According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, "geologists estimate that there are more than 700 springs in Florida, representing the largest concentration of freshwater springs on Earth." Campgrounds are located on site in several state parks featuring springs. Some are full service, accommodating RVs up to 50 feet in length, and some offer cabins or primitive campsites. Besides camping, Florida's springs offer snorkeling, canoeing and kayaking, concessions stands, convenience stores and nature trails. Reservations are always recommended.
Swimming
Swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of Florida's springs are popular pastimes. Blue Springs State Park in Orange City also offers scuba diving. Most of the campgrounds affiliated with springs are within walking distance of the spring itself. The 72-degree water can feel surprisingly cold on a hot Florida afternoon and many swimmers have to ease their way in. Bass, bream and turtles inhabit the springs and provide excitement for young campers. Alligators occasionally move into the springs from nearby rivers, but generally these large reptiles prefer warmer temperatures.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Canoeing and kayaking are popular pastimes, and campers can bring their own or rent them at Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon or Wekiwa Springs in Apopka. As you float downstream toward the pick-up sites, you may see deer, tropical birds, possums and bobcats. You are sure to see fish and turtles and are quite likely to see alligators lurking in the shallows or sunning on the river banks.
Full-Service Campgrounds
Rainbow Springs in Apopka offers a full-service RV park with a store, recreation room and laundry facilities. Manatee Springs in Chiefland, Blue Springs in Dunnellon and Wekiwa Springs in Apopka also provide RV camping. Pets are allowed at all of these parks, but they must be kept on a leash.
Cabins
Lafeyette Blue Springs in Mayo offers cabins for rent within the park, as does Fanning Springs State Park. Most cabins house up to six people and provide access for persons with disabilities. Reservations are highly recommended.
Primitive Camping
Most parks offer primitive camping sites and forbid vehicles in these areas. Campers can walk in or paddle in to these sites, which do not offer showers or other amenities that are available at the full-service campgrounds. Manatee Springs offers a primitive camp site for up to 30 youth overlooking the Suwanee River and reserves part of its full-service campground for tent campers. Wekiwa Springs offers an equestrian campsite for campers who want to ride their hoses in.
Wildlife Warnings
Blue Springs is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home to many manatees. However, the spring run is closed during manatee season (from mid-November through March) and swimming and diving with manatees is strictly prohibited. Manatees may appear at other spring runs, and while it is exciting to see manatees in the wild, campers must remember that they are protected and not try to approach the slow-moving mammals. Alligators live in the rivers near spring runs and may even come into the springs. Alligators can be dangerous and you should never throw food to them or try to approach them.
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