Oleno State Park and River Rise Magnolia Campground
Campground
0.3 mi
4.7 (132)
1894 SE Oleno Park Rd, High Springs, FL 32643
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
RiverFL
Oleno State Park
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan O'Leno's Santa Fe River swimming area with water-level closure guidance, ranger contact, park admission and camping information. Check trail notices first.
Water type
River
Access
Designated area only
Fee
The official park homepage lists $5 per vehicle. Indexed detailed admission information lists $5 for two-eight occupants, $4 for a single-occupant vehicle and $2 for pedestrians/bicyclists or extra passengers. Confirm current rates with the park; campsite and facility reservations have separate charges.
Best season
The manager describes warmer-month swimming but instructs visitors to call for current status. Low and high water can both close the swimming area
Nearby towns
Gainesville, High Springs
Water body
Santa Fe River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Gainesville, High Springs
Access location not verified
29.91533, -82.57933
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Oleno State Park
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Confirm river access before a swimming trip
O'Leno State Park is a Santa Fe River destination near High Springs with a designated swimming area, riverside picnicking and camping. The manager's swimming guidance says both low and high water can close the swim area and advises calling 386-454-1853 before arrival. No lifeguard is provided. This review used indexed official pages because direct requests were unavailable; it does not confirm that the swim area is open today.
Check the River Trail notice separately
The official homepage publishes a River Trail closure effective May 14, 2026. That notice is not a blanket closure of the park, nor confirmation of swimming access. Ask staff which routes are currently permitted. Gallery photographs show historical river and park context rather than a current trail or water-level report.
Use the named park entrance
The manager lists 410 S.E. O'Leno Park Road, High Springs, and describes the park as six miles north of town on U.S. 441. The retained map point is not a verified swimming entrance. Follow staff instructions instead of treating any trail or riverbank as a permitted water entry.
Separate admission from an overnight booking
The homepage lists $5 per vehicle, while the indexed detailed fee page distinguishes vehicle occupancy, pedestrian and bicycle admission. Confirm current rates before travel. The manager lists full-facility, primitive and group camping; check the reservation system for your specific accommodation and total charges.
Plan beyond the water
Restrooms, picnic pavilions, a playground and a canoe/kayak launch are documented park amenities. Ask about mobility requirements and any available day-use wheelchair before visiting. The Santa Fe disappears underground and resurfaces in River Rise Preserve more than three miles away, adding geological interest to a park visit. Neither that setting nor tannin color guarantees suitable swimming conditions.
Getting There
Use O'Leno State Park, 410 S.E. O'Leno Park Road, High Springs, Florida 32643. The manager describes the park as six miles north of High Springs on U.S. 441. The retained historical map point is not a verified swimming entry. Ask the ranger station for the currently permitted approach rather than navigating along the River Trail without checking its closure notice.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Official indexed park information lists 8 a.m. to sunset, year-round. Its homepage publishes a River Trail closure notice effective May 14, 2026. A trail notice does not by itself establish closure of the entire park or swimming area. Check current manager instructions; direct page fetches were unavailable during this review.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Restroom and Showers
Public bathroom
0.3 mi
4.5 (4)
1894 SE Oleno Park Rd, High Springs, FL 32643
O'Leno State Park
State park
0.4 mi
4.6 (2017)
410 SE Oleno Park Rd, High Springs, FL 32643
State park on the Santa Fe river featuring a historical suspension bridge, plus camping & hiking.
Barbecue grillCycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroom
O'Leno State Park Old Bellamy Road
Hiking area
0.9 mi
5 (3)
WC37+5V, High Springs, FL 32643
Old Bellamy Road Interpretive Trail
Park
1 mi
4.5 (14)
1656 Old Bellamy Rd, High Springs, FL 32643
High Springs RV Resort and Campground
Campground
3.3 mi
4.3 (296)
24004 Old Bellamy Rd, High Springs, FL 32643
Free Wi-Fi
River Rise Preserve State Park
State park
3.3 mi
4.6 (71)
373 US-27, High Springs, FL 32643
Barbecue grillPicnic tables
Outpost Park Lot
Free parking lot
4.8 mi
Santa Fe Canoe Outpost Park, 21410 US-441, High Springs, FL 32643
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Oleno State Park
Is O'Leno's swimming area always open?
No. The manager says low or high water can close the designated swim area. Call 386-454-1853 before arrival; this review does not establish today's opening status.
Does O'Leno provide a lifeguard?
The official swimming guidance says no lifeguard is on duty. Follow current park instructions and supervise children closely.
Is the River Trail currently available?
The official homepage publishes a closure notice effective May 14, 2026. Check with the park for current permitted routes rather than relying on historical gallery photos.
How much is park admission?
The official homepage lists $5 per vehicle. Indexed detailed fees distinguish occupancy and pedestrian/bicycle entry, so confirm your party's current rate with the park.
Can we camp at O'Leno?
The manager lists full-facility, primitive and group camping options. Check reservations, site-specific amenities and current total charges separately from swimming access.
Does the map pin identify a verified water entry?
No. It is a retained historical reference. Use the named park entrance and ask staff for a currently permitted approach to the swimming area.
Highlights
Designated swimming area on the Santa Fe River
Riverside picnic facilities and overnight camping options
CCC heritage and a river that disappears underground
Unique Features
Santa Fe River sinks underground and reappears in River Rise Preserve more than three miles away
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- No lifeguard is provided in the park's swimming guidance
- Stay within the permitted swimming area when open, supervise children and follow ranger instructions
- Tannin-colored water is not proof of water quality
- The old designated-jump and universally gentle-current claims are not established by the reviewed guidance
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Named after the now-vanished town of Leno, the park’s facilities were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, reflecting Florida’s historical legacy.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Historic park context, wooded river banks and limestone exposures. Gallery water levels and the pictured boundary rope are historical observations, not today's access confirmation.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect trail closures and site signs, stay in permitted activity areas and remove litter. Do not bypass closed routes to reach a river viewpoint.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
The manager describes warmer-month swimming but instructs visitors to call for current status. Low and high water can both close the swimming area; choose an alternative activity if it is unavailable.
Difficulty Level
A designated swimming area is not a promise of gentle current, shallow water, child-safe conditions or easy water entry. Ask staff about the permitted approach and mobility requirements before visiting.
Fee
The official park homepage lists $5 per vehicle. Indexed detailed admission information lists $5 for two-eight occupants, $4 for a single-occupant vehicle and $2 for pedestrians/bicyclists or extra passengers. Confirm current rates with the park; campsite and facility reservations have separate charges.
Facilities
The manager describes a beach wheelchair available on request for several day-use areas. Ask the ranger station about the exact swimming approach and equipment availability; do not infer step-free water access from general accessible-amenity labels.
Activities
Designated-area river swimming when open, permitted hiking and biking, paddling, fishing, picnicking and historic-site interpretation
Phone
386-454-1853
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
The manager lists a full-facility campground plus primitive and group camping options. Check the official reservation system for your site type, availability and total charges rather than relying on old campsite prices or assuming every option has the same facilities.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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