Our park encompasses 620 acres and allows visitors to explore in several ways. Anglers or birders may want to rent a canoe or a kayak to explore Lake Griffin’s marshes. If you’re not sure paddling alone is for you that’s ok, because we offer guided canoe and kayak tours. If you’d enjoy a less vigorous type of exploration we also offer guided pontoon boat tours.
The park boasts 2 hiking trails totaling about 2 miles. Along the way you’ll have the opportunity to see several different habitats including Swamp and Sandhill. Animals commonly spotted in the park include racoons, bobcats, coyotes and even bears! Call the ranger station at 352-360-6760 to enquire about the availability of guided hikes.
Of course you can’t leave without seeing the state’s second largest Live Oak tree which is approximately 400 years old.
If you think it sounds like a lot to do you’d be right so why not take some time to really enjoy what the park and surrounding cities have to offer. We have 40 campsites each with water and electric. Some sites have sewer and all sites fill up quickly in the winter months.
Experiences
Boat Tours
Seasonal pontoon boat tours of the Dead River Marsh are offered on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 & 11 a.m. November through March. Boat capacity is six passengers including children and infants. The tour boat is wheelchair accessible via a concrete path from the day use parking area to a floating boarding ramp. The 45-minute pontoon boat tour offers an excellent opportunity to view birds, wildlife and scenic vistas of Lake Griffin and the Dead River marsh with an interpretive guide. The cost is $15 per person.
Camping
The park's 40 campsites, including seven pull-through sites, accommodate tents, trailers or motorized campers. Campsites 1, 2 and 27 are designated accessible sites with concrete pads and accessible fire rings. Campsites 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14 have sewer connections. Most campsites are shaded and well-buffered. Each site includes water, electricity, a picnic table and campfire grill. A dump station is available. Showers, restrooms and laundry facilities in the center of the campground are accessible. Well behaved pets are allowed in the campground in accordance with our Pet Policy.
The campground restrooms may close for short periods to accommodate our cleaning crew. Also, our park is located directly off of US Highway 441 so some highway noise is inevitable. We apologize for any inconvenience.
A playground and a boat launch are located in the park. Canoe & kayak rentals are available. Lake Griffin also offers the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library of picture books for campers aged four to nine. Ask at the Ranger Station about how to check out a book. Maximum Recreational Vehicle length is 40 ft.
Reservations: Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica (link is external). Book Online or call (800) 326-3521 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or TDD (888) 433-0287.
Paddling
Rent a canoe or kayak to explore the pristine river ecosystem that feeds to Lake Griffin at your own pace! Please note, a park entrance fee of $5 is also required. Dogs are not allowed in boats (with the exception of service dogs). Should you require assistance to enable your participation, please contact the park at 352-360-6760.
Canoe and tandem kayak rentals: $12 (+tax) per hour, 2 hour minimum.
Single kayak rentals: $10 per hour, 2 hour minimum.
We also offer guided canoe & kayak tours. Lake Griffin State Park offers guided eco-tours by canoe or kayak of the 1.5-mile river that leads to Lake Griffin. The pristine freshwater marsh ecosystem provides excellent opportunites for relaxing, exercise & wildlife observation!
Reservations are required and need to be made in advance. For scheduled trip dates, call 352-360-6760 or visit the ranger station.
Paddle Trips depart at 9 a.m. and are approximately 2 hours in length.
The cost is $20 per person (cash only) which includes a 2-hour canoe or kayak rental.
Participants must be at least 6 years old and must meet the Essential Eligibilty Criteria.
If you bring your own canoe/kayak, paddle &life jacket, the Paddle Trip fee is only $13
Fishing
Bass, crappie, and catfish are just some of the fish that are waiting for the chance to snap up your bait on Lake Griffin. The lake is located approximately one mile from the park’s boat ramp via a canal and tributary. Some of the lake’s best fishing is between the boat ramp and Lake Griffin. A fishing license is required for non-residents and children 16 years of age and older. Because Lake Griffin is a fish management area, the cane pole rule does not apply. This includes all waters in the park. Canoe and kayak rentals are available. Wheelchair accessible fishing is available via a concrete walkway from the day use parking area to the boat dock. Anglers requiring wheelchair access can cast from the dock into the boat basin.
All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Geo-Seeking
Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced Geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures, or information in various places around the park. Please check the Geocaching website for the most current and up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.
Operation Recreation GeoTour
Hiking
A one-half mile long nature trail traverses a portion of the basin swamp and leads you to the Mammoth Oak Tree near the entrance of the park. This tree has been designated as the second largest live oak in the state! There are also interpretive signs along the way to help you understand our unique ecosystems. The trail consists of hard packed dirt and is suitable for strollers with larger tires.
Picnicking
A large picnic area is nestled between mature oak trees that provide a fantastic shaded canopy during the day. Part of our picnic area also provides a scenic view of the waters near the boat ramp. A volleyball net and two horseshoe pits are located nearby and equipment is available upon request. Consumption of alcohol beverages is prohibited in the picnic area or at the rental pavilion. Most picnic tables are wheelchair accessible and there is one accessible picnic table pad with an accessible fire ring along the accessible concrete path from the day use parking area.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is possible at this park. Cormorants, anhingas, alligators, herons, soft shelled turtles, and ospreys are frequently observed along the canal that meanders through the Dead River marsh.
Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Lake Griffin State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all of its visitors. These amenities include:
Accessible campsites
Picnic pavilion, picnic tables, and benches
Fire rings
Wheelchair accessible fishing
Wheelchair accessible boat tours
Amphitheater
Occasional interpretive programs are offered at the park amphitheater. Check at the ranger station for program schedules.
Pets
Pets are permitted in all areas of Lake Griffin State Park including our campground. They must be kept on a handheld leash that is under your control and no longer than six feet long and be well behaved at all times. Please do not leave your pets unattended. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all waste in trash receptacles.
Picnic Pavilion
One eight table open air picnic pavilion is reservable for your event or family reunion at $30 per day. The shelter is near restroom facilities and a children's plaground. Water and electricity are included. A six foot long family sized grill, volleyball net, and two horseshoe pits are nearby.
Playground
A playground facility is conveniently located in the day use area near the picnic pavilion overlooking the boat basin. This playground has an accessible wheelchair swing, inquire at the ranger station for instructions and assistance.
Boat Ramp
The park has an improved double-wide concrete boat ramp that will accommodate trailers up to 25 feet. There is an accessible floating dock and ramp that is attached to the fixed concrete dock for arriving or departing passengers. Users with an after hours permit are permitted to use the boat ramp outside par park operating hours. Stop by the park's ranger station to register your vehicle and receive your after-hours recreational pass. Average depth of the boat basin is approximately 6 to 8 feet.
