Underground Florida.
The Setting
The park’s caves have a long and interesting geologic history starting approximately 38 million years ago. Sea levels were much higher then today. The southeastern coastal plain of the United States was submerged. Shells, coral and sediments gradually accumulated on the sea floor. As sea levels fell, these materials hardened into limestone. Over the last million years, acidic groundwater dissolved crevices just below the surface creating cave passages large enough to walk through.
Dazzling stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone and other fragile cave-drip formations were created over tens of thousands of years by a similar dissolving process by naturally acidic rainwater. The park’s bluffs, caves and springs are called karst terrain. Blind cave crayfish, cave salamanders, three species of cave roosting bats live in these caves.
Florida Caverns State Park has ten distinct natural communities: upland glade, upland hardwood forest, upland mixed forest, floodplain forest, floodplain swamp, alluvial stream, spring run stream, aquatic cave, and terrestrial cave. Some of these communities are greatly influenced by their elevation above the Chipola River. The floodplain forest is characterized by bald cypress, tupelo, swamp chestnut oak, lizard’s tail and spider lilies. Just above the floodplain is one of the best examples of an upland hardwood forest in the state. Visitors can walk among huge spruce pine, white ash, Florida elm, southern magnolia, American beech, black walnut and needle palms.
The Facility
Florida Cavern State Park’s full-facility campground features 38 sites with electric and water hookups for RVs and tents. A communal dump station is available at no extra charge. Hot water showers are available.
Camping Tips
• Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.
• Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a hand-held leash no longer than 6 feet and be well behaved at all times.
• Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station.
Park Features
Florida Caverns State Park is a 1,300-acre sanctuary bordering both banks of the spring-fed Chipola River. The park’s primary attraction is its spectacular cave tour. Many visitors simply enjoy the abundant beauty of the spring and summer wildflowers throughout the park and the refreshing appeal of the Blue Hole Spring swimming and recreation area.
Guided cave tours, offered daily except on Christmas and Thanksgiving, provide an exciting opportunity to view cave formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, flowstone, soda straws, columns and rimstone pools. Visitors can learn about the geology, wildlife and history of this cave system.
The park offers visitors two networks of nature trails. The short, scenic Visitor Center Trail winds its way through towering hardwoods and limestone bluffs above the river floodplain. The Upper Chipola trails offer six miles of exploration for hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders in the woodlands along the sparkling Chipola River.
The historic visitor center features an extensive display of maps, exhibits, historic artifacts and a video tour of the Florida Cavern. Downstairs, the park’s concession is the staging area for guided cave tours and offers refreshments, souvenirs, trail maps and other information about park facilities. The park also offers swimming, fishing, picnicking and canoe rentals.
Stables and equestrian camping facilities are available for visitors who bring their horses.
Address
3345 Caverns Road
Marianna, Florida 32446
Learn more about this park and book your reservation online 
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