Peaceful seclusion on the shores of scenic Lake Seminole.
The Setting
The Flint River and Chattahoochee River combine to form Lake Seminole above the Jim Woodruff Dam. Below the dam, the waters become the mighty Apalachicola River, which flows untamed until it pours into Apalachicola Bay, and eventually, the Gulf of Mexico. The name of the park is a tribute to these three rivers.
Construction of the Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam began in 1947. After Lake Seminole was filled to the desired depth, Congress passed a special bill allowing certain property of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to be designated as recreational areas and leased to the State of Florida. Three Rivers became a Florida state park in 1955.
Native Americans used this area for fishing, hunting and agriculture. Apalachee, Tawasa, Osochi and Miccosukee Indians were inhabitants of the area before removal by Spanish, English and American forces. In later years, turpentine and timber operations took place on area lands, evidence of which can occasionally be seen in the form of a “cat-faced” pine tree.
Pine and hardwood forestsdominate the 686 acres of uplands found at Three Rivers State Park. These woods of rolling hills and steep ravines are different from the natural communities found in south and central Florida parks.
The steep slopes along the shores of Lake Seminole provide a “microclimate,” significantly cooler and moister than the surrounding areas. The conditions found along these slopes provide a home to a variety of trees, wildflowers and herbaceous plants. In the springtime, these slope forests are covered with the blooms of thousands of trilliums and white lilies. These are joined soon after by the tubular red flowers of red buckeye, which catch the attention of both people and hummingbirds.
The Facility
Thirty (30) family campsites are available for tent and RV camping. Each site features water, electricity, a picnic table and a fire ring. There are centralized restrooms with showers. A fully furnished, air-conditioned cabin sits on the shore of beautiful Lake Seminole. Imagine sipping coffee on the screen porch early in the morning as the birds chirp and wind flutters lightly. A group camp offers primitive camping for groups of 20 or more.
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
Freshwater anglers travel great distances to fish Lake Seminole. Bird and botany enthusiasts delight in the abundant opportunities to study nature within the park, in a setting best described as serene and unhurried.
Freshwater fishing and boating are popular pastimes in the waters of Lake Seminole. Two boat ramps are located in the park, one in the day-use area of the park, the other in the family campground for use by registered campers only. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required for persons between the ages of 16 and 65.
Picnickers will enjoy the picnic area with three large pavilions, cooking grills, a playground and splendid views of Lake Seminole. The picnic area is great for family get togethers.
The half-mile Dry Creek Trail is great for a light hike after a picnic lunch, while the more adventurous can walk the adjoining Eagle Trail for a combined distance of over two and a quarter miles.
Location
Three Rivers State Park
7908 Three Rivers Park Road
Sneads, Florida 32460
(850) 482-9006
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