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Ocala/Alexander Springs
Overview
Nestled within the vast greenery of the Ocala National Forest, Alexander Springs provides a refreshing retreat centered around a first-magnitude spring. Unlike more developed resorts, this destination offers a deep connection to Florida’s ancient landscapes. The spring remains a constant 72 degrees year-round, inviting visitors to enjoy the crystal-clear, turquoise waters that bubble up from the Earth. It is a place where the sounds of the forest replace the noise of the highway, making it a premier choice for those seeking a tranquil outdoor experience.
Location & Surroundings
Located in Altoona, FL, this recreation area sits on the eastern edge of the forest, surrounded by a dense canopy of cabbage palms and ancient oaks. The landscape is characterized by a mix of subtropical forest and wetlands, providing a unique backdrop for camping. The area feels remote and untouched, yet it remains accessible for those traveling through Central Florida. Visitors will find themselves immersed in a lush biological diversity that is characteristic of the Ocala region, offering a serene atmosphere away from the state’s busy coastal corridors.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground features 67 shaded campsites that accommodate both tents and RVs. While the park is known for its more rustic approach, it provides essential facilities including bathhouses with hot showers and flushing toilets. There is a convenient dump station available for RV travelers and shared water spigots throughout the loops. While sites do not offer individual electricity or water hookups, they provide a spacious, private feel under the forest canopy. A concession stand is located near the swimming area, offering snacks and gear rentals for a comfortable day by the water.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the spring itself, which is the only location in the forest where scuba diving is permitted. Snorkelers and swimmers can explore the rocky floor of the spring boil, while paddlers can launch canoes or kayaks to explore Alexander Springs Creek. For those who prefer land-based activities, the Timucuan Trail offers a 1.1-mile loop with interpretive signs explaining the local flora and history. Wildlife viewing is abundant here, with opportunities to spot turtles, diverse bird species, and occasionally alligators along the water’s edge.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for nature enthusiasts and families who prioritize natural beauty over luxury amenities. It is a perfect fit for RVers who enjoy boondocking-style camping or have a self-contained rig equipped for a few days without hookups. If you are looking for a place to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the environment, Alexander Springs offers an unparalleled experience. It is particularly suited for outdoor adventurers who want to spend their days swimming, hiking, and exploring one of Florida’s most iconic natural springs.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Joshua Andrade
Its a pretty place. You need a reservation to enter thru the park entrance. Pretty costly considering the multiple fees. The swimming area is shallow, about 2 to 3 feet and only gets deeper near the spring itself. The land space is appropriate to the number of parking spots. There is also camping, the spots are really nice and big but there was no power, at least not that I could see. Overall this was a nice day trip.
Alla Kozyrenko
Mixed impressions remained after visiting this place. First of all, I’d like to note that the link in the app where we purchased the vehicle reservation for directions was incorrect and took us to the middle of a field. It’s better to manually enter “Alexander Springs” into the navigator. It took us 48 minutes to get from the wrong location to the correct one. Another unpleasant surprise was that, in addition to the $22 vehicle reservation fee, we also had to pay $14 per person for entry. On the plus side — the area is great for picnics and barbecues, and the spring water has a beautiful turquoise color. I’d also like to highlight the work of the lifeguard, who spotted an alligator, warned people, and asked them to move closer to shore to give the alligator space to swim past.
Rosie
Absolutely loved swimming at Alexander Springs. The water is crystal clear and great to snorkel around the spring head. Got to see fish, turtles, and an otter. Highly recommend checking this place out!
Nita Patidar
Nice picnic area with benches and grills. They have pavilions for rent. During summer weekends and holidays they offer one day parking passes. So check that and plan accordingly. You need to pay per person at the gate. Swimming was fun. Need to mention clean restroom, shower and changing rooms. Great time with family and friends.
Ricci Diaz
A Perfect Family Day at Alexander Springs! We had an absolutely wonderful family day at Alexander Springs today! We arrived bright and early at 7:30 AM and were the first ones there, which was fantastic. This place is truly beautiful, tranquil, and incredibly pleasant. While the water is quite cool, it's so refreshing and fun to swim in! The atmosphere is very family-friendly, and we appreciated the amenities like showers, restrooms, picnic tables, and seating. One of the best parts was how un-crowded it was – practically empty! The weather was also perfect for a day outdoors. We did have an exciting moment when we first arrived: we spotted an alligator swimming in the designated swim area! It hung around for a bit, but once it moved on and it was safe, we happily got in the water. The staff were all very helpful and pleasant, and everything was kept spotlessly clean. We can't recommend Alexander Springs enough for a peaceful and enjoyable family outing!
Lisa Ameigh
WOW!! Been to multiple springs in Florida and Alexander Springs is one of the best. Camped there for 2 nights with an 8 and 13 year old and 2 pugs. The sites are spacious and private. The restrooms? Some of the best public restrooms I've ever used in terms of campgrounds. Very clean, big and roomy, well lit with showers and a kitchen sink to clean your gear. No bugs either, nothing worse then reaching for toilet paper in the middle of the night and grabbing spiders instead, not here! Rode our bikes to the spring for swimming. Water was nice and super clear with white sandy bottoms. The area to launch the paddleboard is to the left and outside the roped swimming area. The attendant informed us that dogs are allowed on that side so we brought our pugs on the boards. The river stretches miles with one small white sandy bottom shallow enough to stop and jump in for a quick dip, located just around the corner from the roped off area. We saw 2 alligators around the bend farther up from the swimming area. Paddling up stream wasn't too hard. Spring is closed for swimming in the evenings and opens back up in the morning, due to the wildlife. The large concession stand on the hill of the spring is only open on the weekends but the main gate has some stuff for purchase. $14 per person for day use but it's worth it.
Stephanie Spry
Nice and peaceful. Wasn't busy. Clean. Kayaking was very easy and relaxing even against current. Lots of rules though. Camping road is narrow and spots are narrow and your vehicles must be on black top. But they are nice and about 1/4 mile maybe less walking access to kayak launch (need wheels) No dogs in picnic/swim/boating area. No recylcing bins. Bear boxes in camp area.
Melissa Sanchez
Camped for a night, was a bit pricey around $47 but I was happy they had spots available! The water was perfect and it wasn’t too packed with people. Definitely coming back to kayak, hike, and spend more time in the water, It was soooo clear!!
Kirk Dodson
Just under $70 for my family of six to get into the park (discounted for two seniors, no discount for kids; $13 per person, about $9 for seniors). We were surprised to find so many parts of the park closed off to the paying public (be forewarned, we were not). Swimming in the spring was fun at least. We saw three little gators and lots of fish. We have no intention of going back as long as the park is contracted out for private profit and halfway closed as well.
Melissa Vande Brink
My daughter and I immensely enjoyed a day at Alexander Springs yesterday. The park has a beautiful area to swim with a large picnic area. The board walks are closed for maintenance, so we decided to rent a kayak/paddle board. A staff member can down and got the Kayak and paddle board ready for us. She was super nice and helpful as was the lady in the gift shop. We didn't get too far before a lightning storm came through, and we had to head back, but what we did see was absolutely breathtaking. We saw 3 baby gators, some turtles and lots of different kinds of fish. The park is well maintained and clean. The price of admission was, I believe, $13 a person. I can not wait to plan my next visit!