Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna, Florida
Nestled in Jackson County, Florida Caverns State Park is the only Florida state park where you can take a guided tour through a limestone cave system—an incredible natural treasure beneath the Florida Panhandle.
From its stunning natural wonders to its recreational options, Florida Caverns State Park blends adventure, history, and tranquility in one unforgettable experience. It truly is one of Florida’s state parks that offers a little bit of everything, above and below the surface.
The Florida Caverns had been on Beth’s (Stephanie’s mom) bucket list for decades. Every time we tried to plan a trip, something came up. The caves flooded. We had a school event pop up. The camper had issues. Hurricane Michael hit the area. No matter what it was, we never got to go on the cave tour. Finally, one year, we decided to meet there for Thanksgiving week, and we were able to go inside the only state park with caverns in Florida!
Florida Caverns State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers alike. It’s famous not only for its amazing cavern system filled with formations of limestone stalactites and soda straws, but also for its incredible range of outdoor activities. Above ground, you’ll find fantastic trails, horseback riding routes, and fishing opportunities along the Chipola River. Below ground, you’ll enter the otherworldly depths of Florida Caverns—complete with narrow passages, cool air, and the sound of dripping water echoing through large underground rooms. It’s no exaggeration to call this one of the most amazing natural Florida wonders in the entire United States.
Amenities & Facilities at Florida Caverns State Park
Camping
The campground offers a mix of tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and even equestrian campers. You’ll find well-equipped facilities, including:
- Electric and water hookups
- Picnic tables, grills, and fire rings at each site
- Modern bathrooms and hot showers
- A dump station and dumpsters
- Picnic pavilions are ideal for groups and family gatherings
It’s camping with convenience, and you’re never far from the main park road or the visitor center.
Reservations
Camping at Florida Caverns State Park is popular year-round, so it’s best to reserve your spot in advance.
- Website: Visit Reserve.FloridaStateParks.org
- Phone: Call 1-800-326-3521 (or TDD 888-433-0287 for hearing-impaired)
Details:
- You can book tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, or equestrian sites
- Sites accommodate 2–8 occupants
- Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with your pre-paid reservation
Check-In Procedures
For camping, if you’ve made a pre-paid reservation at Reserve.FloridaStateParks.org, check-in begins at 3:00 p.m. on your day of arrival. Campsites accommodate 2–8 occupants, and single occupant vehicles are standard. Stop by the ranger station to check in, where they’ll provide a park map and campground information. If you’re arriving for the day only, simply pay the regular admission prices (park entrance fee) and proceed to your activity of choice.
Florida Caverns State Park Facilities
Visitor Center
The attractive visitor center, originally built by Civilian Conservation Corps workers in the early 1900s, is a highlight all on its own. Inside, you’ll find a walk-through museum with natural resource information, historical interpretation, and a large variety of exhibits about the region’s geology, flora, and fauna. There’s even a large screen video tour of the caverns available for those who may not be able to physically enter the caves.
Park Store
Don’t miss the Florida Caverns gift shop, where you can pick up souvenirs, local crafts, and educational toys. The park store also sells snacks, drinks, and camping essentials—convenient if you forgot something at home.
There’s no easy place to park to get a photo with the sign. Our rental house was directly across the street, so we ran over one afternoon.
Inside Tunnel Cave on the Bluff Trail
Blue Hole lake near the equestrian campsites
What to do at Florida Caverns State Park
Outdoor Activities at Florida Caverns State Park
There’s no shortage of things to do here beyond cave exploration. The park offers something for every interest and age level.
- Hike or bike the scenic trails
- Fish along the Chipola River (just remember your Florida fishing license)
- Kayak rentals are available for peaceful river paddling
- Wildlife and bird viewing is popular in early morning and twilight hours
- At night, the clear skies are perfect for stargazing
Cave Tours at Florida Caverns State Park
This is the park’s star attraction and where it really earns its reputation. The tours of the cave take you through a network of tunnel cave passageways, where you’ll see chisel marks left by hard-working men of the CCC era and marvel at fascinating rooms lined with visual arrays of mystifying stalactites and limestone formations. You’ll explore lower cave ceilings, natural bridges, and narrow passages with a knowledgeable ranger on a guided tour. You’ll feel the cool air and hear the sound of dripping water, giving you a true sense of descending into an ancient world.
Tours run daily and are offered on a first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early, especially during busy weekends and holidays. Cavern tour tickets are sold at the ranger station near the cave entrance, and tour sizes are limited for safety and comfort.
And remember—Florida Caverns State Park is a piece of natural history, so please respect the caves and avoid touching formations to preserve this amazing natural Florida wonder for future generations.
How to Reserve a Cave Tour
Unlike camping, cave tours cannot be reserved in advance online or by phone. They are offered only on a first-come, first-served basis at the park.
- Where to Get Tickets: Purchase at the Cave Tour Ticket Office (located inside the park, near the Visitor Center and Ranger Station)
- When to Arrive: Get there early in the day, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak seasons
Tour Info:
- Tours run daily (weather permitting)
- Each tour is guided, and group sizes are limited for safety
- Tickets often sell out by late morning or early afternoon
Trails at Florida Caverns State Park
Hiking enthusiasts can explore a variety of fantastic trails that meander through natural beauty, limestone bluffs, and lush woodlands. The nature trail offers a scenic trek to Blue Hole Spring—a refreshing swimming spot and a great place to cool off. There are also multi-use trails available for horseback riding and bike riding, with bike rentals available near the adventure center.
Bluff Trail
1.4 Miles
Easy
This iconic trail takes you through Tunnel Cave, the only hiking trail in Florida to do so. You’ll wander amidst limestone karst bluffs, hardwood forest, and overlook the Chipola River floodplain. A shortcut bypass lets you avoid the cave if preferred.
Nature Trail Loop
1.2 Miles
Easy
This leisurely loop starts near the Visitor Center. It weaves through palmettos and fern fields, passes the exit of the main tour cave, travels along limestone bluffs above swamps, and takes you through Tunnel Cave. Great for a relaxed, short hike with geological features.
Sinkhole Trail
1.2 Miles
Easy
Located near Blue Hole Spring and the campground, this trail loops around Sugar Mill Run and the sinkhole area. It offers swamp views, observation platforms, and tranquil forest scenery.
Red and Blue Campground Loop
2.0 Miles
Easy
Winding through the campgrounds in red and blue loops, this trail is great for morning jogs or evening strolls, passing campsites, forest and creekside views.
Fenceline Trail
2.6 Miles
Moderate
This trail winds around the perimeter of park property, offering lovely views of hardwood forest, floodplain areas, and occasional glimpses of the Chipola River.
Bumpnose Trail
6.8 Miles
Strenuous
A longer multi-use trail through woodlands along the Chipola River. Ideal for bicycling, horseback riding, or hiking.
Florida Caverns State Park Basics
3345 Caverns Road
Marianna, FL 32446
$5 per Vehicle
Central Time Zone
38
Location, Phone Number, and Address
You’ll find this remarkable state park in Jackson County, just outside of Marianna in Northwest Florida. It’s conveniently located off I-10, about an hour west of Tallahassee and not far from Falling Waters State Park, making it a great central hub for exploring the natural areas of the park and beyond. The park’s phone number is 850-482-1228 and the address is 3345 Caverns Road, Marianna, Florida, 32446.
What are the Entrance Fees for Florida Caverns State Park?
The park charges $5 per vehicle to enter the state park. Once inside, there’s a seperate fee for the cave tours that is paid at the visitor center.
What Time Zone is Florida Caverns State Park in?
Florida Caverns is in the Central Time Zone portion of the Florida Panhandle.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
While the park is open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to sunset (Florida Caverns State Park hours), the best time to go is in the spring or fall. Temperatures are mild, and the humidity is lower—ideal for both cave tours and outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. Keep in mind that heavy rain can sometimes temporarily close the cave tours for safety, so always check the weather and the park’s blend of conditions before you go.
How many campsites are there at Florida Caverns State Park?
There are a total of 38 campsites at the park for both RVs and tents. The 32 sites in the Blue Hole area have full hookups. The 3 sites in the equestrian camping area have electric and water, but no sewer hookups. There are also 3 primitive tent sites in the equestrian area.
How Big is Florida Caverns State Park?
The state park spans a total of 1,319 acres in North Florida.
Park Website
Always check the official park site for the most up-to-date information, hours, prices, and conditions.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/florida-caverns-state-park
Travel Tips for Florida Caverns State Park
Getting to Florida Caverns State Park
Florida Caverns State Park is located 3 Miles North of Marianna, Off of U.S. 90 on S.R. 166. From Tallahassee: Take I-10 west to exit 142, turn right on Hwy 71 N to Hwy 90, turn left. Follow brown park signs. From Pensacola: Take I-10 East to exit 136, turn left on Hwy 276 N to Hwy 90, turn right. Follow brown park signs.
Tips for a Visit to Florida Caverns State Park
- Arrive early for cavern tours, especially during spring break or weekends
- Wear sturdy shoes—you’ll be walking on uneven ground inside the caves
- Bring a flashlight—even though the caves are lit, extra light helps
- Pack layers—it can be warm outside and cool inside the caves
- Download the park map or grab one at the visitor center
- Be prepared for limited cell service inside the park
What is the Nearest City to Florida Caverns State Park?
The closest city to Florida Caverns State Park is Marianna, Florida, located just about five miles southeast of the park entrance. This small but charming town in Jackson County serves as a convenient base for visitors, offering a variety of essential services and amenities. Whether you need to fill up your gas tank, grab groceries, or pick up last-minute camping supplies, Marianna has you covered. You’ll also find local restaurants, fast food options, hotels, and pharmacies if you prefer to stay in town rather than camp. It’s a historic community with a relaxed pace, and it’s the ideal place to grab a bite or explore a bit before or after your park adventures.
What is the Nearest Airport to Florida Caverns State Park?
The most convenient airport for reaching Florida Caverns State Park is Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), located in Panama City Beach, approximately 70 miles (about 1 hour and 15 minutes) south of the park. This airport is well-connected to major cities across the United States and offers rental car services for the scenic drive north through the Florida Panhandle. Other nearby options include Tallahassee International Airport (TLH), which is around 90 minutes to the east, and Dothan Regional Airport (DHN) in Alabama, also about an hour and 15 minutes away. All three airports provide easy access to the park and the broader natural areas of Northwest Florida.
What are the Closest Parks to Florida Caverns State Park?
3 miles • 5 minute drive
7 miles • 10 minute drive
Three Rivers State Park
24 miles • 30 minute drive