Alexander Springs- One of Florida’s Most Stunning Springs
Florida is home to some pretty incredible springs, and Alexander Springs just so happens to be one of the most beautiful! Alexander Springs is located in the Ocala National Forest. It is well known as a hotspot for camping, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Our favorite thing about this spring is the fact that it is super kid-friendly. It is the ultimate hangout for a sunny Florida day!
Our favorite part about Alexander Springs it that it is totally kid friendly. There are steps that lead down to the spring. This is a great spot for little ones to get acclimated to the temperature of the water. The water is a constant 72-degrees which can be quite an adjustment in the summer months. Once you’re in the water, it isn’t exceptionally deep (but still deep enough that they can swim). The launch site is also very close to the swimming hole, making it easy to go back and forth between the two.
Table of Contents
Are There Alligators in the Springs?
Yes! There are most definitely alligators in the springs. And snakes. In fact, a rule of thumb here in Florida is that you should assume that there is an alligator in every body of freshwater. That being said, alligators typically want nothing to do with you. They are completely content laying on the bank of the spring catching some rays. As long as you don’t approach them, you’re typically fine.
Even during the summer, when the springs are jam-packed with people, there will be alligators present. They tend to situate themselves outside of the run (where you can’t swim or tube) so that they don’t have to deal with you. Chances are, if you kayak, canoe, or paddle board, you’ll spot a gator sunning on the banks.
Where is Alexander Springs located?
The springs are a part of the Ocala National Forest. Alexander Springs is easily accessible as a day trip from Orlando, Daytona, and Jacksonville.
What is there to do at Alexander Springs?
This is an excellent site for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and diving. If you bring your own water vessels, there is a handy loading area at the head of the parking lot that makes it easy to unload your equipment. The park also has carts to help you transport your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to the launch site. There are kayaks and canoes available for rent, seasonally, at the concession stand.
Swimming, snorkeling, and diving is permitted in the designated areas.
There is a 0.9 mile interpretive trail called the Timucuan Trail. The loop consists of a shady boardwalk that travels through the forest along the spring run.
Nearby Springs
- Blue Spring State Park (15 miles)
- de Leon Springs State Park (22 miles)
- Juniper Springs (25 miles)
- Silver Glen Spring Recreation Area (27 miles)
- Salt Springs Recreation Area (37 miles)
- Wekiwa Springs State Park (40 miles)
Our Spring Essentials
Floats and Rafts
SportsStuff Noodler 2
River Run Inflatable American Flag 2 Person Tube Float with Cooler
Giant Flamingo Float
Giant Unicorn Float
More Fun Stuff!
Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Paddleboard (I swear by this one!)
Full-Face Snorkel Mask
Safety
Puddle Jumper Vest
Swim Vest
First Aid Kit
Skin Care & Insect Repellent
Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Towels & Swim Suits
Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s Boardshorts
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard
When is the Best time to Visit?
The springs are phenomenal year round! If you want a glimpse of the manatees, come during the winter (January and February seem to be peak times). If you want to kayak, canoe, or paddle board you can do so year round, but you’ll find it less crowded in the cooler months.
If you’re brave, you can swim year round. The water temperature is the same all year. Florida’s weather is really inconsistent in the winter. We can go from being in the 80s one day to the 50s the next. As long as you can handle the outside temperatures when you exit the springs, you can absolutely swim in the springs 365 days a year.
Visiting Information
Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; may close earlier seasonally. Campers have 24-hour access to the gates with an access code.
- Annual Day-Use Pass: $70 + tax
- Single Day-Use Fees: Weekdays $7 per person; weekends $10 per person.
- Campground Fees: $28 per campsite per night; $8.50 per extra vehicle per night (after two vehicles on campsite);
- RV Sewer Waste Station: $8.50 per registered camper; $10.50 per non-registered camper.
- Parking for Overnight Hikers: $6.50 per vehicle
- Group Shelter (day use): $51 per day
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