Summary of Features Scale -2nd magnitude (estimated) Scenery -very good How Pristine? -developed swimming/recreation area; steps, paths, parking area, boat ramp nearby Swimming -fine Protection -excellent Crowds -very heavy on warm weekends Access -precise directions necessary Facilities -fair Safety -good Scuba -yes Cost -free

Directions
From the U.S. 27 bridge over the Suwannee River at Branford, head north on U.S. 129 for about 5½ miles, past the sign pointing to Little River Spring, until you reach the small community of O'Brien. A sign says "Royal Spring." (This is the last sign you will see with the word "Royal" on it.) Turn left on County Road 345 and go about 9 miles. If you see a Suwannee Farms sign on the right, you have gone too far. On your left you will see a graded road, 198 Trail (or Terrace), with a small yellow sign bearing a symbol that indicates a boat ramp. Go about 0.6 mile and turn left on 157th Lane. Go about 1/5th mile and you will dead-end into the park and boat ramp at the spring.

For maps, latitude/longitude data, driving directions, satellite imagery, and topographic representations as well as weather conditions at this spring, go to Greg Johnson's informative "Florida Springs Database" web site at the following address:  http://www.ThisWaytothe.Net/springs/floridasprings.htm#Florida

Spring Description
Royal Spring is countersunk to the surrounding landscape and has steep limestone and dirt walls on the north and east sides. The spring forms a large and attractive basin that is about 125 by 175 feet in diameter. In times of normal or low water levels, limestone is exposed at the surface and the water is blue and clear (although not as clear as many other springs). At other times, the water can be greenish with poor visibility. Water flows from a large cave entrance, approximately 50 feet deep at the base of sheer limestone wall on the east side of the spring. The bottom tapers upward from the cave entrance to the run.

The 200-foot run flows from the spring to the SW and discharges into the Suwannee River. When the river is low, water does not flow through the run to the river, but collects in small pools among the rocks. A wooden stairway leads down to flat rocks that stick up above the surface of the water. On the east side of the spring, the ruins of steep concrete retaining walls seem on the verge of falling into the water. The area around the spring is forested.

Use/Access

• The site is part of a Suwannee River Water Management Area and includes a boat ramp next to the spring on the downriver (east) side.
• There are a variety of rope swings, pulley lines, jumping platforms, and other splash contraptions on the perimeter of the spring.
• Trails lead all around the spring basin. Erosion is a problem on the site and is only partly ameliorated by wooden steps leading from the parking area to the spring.
• The spring is a primary recreation site for locals and can be very crowded in the summer. Vehicles generate dust in the sand parking lot, and water activity stirs the water and reduces visibility.

Personal Impressions

Worth the drive and searching to find, Royal is best visited on quiet days. It may be used as a jumping-off point for visiting nearby Suwannee Blue Spring which is just downriver on the same bank.

Nearby Springs

• Bonnet
• Peacock
• Suwannee Blue
• Running
• Telford
• Hidden
• Cow
• Bathtub
• Convict
• Thomas
• Perry

Contact Information

Suwannee River Water Management District
9225 CR49
Live Oak, FL 32060
800-226-1066