Contact Information
Route 2, Box 307
High Springs, FL 32643
904-454-1853
O'Leno State Park is located along the beautiful banks of the Santa Fe River, a tributary of the Suwannee River where in the mid-1800s, a town flourished. The gristmill, cotton gins and limber mills, all powered by hydro employed workers. The town was originally named Keno after the gambling game but changed its name to Leno when it desired a post office but the postal service found its name undesirable. With the onslaught of railroads by the mid-1890s, the route bypassed Leno. That was the beginning of the end. By 1896, the town was abandoned. The depression-era workers called the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Authority brought new life the to area by building this historic park. At that time, its primary use was a summer forestry camp and training facility. Their sturdy stone masonry and log structures can still be viewed today and is actually still in use today. Their craftsmanship includes a stone storehouse, a log dining hall, a suspension bridge, timberwork pavilion and a small log fort that serves as a museum in their honor.O'Leno State Park is joined with River Rise State Preserve, separated only by Bellamy Road. The total area encompasses 6,000 acres where miles of multi-use trails offer a variety of recreations. Two lovely campgrounds provides 61 sites, the majority with electric hookup. The cabin community and youth group area are footsteps away from the main campground. The primitive camping area is located in the Reserve off River Rise Trail. It is located near Sweetwater Lake and is very popular with hikers. In addition, horse camping is provided just north of High Springs on Highway 27. This area includes a 20-stall barn, restrooms, pavilion and tables.
River swimming is a favorite recreation at O'Leno. Canoeists and anglers enjoy the clean waters as well; however, fishing success is rather unpredictable. When the fish do bite, anglers pull in largemouth bass, bream and catfish. A freshwater fishing license is required for individuals 16 years and older. The park does offer canoe rentals.
Note: Alligators are a wild and dangerous reptile and should not be fed. Feeding alligators is dangerous and is a violation of park regulations and state law.
Visitors to O'Leno State Park enjoy hiking and biking trails and three separate horse trails. A full-service campground, a primitive area, youth area and cabin community accommodate a variety of overnight needs. There is even primitive horse camping just north of High Springs on Highway 27. Fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, and picnicking are also enjoyed year-round. The historical museum is open on a limited basis.
Florida experiences mild, comfortable winters and warm to hot, humid summers. The area offers a great warm escape for outdoor recreation during the cold northern months. Summer temperatures average in the low 80's Fahrenheit and mid 20's Celsius. Winters are mild with temperatures averaging between the high 40's to the high 50's Fahrenheit. The average precipitation for the north central area is diverse. The central western area receives more than 60 inches per year while the central eastern tract receives about 50 inches. August and September are peak months of the hurricane season that lasts from June 1 through November 30.
