Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Since 1950, when Josiah K. Lilly, the son of Indiana pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli K. Lilly, worked with the Florida Federation of Music Clubs to create the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, people have been coming to this attraction located in White Springs, Florida. Many visit just to learn more about Foster and "Old Folks at Home," which is Florida’s state song. The most important event to occur on these grounds is the Florida Folk Festival, which is the longest-running state-sponsored folk festival in the United States. When you visit this park, you can do many different things, including hiking and canoeing. It's located 13 miles northeast of Lake City, 66 miles west of Jacksonville and 110 miles northwest of St. Augustine, Florida, on the banks of the Suwannee River.
Spring 56-81 F
Summer 68-88 F
Fall 59-82 F
Winter 43-66 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
A great way to visit this state park and all the desirable spots in north-central Florida is in an RV. If you don't have one, then rent one on RVshare.com.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Campground
This campground is within easy walking distance of all the exhibits and activities that Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park has to offer. Rates start at about $20 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: No • Pet-friendly: Yes • Other amenities: Museum, display building, canoeing, hiking
Futter’s 4 Oaks RV Park
Relax at the quiet Futter's 4 Oaks RV Park, which offers a clubhouse with a TV. Rates start at about $27.50.
• Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: Yes • Other amenities: Clubhouse, bathhouse
Suwannee Valley Resort LLC
Live bands on the weekends and a restaurant are two of the amenities you'll find at this adults-only, clothing-optional resort. Rates start at about $20 per day at Suwannee Valley Resort LLC.
• Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: Yes • Other amenities: Live bands, restaurant, pool
White Springs RV Park
Rates start at about $28 per night at White Springs RV Park, which offers grass pads and an extremely helpful owner.
• Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: Yes • Other amenities: Shade tree, picnic tables
What to Do at
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Inside Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Listen to Foster tunes played on the Carillion Tower’s system and venture inside to see displays, including large murals, about many of this musician’s iconic songs. Visit the museum to learn even more about his life. Then, head outside to enjoy the eight miles of biking paths, fishing on the river, hiking along the high riverbanks, and paddling fun.
Outside Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
This state park is conveniently located near Interstate 75, so everything that north Florida has to offer is easy to access. You can also enjoy many local places to eat and shop. There are even a few nearby attractions that you'll want to visit.
Restaurants
Fat Belly's Bar and Grill
You'll love the "old timey" feeling of this restaurant, where you get great barbecue and catfish.
Type: Diner
Location: 16750 Springs St Us41 N, White Springs, FL 32096
Whistlin' Dixie Sweet Retreat
Grab your favorite deli sandwich and a milkshake at this small restaurant.
Type: Deli
Location: 16537 Spring St, White Springs, FL 32096
Southern Cravin's
Some of the best hamburgers and grilled fish in the area comes from this restaurant that also operates a food truck.
Type: Diner
Location: 16567 Springs St, White Springs, FL 32096
Marion Street Bistro & Brew House
Relax at this bistro that offers seafood, steaks, and other dishes along with drinks at a full-service bar.
Type: Diner
Location: 281 N Marion Ave, Lake City, FL 32055
Sonny's BBQ
Select from a wide choice of your slow-cooked favorites at this restaurant that serves barbecue sandwiches on garlic toast and meats with fresh-made cornbread.
Type: Barbecue
Location: 3177 West US Hwy 90, Lake City, FL 32055
Shopping
Chastain Jewelers
This store within the Lake City Mall offers all types of jewelry, including Pandora charms.
Location: 2469 W US Highway 90 Ste 130, Lake City, FL 32055
Gateway Art Gallery
Find art created by local artists and check Gateway Art Gallery's calendar to see about taking a class.
Location: 168 N Marion, Lake City, FL 32055
Rum 138
Buy a new recreational or fishing kayak from Rum 138. They also offer kayak rentals.
Location: 2070 SW CR 138, Fort White, FL 32038
Dive Rite
Check out this shop's innovative line of scuba diving equipment.
Location: 175 NW Washington St, Lake City, FL 32055
Agape Esthetics LLC
Get facials, body wraps, and other beauty treatments at this store.
Location: 1233 SW State Road 47, Lake City, FL 32055
Sightseeing
Big Shoals State Park
This state park has the largest whitewater rapids in Florida. During your visit, you can camp, bike, hike, fish, and enjoy many other activities.
Location: 1130 SE Co. Rd 135, White Springs, FL 32096
Falling Creek Falls
Pack a picnic to enjoy along the edge of this waterfall. You can also go hiking nearby.
Location: White Springs, FL 32096
Alligator Lake Public Recreation Area
Hike along an extensive trail system at this park, where you can also launch a kayak for swamp exploration, play on the playground and enjoy a picnic.
Location: 420 Southeast Alligator Glen Lake City, Florida 32025
Lake City- Columbia County Historical Museum
This history museum often hosts family-friendly special events, with many of them involving crafts.
Location: 157 SE Hernando Ave, Lake City, FL 32025
Lake De Soto
Go on a hike around the shores of this downtown lake, where you can see a variety of birds before enjoying a picnic.
Location: Lake City, FL 32025
How to Get to
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
It's easy to reach this park from White Springs, Florida. Start by heading to the west on Spring Street, which becomes Robert Street. Turn left on Camp Street, and it will turn right and become Southeast 164th Street. Turn left on Osceola Street. In about 0.3 miles, you'll need to turn a sharp left on Foster Barnes Drive. You will then be at the park.
Entering Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
The museum and tower at this state park are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Campers at the park campground can access camp facilities 24/7.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Per vehicle (up to eight occupants) : $5.0
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Per vehicle (single occupant) : $4.0
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Bicyclists, extra passengers, individuals with a pass-holder : $2.0
Reconnect with your favorite Stephen Foster music at this state park by listening to it played on the player piano and seeing the large dioramas. Then, plan an outdoor hiking and biking adventure before settling for the night in the campground. Perhaps you've visited the Florida Folklife Festival held annually every Memorial Day. You may even have relatives who were instrumental in raising funds to build this park. The team at RVshare wants to hear your story. If you've partaken in activities or visited the displays here, then share about them on your social media feed. Make sure to tag RVshare in your posts, or send your photos and stories to [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions About Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
The climate at the park is mild year-round with temperatures ranging from 41 degrees to 81 degrees. Temperatures are mild throughout the year, although it can get quite hot in the summer.
The Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park hosts a wide variety of wildlife including the gopher tortoise, box turtles, and white-tailed deer. If you enjoy bird watching, the park has wood ducks and many other feathered friends.
There are 45 RV and tent spots at the park. Some of the sites are pull-through and up to 100 feet long. There are also shorter back-in sites. All of them have water and electricity.
The sites at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park cost $20 per night plus tax with a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee. Reservations are required so be sure to call ahead.
The park follows Florida state policy for pets. Well-behaved dogs are welcome but they must be kept on a leash. They are also not allowed in cabins or other buildings.