Caving in Florida
Caving in Florida
Cave & Cavern Locations for Spelunking in Florida
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Cave or Cavern: Dames Cave Falling Waters State Park Florida Caverns State Park Lost Bandana Cave Peace Cave Shirley’s Lost Calf Cave |
Location: Withlacoochee State Forest Chipley, Florida 3 miles north of Marianna, Florida Archer, Florida Withlacoochee State Forest Archer, Florida |
Additional caving (spelunking) locations in Florida will be added upon request or recommendation. Do you know of a cave or cavern in Florida? Please recommend a location for caving in Florida. Adventurers from around the world will benefit from your submission.
Caving, also known as spelunking, is the extreme sport of exploring caves. The world has a vast number of caves and not even half of them have been explored. Caving is a physical sport which may involve the following: climbing, walking, crawling, hiking, and swimming. Exploring unconquered caves is much more thrilling than exploring a cave where thousands of people have been. Many explorations take months of planning but spur of the moment trips are also possible if you have the necessary gear, knowledge of the cave and caving itself.
Caving can be very dangerous so adequate planning is required. Rescue attempts are difficult due to the terrain so be prepared in case of an emergency. Never go into a cave alone and without telling someone first. Preparation is extremely important when it comes to caving. That doesn’t just apply to having the correct gear, it also applies to your experience and knowledge of caves. Caving can be extremely dangerous and it’s not recommended you visit any cave without a guide, extensive research on the cave, mapping out your cave route beforehand and having the proper equipment. We are not responsible for your caving experience. We simply provide basic information about caves that is available throughout the internet.
Caves are natural wonders and should not be mistreated. DO NOT damage the natural creations caves have to offer. Unfortunately there are some who will ruin nature’s beautiful creations for future generations. Many caves have been closed to the public to preserve them due to disturbances to the cave and wildlife. This ruins the experience for future explorers so please be respectful of nature. Remember you may be entering into an animal’s home (bats, snakes, spiders, etc) and just like any home you visit all respect should be given. As always, do not leave any trash in the area of the cave; take more trash than you bring.
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There are at least 4 entrances accessible along trail 22. Three are near one another and the other is further east. Dames Cave is arguably the most heavily visited cave in the region. As a result, it has been mistreated by visitors. It’s easy to see why it’s also referred to as Vandal Cave. The walls are lined with spray painted slogans and damage to the cave can be seen throughout. |
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Peace Cave’s entrance is not easily recognizable but can easily found by the huge spray painted “peace” symbol on the oak tree by the entrance. Peace Cave hosts many visitors throughout the year and has resulted in mistreatment. Once a popular place for bats, this cave no longer has bat communities due to the fires and abuse by visitors. The walls are lined with spray painted slogans and the spelothems have been stripped from the cave. |
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Falling Waters State Park
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Florida Caverns State Park
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Florida Caverns State Park
Florida Caverns Cave Tour
Flooded caves: Underwater Florida – Wild New World – BBC History
Lost Bandana Cave, Archer, Florida
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