7 Things to Do at Lake Griffin State Park
There are plenty of things to do at Lake Griffin State Park to enjoy a day surrounded by nature. This state park is located minutes from The Villages in Fruitland, Florida and is most famous for the giant live oak tree. Keep reading to plan your visit to Lake Griffin!
Basic Information – Lake Griffin State Park
- Address: 3089 U.S. Highway 411-27 Fruitland Park, Florida
- Park Hours: 8 AM to sundown
- Fee: $5 per vehicle
- Activities: Boat tours, camping, hiking, paddling, fishing, picnicking, and playground,
- Pet friendly: Yes
7 Things to Do at Lake Griffin State Park
Lake Griffin State Park is 620-acres and home to the second largest live oak tree in Florida! If you’ve never visited this park you need to add it to your Florida Bucket List. Check out the best things to do listed below.
1. Walk to the Mammoth Live Oak Tree
The park is most famous for it’s 400 year old live oak tree! It is the second largest in Florida, and is a must see when visiting this park. Once you pay your park entrance fee at the rangers station there is a parking lot almost immediately to the right. After you’ve parked your car, you can walk the short 0.5-mile nature trail out to the live oak. Pictures truly do not do it justice and you need to see it in person to truly appreciate how big it is!
Once you’ve visited the Live Oak Tree, you will likely want to move your car to the main parking area to explore the rest of the park.
If seeing live oak trees is of particular interest to you, make sure you check out Dade Battlefield Historic State Park as well!
2. Hike the Nature Trails
There are approximately 2-miles of hiking trails at Lake Griffin State Park! The first trail is the Cinnamon Fern Trailhead (blue trail), it is approximately 0.3 miles. This trail begins from the picnic area and leads you back to the ranger’s station, however the back part of this trail has been closed since 2022 due to hurricane damage. According to the park ranger I spoke with, the trails flooded and the water never receded so that section of the trail has never reopened.
My recommendation is to start on the Cinnamon Fern Trail and then continue on to the Spur Trail (red trail). The Spur Trail is a 1.5 mile loop. Once you have completed the Spur Trail you can take the Cinnamon Fern Trailhead back to the picnic area.
3. Go Fishing
If you enjoy fishing consider renting a canoe or kayak (or bring your own if you have it) to go fishing on Lake Griffin! A fishing license may be required and you will want to ensure you follow all Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation regulations.
4. Paddle the Dead River
Launch your kayak or canoe into the canal which leads to the Dead River which ultimately flows into Lake Griffin to explore the park from the water. Rentals and guided tours are offered by Friends of Lake Griffin State Park. They offer two types of tours, eco-tours and moonlight tours, both are approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The cost is $30 for the eco tours and $40 for the moonlight tours. The guided eco tours are currently offered multiple days of the week and the moonlight tours are offered once a month. It is recommended to make your reservations in advance.
5. Relax on a Boat Tour
Pontoon boat tours are provided by Epic Water Boat Tours. They provide 3 different types of tours which are listed below. Lake Griffin is part of the Harris Chain of Lakes and is about 9,400 acres. These boat tours depart from inside the state park from a narrow canal that flows in the Dead River and are currently offered on the weekends.
- Eco Tour (1 hour): $25 per person
- Rookery Tour (1.5 hour): $35 per person
- Sunset Tour (1 hour): $30 per person
6. Enjoy a picnic lunch
Make sure to pack a picnic lunch if you plan on spending the day in the park! There is a large open area in the park that is perfect for picnicking! The area has picnic tables, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, fitness equipment, and a playground. Additionally, larger picnic pavilions are available to reserve if you are planning an event in the park.
7. Stay the night and go camping
Lake Griffin State Park can also be a weekend destination if you enjoy camping! There are a total of 40 campsites within the park with various accommodations. All of the sites include water, electricity, a picnic table, and campfire grill. Other shared amenities include showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities with central access from all campsites. It is recommended to make reservations in advance.
Ready to go to Lake Griffin State Park?
The highlight of visiting Lake Griffin State Park was definitely the live oak tree, but I also enjoyed hiking the nature trails. On my next visit, I’d love to rent a kayak and go paddling or take the eco tour to be able to explore the park from the water. What activity are you most excited to try? Leave me a comment below and let me know!
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Looking for more Florida State Parks to Visit?
- Crystal River Archaeological State Park
- Crystal River Preserve State Park
- Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
The information above was accurate at the time of publishing to the best of the author’s knowledge. Information will be verified and updated periodically. If you are planning to visit, I recommend verifying the most current information with the Florida State Park website.
