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By admin, March 30, 2009 2:32 am

There is much to do in Orlando, with tons of attractions and entertainment options, but many of these activities are expensive. If you are in Orlando and looking for a great trip of the family not dent your budget, then you should plan to spend some time at Blue Spring State Park in Orange City Florida. Here you can camp, swim, hike, canoe and take one to see the manatees.

Manatees, also known as sea cows, are large aquatic mammals that are soft been associated in popular folklore with mermaids. Located in the St. Johns River, Blue Spring State Park is a designated Manatee refuge. Temperatures in the spring of enforcement remain a constant 72 degrees, creating a safe haven for the West Indian Manatee. Manatees seek the 72-degree heat blue spring when winter chills the river San Juan.

You can watch these endangered mammals from a walk along the spring race. Best viewing is in the morning or afternoon. In November, the first of the West Indian manatee migratory arrival. Once the manatees have arrived the park offers a daily program of interpretation for visitors

As interesting as the manatees are, the park offers many other great activities. If you enjoy canoeing and kayaking, then you can canoe along the beautiful Blue Spring Run and the St Johns River. Canoes can be rented at the park concession.

There are also boat trips on the River St. John's. The two-hour tours are offered daily at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. The trip is a narrated nature cruise and ecological lets see Florida. For rates and reservations, call these numbers: 407.330.1612, 386.917.0724.

Do you enjoy hiking? Then the nature of the park trails will appeal for you. The pristine beauty enjoyed by Florida's earliest residents are still visible today. A self-guided visitors through a promenade Blue Spring guides lush hammock.

You can enjoy some great picnic in two separate picnic areas in the park. There are covered pavilions with grills located in these areas for larger groups. One of the picnic areas also has a large covered grill, and can be booked, for a fee, from October to March. Contact with the park office for details.

Of course, if you are in Florida has to swim as much as possible. The park offers swimming and diving in a crystal clear, 72 degree spring run. Divers must register at the entrance station between 8 AM. And 3 pm, with an up-to-date certification card and a partner. Swimming or diving with manatees is not allowed ..

If you want to spend more than a day in the park, you can take advantage of car cabin, full service camping or primitive camping.

Blue Spring State Park offers six, two bedroom cabins. Each cabin is equipped with a gas fireplace (available for use from November to March), central heating and air conditioning, bathroom, fully equipped kitchen (stove and refrigerator), screened in porch, outdoor grill and picnic table. Sheets, pillows, blankets and towels, cooking and eating utensils are also provided. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance by calling ReserveAmerica, toll free at 1-800 326-3521 (8:00 to 8:00 pm), 1-888-433-0287 (TDD) (For hearing impaired).

You can also take advantage of complete installation of the park campsites. There are 51 campsites, which are located in the sand pine scrub. Available to each site is a table, water, electricity, and a grid. There are no wastewater facilities at these sites, but there is a dump station in the Park. Pets are allowed in the campground, with proof of vaccination against rabies. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance by calling ReserveAmerica, toll free at 1-800 326-3521 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm), 1-888-433-0287 (TDD) (Hearing Persons with reduced mobility.)

If you are more adventurous can try the primitive camping option. Primitive camping requires a walk of four miles to and from the site. All food, water and garbage must be transported in and out.

How much does this cost? The share Admission to park is $ 5.00 per vehicle. Pedestrians, bicyclists and extra passengers are charged $ 1.00. The cost of camp is $ 20.00 (plus tax) per night and the cabin rate is $ 85.00 (plus tax)

If this sounds like a good start for you, then visit the park in rel = "nofollow" href = "http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/"> for more http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/ information and start planning your trip now.

Mark Whichard is a frequent writer on Orlando tourism. He and his wife Susan are the proprietors of Orlando’s Finest Vacations Homes. Visit his website for more information on Orlando Vacation Homes. http://www.orlandosfinest.com

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