One of Florida’s first state parks.
The Setting
The Natural Land Bridge that spans the distance between River Sink and River Rise provided an easy passage over the Santa Fe River from as early as 7,000 BC. The old Spanish trail and the first federally funded road connecting St. Augustine and Pensacola used this crossing.
In the mid 1800s, the town of Leno was founded along the banks of the Santa Fe River just upstream from where the river disappears. The first telegraph linking Florida to the outside world passed through Leno. In 1896, the railroad bypassed the tiny town, causing Leno’s inevitable decline. By the turn of the century the settlement was only a memory. The old wire road and mill dams are all that remain of this early pioneer town. Acquired in the early 1930s by the Florida Board of Forestry, the park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Authority primarily for use as a summer forestry camp. Several of the original structures are still in use today.
O’Leno State Park is located on the banks of the scenic Santa Fe River, a tributary of the Suwannee River. The distinctive geological feature of the park is the River Sink where the Santa Fe River disappears underground to re-emerge three miles south at River Rise Preserve State Park. Numerous sinkhole lakes may be seen from the trails throughout the park. The Limestone Trail guides visitors to an abandoned quarry that played a significant role in providing building materials for construction during the CCC era.
There are 18 distinct natural communities within O’Leno and River Rise Preserve. These diverse habitats host a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, turkey, gray fox and gopher tortoise.
The Facility
The park accommodates family, youth, group and primitive camping.
The two family camping areas feature 61 sites, each equipped with electric and water, a picnic table and fire ring. There are centralized restrooms with showers for each area. Most sites accommodate RVs.
Youth tent camping areas are reserved for organized non-profit youth groups.
O’Leno’s Group Camp has 17 cabins, a dining hall, meeting building and an open-air pavilion. The dining hall is equipped with cooking utensils and place settings for 125.
The cabins can accommodate 60. Pillows and linens are not provided.
For an adventure, one can hike 6.5 miles to a primitive camp site at Sweetwater Lake. A fire circle and privy are the only amenities.
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. Pets are not allowed in the primitive camping area.
• 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
O’Leno State Park is one of Florida’s first state parks. Along with River Rise Preserve State Park, these state parks offer over 6,000 acres of camping, swimming, canoeing, hiking, cycling and many miles of equestrian trails. Some of the most diverse recreation in the area can be found here.
Visitors may explore the Santa Fe River by canoe to observe the area’s scenic beauty and wildlife. Canoe rentals are available at the Ranger Station. Bass, bream and catfish are common catches in the Santa Fe River when the fish are biting.
The River Trail follows along the river to the ‘river sink’, where the river disappears underground. Alligators and turtles are sometimes seen. The Limestone Trail passes through a hardwood hammock, past a limestone outcrop and then by a pine forest. There are an additional 13 miles of hiking and biking trails available.
A picnic area with covered shelters overlooks the Santa Fe River. A playground is available for children. There is a swimming area but there are no lifeguards.
River Rise Preserve State Park provides equestrians with more than 34 miles of trails to explore. At the end of the day, equestrians can camp overnight with their horses at the horse camp complete with primitive campsites, restrooms and a 20-stall horse barn available on a first come, first serve basis. Admission to River Rise is collected and a gate combination is given to visitors at the O’Leno State Park ranger station.
Address
410 SE Oleno Park Road
High Springs, Florida 32643
Learn more about this park and book your reservation online 
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