Historical blue-green spring water and wooded limestone banks at Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park; exact basin not independently verified
SpringsFL

Peacock Springs State Park

By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated

Background photo from a past visit, not current conditions. View photos and source links

Plan Peacock Springs and Orange Grove Sink with swimming limits, current fees, directions and separate scuba-diving rules.

Water type
Springs
Access
Designated area only
Fee
$4 per vehicle (up to 8 people); $2 pedestrians, bicyclists and extra passengers. Honor box requires exact change.
Best season
Check current water access before choosing a date. Park hours do not guarantee swimming availability
Nearby towns
Lake City, Live Oak, Mayo
Water body
Peacock Springs

Location

Map & Directions

FL
Nearby towns
Lake City, Live Oak, Mayo
Access location not verified
30.12865, -83.13646
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.

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.

Plan a visit to Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park offers spring swimming, but a directory description is not a same-day conditions report. Check the park's alerts before leaving and the posted restrictions when you arrive.

Swimming and scuba are different activities

Swimming and snorkeling are permitted in Peacock Springs and Orange Grove Sink, subject to seasonal water levels. There is no lifeguard. Open-water scuba is restricted to Orange Grove Sink.

Divers must provide proof of certification. Open-water divers may not carry lights; cave and cavern diving require appropriately certified teams. No solo diving is permitted. Dives must finish an hour before sunset. Read the complete activity rules before planning a dive.

Entrance, hours and admission

18532 180th Street, Live Oak, FL 32060. Open 8 a.m. to sunset. $4 per vehicle (up to 8 people); $2 pedestrians, bicyclists and extra passengers. Honor box requires exact change. Call 386-294-3667 for current access information.

Facilities and trip planning

Restroom facilities, picnic tables and grills, parking, interpretive trail. Accessible picnic facilities and exhibits are listed; this does not establish accessible water entry or an accessible entire trail.

Seasonal water levels affect swimming access. Do not treat clear-water photographs as evidence of current visibility, depth or suitability for your group.

Getting There

Use the official park address: 18532 180th Street, Live Oak, FL 32060. Confirm the entrance for your activity with park staff at 386-294-3667. The directory coordinates have not been verified as the water-entry location.

Access Notes

Open 8 a.m. to sunset. $4 per vehicle (up to 8 people); $2 pedestrians, bicyclists and extra passengers. Honor box requires exact change. Official hours and fees. Check seasonal water levels before travel. Swimming permission does not authorize entry into underwater caves.

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

Swimming and snorkeling are permitted in Peacock Springs and Orange Grove Sink, subject to seasonal water levels. There is no lifeguard. Open-water scuba is restricted to Orange Grove Sink. 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

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park

State park

0.3 mi 4.7 (447)

18532 180th St, Live Oak, FL 32060

This natural area with large underwater cave systems offers diving, swimming & wildlife viewing.

Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom

Royal Springs Suwannee River Wilderness Trail

Park

4.8 mi 4.7 (360)

20016 157th Ln, O'Brien, FL 32071

Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom

Suwannee River State Park - Ranger Station

Forestry office

17.7 mi 4.8 (33)

Live Oak, FL 32060

Restroom

Suwannee River State Park

State park

17.9 mi 4.7 (1228)

3631 201st Path, Live Oak, FL 32060

Civil War-era constructions remain along the riverbank at this scenic park with woodland trails.

Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomSlides

Restroom and Showers

Public bathroom

17.9 mi 5 (1)

201st Path, Live Oak, FL 32060

Long branch rest and ride

Public bathroom

21.2 mi

4654 85th Rd, Live Oak, FL 32060

Pine Field Campsites

Campground

21.3 mi 4.7 (121)

3076 95th Dr, Live Oak, FL 32060

Public restroomRestroomTent sites

Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground

Campground

21.6 mi 4.7 (2937)

3076 95th Dr, Live Oak, FL 32060

Natural, woodsy environs provide the backdrop for music festivals, hiking & more on 500-plus acres.

Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water

Live Conditions Nearby

Checking nearby USGS water conditions…

Frequently Asked Questions About Peacock Springs State Park

Where is swimming permitted at Peacock Springs?

Peacock Springs and Orange Grove Sink allow swimming and snorkeling subject to seasonal water levels. There is no lifeguard.

Where may open-water scuba divers dive?

Only Orange Grove Sink. Open-water divers cannot carry lights. Proof of certification is required and solo diving is prohibited; consult the full official rules.

Does the park guarantee accessible water entry?

No such guarantee is established by the listed accessible picnic facilities and exhibits. Ask staff about the exact water-entry route before travel.

Highlights

Peacock Springs and Orange Grove Sink
Seasonal swimming access
Separate scuba restrictions
Interpretive walking trail

Unique Features

Underwater cave system
Park named for explorer Wes Skiles

Location & Area Map

Safety Information

Important Safety Tips

  • No lifeguard; supervise children closely
  • Check posted water restrictions and conditions on arrival
  • Swimming and snorkeling do not authorize cave entry
  • Follow the full official scuba rules and your certification limits

Cultural & Historical Context

Historical Background

The park was renamed in 2011 in honor of explorer and springs advocate Wes Skiles.

Photography Guide

Photo Opportunities

Photograph from permitted public areas without blocking access or entering closed water. Conditions may differ from older photographs.

Conservation & Ethics

Protect This Place

Use established access routes, leave rock formations undisturbed and keep wildlife at a distance.

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At a Glance

Best Time to Visit
Check current water access before choosing a date. Park hours do not guarantee swimming availability.
Difficulty Level
Natural water access. Ask staff about the specific entry route, depth and conditions; do not infer suitability for children or limited mobility from a park designation.
Fee
$4 per vehicle (up to 8 people); $2 pedestrians, bicyclists and extra passengers. Honor box requires exact change.
Facilities
Restroom facilities, picnic tables and grills, parking, interpretive trail. Accessible picnic facilities and exhibits are listed; this does not establish accessible water entry or an accessible entire trail.
Activities
Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving
Phone
386-294-3667

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

Do not plan an overnight stay without confirming available accommodation outside this day-use park.

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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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