Oleno Boat Ramp: Open Or Closed?

O'Leno State Park, one of Florida's first state parks, offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The park features a designated swimming hole and multiple trails for hiking and paddling. Visitors can also explore the Santa Fe River, which runs deep before disappearing into a sinkhole and flowing through underground caverns. With two canoe/kayak launches and a free public launch, visitors can easily access the river for paddling adventures. This paragraph introduces the topic 'Is Oleno Boat Ramp open?' by providing an overview of the park's attractions and water activities.

O'Leno State Park Canoe Launch Boat Ramp hours

The O'Leno State Park Canoe Launch Boat Ramp is open 365 days a year, from 8:00 am until sunset. The boat ramp is made of asphalt or concrete. The O'Leno State Park is located a few miles northwest of Gainesville, Florida, and is known for the Santa Fe River that runs through it. The river disappears into a sinkhole and flows through underground caverns for about three miles before re-emerging in O'Leno's sister park, the River Rise Preserve.

The O'Leno State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. There are two canoe/kayak launches within the park, with access to the northern, upriver leg of the Santa Fe River. One launch is accessible from the park's main parking lot, and the other is located north of the park's entrance on Bible Camp Road.

In addition to the boat ramp, the park also features campgrounds, cabins, and a suspension bridge that crosses the Santa Fe River. The park's website and ranger station can provide information on current conditions and activities within the park.

Other nearby boat ramps

The O'Leno State Park Boat Ramp is open to the public 365 days a year from 8:00 am until sunset. The boat ramp is paved with asphalt or concrete and is located on the Santa Fe River.

There are several other boat ramps in the area, including:

• Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park Paddlecraft Launch Dock
• Franklin Lock North Recreation Area
• Griffis Landing - Intracoastal Waterway Park
• Davis Lake Public Boat Ramp (No Gas Motors)
• Heagy-Burry - Orange Lake Boat Ramp Park
• Henderson's Fish Camp
• Sanibel Causeway Islands Park - Island A Paddlecraft Access
• Levee 28 Interceptor Canal Primitive Public Boat Ramp (south of S-190)

These boat ramps offer a variety of options for boaters in the area, including access to different waterways and recreational areas. Some of these ramps may have different hours of operation or accessibility, so it is always a good idea to check ahead before planning a trip. Additionally, some of these ramps may cater to specific types of boats, such as those with no gas motors.

The O'Leno State Park Boat Ramp is a great option for those looking to explore the Santa Fe River and take advantage of the park's other amenities, such as hiking trails, swimming, and kayaking. The nearby River Rise Preserve State Park also offers multi-use trails for hiking, off-road bicycling, and equestrian use. For those looking to extend their trip, the Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a popular tubing destination located near O'Leno State Park.

Swimming and kayaking conditions

O'Leno State Park offers a range of swimming and kayaking activities, but conditions can change quickly due to substantial changes in water levels. It is important to check the park's website or call the ranger station at 386-454-1853 for updates before planning a visit.

The Santa Fe River, which runs through the park, disappears into a sinkhole and flows underground for about three miles before re-emerging in the River Rise Preserve State Park. This unique feature creates a challenging and ever-changing environment for swimmers and kayakers.

The park has a designated swimming hole located just below the suspension bridge, which is popular during the summer months. However, it is important to note that there are no lifeguards on duty, and the swimming area is closed during the winter season.

For kayaking, there are two main launch points within the park. The first launch point is accessible from the park's main parking lot, and paddlers must paddle upriver and return to this launch point. The second launch point is located north of the park's entrance on Bible Camp Road, allowing paddlers to explore both upstream and downstream. It is important to note that the swimming hole is off-limits to kayaks and canoes.

In addition to the launch points within the park, there is also a free public boat launch on Boat Ramp Road, just past the Canoe Outpost. This launch offers sparse parking, making it ideal for weekdays or early arrivals on weekends. The Canoe Outpost also offers rentals and shuttle services for a more convenient kayaking experience.

O'Leno State Park camping information

O'Leno State Park, located in High Springs, Florida, offers a range of camping options to suit different needs and group sizes. The park is open from 8 am until sundown, 365 days a year. Here is a detailed overview of the camping information for O'Leno State Park:

Family Camping:

The park offers 60 family campsites, each equipped with an in-ground grill, picnic table, water and electric access, and a centrally located bathhouse. The cost is $18 per night for up to eight people, with a maximum of two tents and two vehicles per site.

Youth/Adult Primitive Camping:

For those seeking a more rustic experience, the youth/adult primitive camping area offers a back-to-basics outdoor adventure with no modern amenities. The cost is $2 per child (under 18) per night and $5 per adult or chaperone per night.

Sweetwater Lake Primitive Camping:

For solo campers or those who enjoy backpacking, the Sweetwater Lake camping area provides primitive individual sites accessible by a three-mile hike. Campers must pack in all their necessities, including water. Facilities include primitive restroom facilities and a campfire circle. The maximum capacity is 10 campers per night, and the cost is $5 per person per night.

Developed Group Camping:

O'Leno also caters to larger organized groups such as Scout troops or church camps. The developed group camping area includes 16 cabins (without electricity) accommodating up to 120 people, along with two bathhouses and a dining and recreation hall.

Additional Information:

Camping reservations can be made through the Florida State Parks reservations website or by phone. The contact number for the O'Leno State Park ranger station is (386) 454-1853.

The park offers a range of activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, and swimming in the Santa Fe River. It is known for its natural beauty, featuring sinkholes, hardwood hammocks, river swamps, and sandhills.

Santa Fe River paddle trails

The Santa Fe River is one of Florida's prettiest rivers, stretching 75 miles from Lake Santa Fe to the Suwannee River. The Designated Paddling Trail is 26 miles long and is fed by over 35 springs. The terrain includes flatwoods, hardwood hammock, and tree farms, making the water tea-coloured, which clears up by the springs. The trail is mostly easy for paddling and is subject to water levels. At low water, there might be shoals requiring short pull-overs, and the jagged limestone can be tough on the feet, so water shoes are recommended.

The Santa Fe River offers a variety of wildlife, including deer, otters, snakes, birds, and turtles. It is a popular spot for snorkelling, tubing, bird-watching, and fishing. There are 15 launch points for the trail, with the most popular being High Springs (below US 41/441 bridge), US 27 bridge, Poe Springs, Rum Island Park, Gilchrist Blue Spring State Park, SR 47 bridge, and US 129 bridge.

The upper section of the river, from Worthington Springs to O'Leno State Park, has limited paddling distances due to shallow water and downfall. At O'Leno State Park, the river goes underground at the "sink" and reappears about three miles away at the "rise". Paddling to the "rise" from the High Springs Boat Ramp is a peaceful trip of about 2.7 miles, mostly through the River Rise Preserve State Park.

The middle section of the river, from High Springs (US41/441) to SR 47, is considered the prettiest part of the river. It is also the most popular with paddlers and tubers due to the presence of larger springs such as Poe, Lily, Jonathan, Rum, and Gilchrist Blue. This section offers numerous springs and shallow water, restricting motorboat and jet ski traffic.

The lower section of the river, from SR 47 to the Suwannee River, continues to be fed by springs, gradually widening and deepening. This section is popular for fishing and has protected Environmental and Conservation Areas, providing scenic spots for landing and stretching during longer trips. After the Ichetucknee River joins the Santa Fe, motorboats and jet skis become more common.

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