available for your convenience. The Course plays host to several public and private tournaments each year to help support local community organizations. The Golf Course telephone number is (850) 482-4257. Golf fees are: Weekday Green Fees $ 9.50. Weekday Green Fees (students and seniors) $ 7.50. Weekends & Holidays $11.50. Weekends & Holidays (students only) $ 9.50. Cart fees are $5.00 per nine holes.

Horse Trails
A Equestrian Facility is Located in the center of the multiuse trail system, horseback riders can enjoy the use of stables and coral. A wash rack is located directly behind these stables to clean and cool the horses after a hard day’s work. Restrooms and picnic shelters are also nearby for your convenience. Horse Stables may be reserved when camping. Please be sure to bring a current coggin's test for each horse. Equestrian entrance fees at the park are $5.00 per horse or $12.00 for up to 4 horses. At this time the park does not rent horses.

Nature Trails
Horseback riding, bicycling, and walking are just some ways to view the beautiful scenery of Florida Caverns State Park. Tour several miles of multiuse trails while viewing natural wonders such as floodplains, sinkholes, rivers and Karst topography. View a wide variety of plants and animals as you journey through these unchanged natural areas. A trail map is available at the designated entrances to these trails as well as the park entrance station. The Upper Chipola Recreational Trail system has been established through a cooperative effort between Northwest Florida Water Management District and Florida Caverns State Park. Volunteers and staff maintain the trails and invite you to ride horses, bicycle, and walk while enjoying the Real Florida. Please remember that flowers are for everyone, insects bite, trails have wet areas and moving water is dangerous!

Picnicking
6 separate picnic areas are available for your enjoyment. Tables and grills are available on a first come first serve basis. 5 picnic pavilions located throughout the park host numerous family reunions, weddings and many other special events. Pavilions may be reserved in advance for a special event. The Hickory Shelter has a restroom facility and a playground nearby. The Horse Camp Shelter is located directly across from the Blue Hole swimming Area. Other Shelters include Pine Shelter, Beech Shelter, Blue Hole Shelter and the Sweetgum Shelter. Picnic shelter prices are as follows: Large shelter-Hickory Shelter (holds between 60-100 people) $60.00/day + tax and the small shelters- Pine, Sweetgum, Horse Camp, and Beech (holds between 30-60 people) are $30.00/day + tax. Contact the park office for shelter reservations and dates.

Swimming
Located near the campground, a river vent rises to create the Blue Hole swimming area. This favorite warm weather attraction provides a great way to cool down during the hot summer months. The spring water is usually clear during periods of low rainfall. A retaining wall is located on the West Side of the swimming area with a beach while the East Side of the swimming area offers a wooden platform. Two bridges on the North & South end of the swimming area are good locations to view wildlife and enjoy the surrounding scenery. The river vent, located directly adjacent to the swimming area has been measured at 97.6 feet deep and during periods of heavy rain, flood waters may rise more than 10 feet above normal levels. There are No Lifeguards on Duty, Swim at your own Risk.

Visitor Center
The attractive Visitor Center provides historical interpretation in its walk-through museum and large screen video tour of the caverns. The Civilian Conservation Corps completed this park facility in 1942. The museum displays a large variety of exhibits offering cultural and natural resource information. There is a film that runs continually throughout the day that offers visitors a glimpse of the wonders that await them on the 45-minute tour of the Florida Caverns.