O’Leno State Park

One of Florida’s original state parks, O’Leno has been drawing visitors to the banks of the Santa Fe River since 1940. The park’s signature feature is genuinely remarkable: the Santa Fe River disappears underground into a limestone sinkhole, traveling through a series of subterranean passages before resurfacing three miles downstream at River Rise Preserve State Park. Standing at the river sink and watching an entire river vanish into the earth never gets old.

Spread across 6,000 acres of Columbia County near High Springs, O’Leno offers more than its geological curiosity. The park sits within a rich landscape of hardwood hammocks, river swamp, and sandhill communities. Over 20 miles of trails wind through these ecosystems, serving hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The old wire suspension bridge crossing the Santa Fe is a park landmark worth seeking out. Paddlers can explore the river upstream from the sink, and fishing for bass and panfish is productive in the quieter stretches.

The campground is well-maintained with full-facility sites tucked beneath a shaded canopy of live oaks, plus a group camp and cabins for those who prefer a roof overhead. Sites fill quickly during spring weekends, so book early.

The best time to visit is October through April, when humidity drops and the river’s water levels make the sink most dramatic. Summer brings heat and mosquitoes but also solitude. Located just off US-441, O’Leno sits a short drive from the springs corridor around High Springs and Gainesville.

Explore Nearby

• Osceola National Forest — National Forest in Florida
• Cedar Key Light — Lighthouse in Florida
• Dames Point Light — Lighthouse in Florida
• Ocala National Forest — National Forest in Florida
• Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail — Scenic Byway in Wisconsin