Royal Springs - O'Brien, FL
Royal Springs Dog-Friendly Park in O’Brien, Florida
Royal Springs is a picturesque park nestled in O’Brien, Florida, renowned for its beautiful spring that feeds into the Suwannee River. This location is ideal for families and nature lovers, boasting picnic tables, public restrooms, and a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking which ensures convenient access for everyone. With scenic views, clear waters for swimming, and shaded areas, Royal Springs offers a pet-friendly retreat where you and your dog can enjoy the great outdoors together.
What sets Royal Springs apart for dog owners is the park’s relaxed atmosphere and natural amenities. Whether you're hiking the trails, taking your pup for a swim, or simply soaking in the Florida sun, this spot is popular among locals and visitors for picnics, diving, and even hosting birthday parties. Remember that while the park is family-friendly and has facilities like restrooms and plenty of seating, on busy days it can reach capacity, so plan your visit accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, there are picnic tables and BBQs available for use.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Yes, the spring and river provide swimming access.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, public restrooms and portapotties are available onsite.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, both the entrance and parking lot are wheelchair friendly.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? The park is good for kids and suitable for birthdays, making it family-friendly.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? No, entrance to the county park is free.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a parking area available on site, with accessible parking spots as well.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, picnic tables and seating areas are provided.
- Are there staff or rangers present at the park? Yes, friendly staff are present at the park.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The park can reach capacity and get crowded, especially on weekends and pleasant days.
Reviews
It’s one of my top 3 springs in the area.
It takes a little longer to get to but more secluded. Long dirt roads to drive down.
Good spot for drivers, deep caves. Boat ramp, picnic tables, BBQ, portapotties.
A small county park where you can swim in a spring feeding the Suwannee River. It has a platform where you can jump into the deep part of the spring. Stairs get you down to the waters edge. You can walk to the river following the small stream that flows from the spring. There is no charge to get into a county park, you can enjoy this for free. Its common to find turtles and fish in the water. Please put your trash in the trash cans where it belongs. Unfortunately, someone used the taller rock by the water as a cup holder and ashtray and left it all sitting. Do better.
Scuba dove there on Sunday. Was pretty crowded with swimmers and people jumping off the platform. We did have to wait around 10 minutes to go in, as the park was at capacity when we got there. Once 1 car left, we were in. We were able to scurry down the rocks with all our gear with a little difficulty. Afterward, I noticed a better set of stairs (a little further of a walk from the parking area) that went all the way down to the water, which I used to exit. There is a cool cavern to check out, although it is really easy to silt out if you’re not careful. There is an entrance to a cave system in the cavern. I would go into a cave, being a non cave diver. After seeing how silty the floor is, I definitely wouldn’t without the correct training. It was still a super cool cavern with some nice rock formations to check out. There is a platform in the bottom to practice skills on, if needed. I really didn’t see anything that said diving was allowed on the internet or any signage at the site indicating it was either. Some local divers I met at another site said it was and that it is one of the better caverns in the imediate area. I would say it’s almost a little cooler than Ginnie Ballroom at Ginnie Springs. It’s definitely not bad for NULL, though.
I visited Royal Springs for the first time last May 21, 2024. However, the springs was over powered by the Suwannee River 😞☹️ and it turned the water dark. I was looking forward to appreciating the springs, but it was not meant to be at that time. Hopefully, the next time I visit will be better 🙏
FYI: If you know someone from the area, check with them if the Suwannee River had subsided or call the number on this page to verify.
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A beautiful spring to visit. The staff were very friendly. Entrance fee is NULL card only.
We enjoyed the scenic views and being amongst nature today for a picnic lunch. The water was perfect! It was a little high but clear. Really cool to see
the Suwannee line and the spring. We would love to come back and dive in!