Camper submitted image from Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground - 1

Camper submitted image from Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground - 2

Camper submitted image from Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground - 3

Water

Camper submitted image from Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground - 4

People

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Activities

Established Camping

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground

22 Reviews

About

State Park

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is the newest addition to Florida State Parks!

The park contains a collection of natural springs, including a large second magnitude spring that produces an average of 44 million gallons of water per day. This spring, known as Gilchrist Blue, has outstanding water clarity and discharges water through a shallow spring run about one-quarter mile to the Santa Fe River. The other named springs on-site are Little Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Kiefer Spring and Johnson Spring.

The most significant ecological habitats within the park include the spring run stream and floodplain communities. The main spring run is renowned for its support of a diversity of wildlife species including turtles, fish and invertebrates.

Paddling, snorkeling and swimming are all popular at the main springhead and spring run. Pavilions are available and a concession stand provides food and beverage service. Other popular activities include hiking, nature study and picnicking.

The park features 23 campsites: 16 sites for RV/tent camping (30 amp available) and seven tent-only camping.

For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.

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Location

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground is located in Florida

Directions

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is located in Gilchrist County about 5 miles to the west of High Springs, FL off NW 182nd Ave. (CR340) in the north central part of the state along the Santa Fe River. The park is located 25 miles south of Lake City and about 20 miles to the northwest of Gainesville.

Address

7450 NE 60th St
High Springs, FL 32643

Coordinates

29.829409 N
82.683645 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Stay Connected

WiFi
Fair
Verizon
Available
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Poor

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

For information regarding reservations, contact this campground directly.

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Contact

General Info

Reservations

CM M.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 16, 2023

Tough reservation to get, but well worth it

This state park is booked out almost every weekend for months in advance, but it is definitely worth visiting. Sandy campsites are perfect for smaller RVs and tent camping. The sites are a close together, but everyone was respectful of each others space. Facilities are average, but clean. Easy walk to the spring and boat launch. Sites are right next to the day use area so it can be a bit loud by mid-morning. I’d recommend coming during the fall or on a weekday to avoid some of the crowds.

Site02

Month of VisitNovember

Stuart K.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2023

Hidden Gem in Natural Springs Playground

While quite a few of the natural springs you’ll find here in Florida contain a Disneyworld-like level of crowds and subsequent infrastructure, here at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, you’ll discover a nice intimate and charming little natural springs environment. Add to this the campground options that it provides, you’ll find that here you can actually ‘have your cake and eat it too.’ Unlike many SPs with natural springs, more than nought, one needs to find campgrounds that are nowhere near the springs themselves, so Gilchrist will deliver in spades here, although, not without some compromises (more on this shortly).

As for amenities, first and foremost, this open campground spans about 2 football fields with shrubbery and most of the trees on the periphery – and nothing on the interior, apart from a few scattered trees. Of course, you’ll find the requisite fire rings, scattered BBQ grills, picnic tables and standard hook-ups for RVs (electric, water and sewage). But this place offers up so much more from bicycle paths, boat ramps, geo-seeking, mountain biking non-paths, both traditional and primitive camping options, tons of birding, hiking paths, tubing, star gazing, scuba diving, boat tours, picnicking, horseback riding and watercraft rentals (which were very affordable by the hour and full day). There’s a beach, campfire circles, concession stand, on-site restaurant, fort, wheelchair accessibility, gardens, water fountains, restrooms and shower facilities (very basic and not terribly clean), swimming pool, nature trails, etc. OK, I think that this was pretty exhaustive, yes?!

Here at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, you’ll actually feel like you are out in the middle of nature. Its rustic charm, combined with spacious campsites helps one sit back, relax and exhale a bit easier. One fairly huge downside though is that this campground does not offer much privacy between campsites – so you will literally see any and everything from ALL of your neighbors, no matter how close or far they may be. While a bit irksome, if that doesn’t totally bother you, then everything else is pretty much amazing. The greatest advantage, of course, is planting your tent just a stone’s throw to the actual spring, where you can either go for a swim, snorkel or dive and for those bringing kayaks, canoes and other light watercraft, it’s so easy to access the spring, that if you’re not careful, your paddleboard might just sneak off without you!

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) As with most popular (and even unpopular) natural springs in the state of Florida, it can get quite jam packed here on weekends as well as with major holidays, so get here early – but note: if you are a registered camper already, then you will be admitted entrance no matter how busy it gets; (2) Recently this SP has removed its dump station, so be prepared to carry out whatever you bring in; (3) While you’ll certainly want to spend a decent amount of time at Blue Spring itself, be sure to get out beyond this shallow spring to float among the currents of the Sante Fe River; and (4) Don’t be fooled by the amazing spring you are swimming in – there’s four other nearby springs to explore: Johnson Spring, Naked Spring, Kiefer Spring and Little Blue Spring.

Happy Camping!

Month of VisitSeptember

(10) View All

Denny S.

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 19, 2023

Nice sandy campground with a great natural spring

At about 20$ with electric and water plus a shower house and a natural spring that stays 72* all year around you just can't go wrong. The sites are pretty close together so you hear your neighbors and there's no privacy between them. Friendly staff and there's sand volley ball plus an area that looks to be for music possibly.

Site12

Month of VisitFebruary

(6) View All

Steve G.

Legend

Reviewed Apr. 18, 2022

Marvelous little campground very close to the Springs

This is off the beaten path a bit, just out of High Springs Florida. The RV campsites are relatively small with little space between them. The campers there were quiet and respectful. The tent sites, however, are tremendously spacious by comparison. The whole area is beneath shady live oak trees. There is a little camp store that was not open during my visit there. Kayaks were available for rent. The rangers were wonderful folks and very helpful. They told me that I was there during a "very wet time" with a lot of standing water = MOSQUITOS! They are not normally a bother at this campground, but they were when I was there.

Site15

Month of VisitMay

(23) View All

Andy L.

Scout

Reviewed Dec. 2, 2021

Amazing Outdoor Experience

My girlfriend and I camped out at this site and we completely fell in love with it. The place is overly beautiful and the spring is amazing.

Month of VisitNovember

Angel E.

Traveler

Reviewed Nov. 2, 2021

Good and quiet

Good place and beautiful blue spring lake. Poor tmobile signal

Site004

Month of VisitNovember

(6) View All

Lindsey H.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 24, 2021

My favorite spot!

Gorgeous spring, great for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. Kayak rental onsite as well as some concessions. Limited cell service but WiFi available near ranger station. Everything is in walking distance. Rangers are super friendly and helpful. Lots of locals grilling out on the weekends and kids, fun atmosphere. Bathrooms are a bit rough. 17 is a huge site, also stayed at 4

Site17

Month of VisitNovember

(5) View All

Richard B.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 26, 2021

Odd but the spring makes it up

Sites are not level and hook ups are in weird locations. Very close the spring. Bathhouse is shared with the day use people.

Site15

Month of VisitOctober

Daniel S.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 9, 2021

If the springs are closed, it is sad

So apparently every so often the Sante Fe river floods out this spring with no warning. We checked the website the morning we left all was well. By the time we drove 2.5 hours to get there it was brown and murky and unusable. Sadly the spring is the only reason to camp there and with no warning system we wasted a lot of traveling for no reason. The place was a ghost town everyone left. Other cons… 1.5 mile very uneven dirt road with big bumps and trenches. Beat the heck out of my camper just trying to get there. Entrance to campsites once inside not maintained any better my minivan barely had clearance to reach campsites. The springs are beautiful when open but in my opinion not worth the risk traveling to unless you are very local. Campsites very blah very close very basic. We left after about 30 minutes.

Site6

Month of VisitSeptember

Ashlee R.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 2, 2021

SO close to the spring

The proximity to the spring is what did it for me! We stayed in site 1 and it could see the spring from our RV. The staff was friendly and the park host was so full of information. In all, we enjoyed the stay. One note: site 1 in particular requires a looooooong hose. The hookups are all over the place and we couldn’t even use water because of that. The bathrooms are public for spring goers and since the space is a lot of dirt, they got dirty quick. That would be our only downside. Otherwise, great park, beautiful spring, we walked the trails, and enjoyed our time there.

Site1

Month of VisitAugust

(5) View All

John R.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 23, 2021

Great place, but make sure to check weather first

We loved camping here, but the hurricane caused the springs to flood and they were unswimmable muddy brown. And it was 98 degrees outside. Beautiful place, but make sure the springs are open before you go!!! Especially if it’s hot 🥵!

Month of VisitAugust

(7) View All

Jenn B.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2021

Beautiful Spring

Sites are small. Spring is gorgeous - you can swim, yak, canoe, and SUP. Be aware of the electric situation - might need converter. Some trails. Bathrooms need updating. Not privacy between sites.

Site10

Month of VisitAugust

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Christian D.

Legend

Reviewed Apr. 10, 2021

Camp in a beautiful spring state park

Campground close to the spring. Beautiful place. Not a lot of privacy. Amenities okay.

Site01

Month of VisitApril

Christina

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 6, 2021

Hidden gem! Not fancy, but fantastic

Have waited six months into our RV life to start reviews for fair comparisons. Stayed 2 nights in 35 foot RV+tow car in site#14 at$23/night. At the time, this was our cheapest per night stay and one of our absolute favorites. New small state park. There is a long dirt road to get in but was very manageable. Same with the sites(sand) which made us a bit nervous looking at it that we would get stuck, but no issues. Did have some issues trying to level. The springs were gorgeous to look at and we even took a swim. You can rent kayaks as well. Not extensive, but very nice hiking paths through the forest. Could hear owls occasionally although never saw one. The sites were close and in“corrals” but something about it made it feel nicer. Can’t explain it. Just great feel to this park. The tent area was also very nicely laid out. Highly recommend!

Site14

Month of VisitFebruary

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Perry J.

Legend

Reviewed Feb. 12, 2021

All About The Water

This is one of the first places I ever camped as a kid. The springs here were always magical to me and still are. A lot has changed over the years, especially with the influx of people and the pressure on our environment. I was here the day Florida State Parks took over this property from the private owners. I was relieved that this spring wouldn’t go into private hands so others could enjoy it like I do.

This being one of Florida’s newest parks is very unlike the others in terms of facilities as little has changed since Florida State Parks took over the property. The health of the springs has improved significantly by limiting some of the public access there once was when the springs were private. The boardwalk that once went the length of the spring run down to the Sante Fe River is gone, and so is the diving platform into the spring I remember from my youth.

Understand before you come here, this place is about the water, not the facilities. The park is small by Florida State Park standards, roads are sand, sites small and not private at all. The bath house at the camp grounds is open to day visitors as well in addition to being quite old and“tired”. There are only about 30 camping sites so it is difficult to get in and we mostly rely on last minute trips by cancellation.

The vibe is great however, at least for me. The big rigs found at many state parks are replaced mostly by tent campers, smaller trailers and those embracing the Van Life. People don’t usually hang out here for weeks, rather drop in for a night or two then move on so it is much more transient.

I’ll welcome the day that Florida State Parks will make the improvements to the property they envision like improving the camping area, adding a dump station, paving some of the roads etc. but at the same time I appreciate how it still is what it once was, the facilities were ALWAYS second to the water here and this spring and accompanying spring run is unmatched for beauty.

Site6

Month of VisitMarch

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Chelsea C.

Traveler

Reviewed Dec. 20, 2020

One of Florida’s most beautiful springs

We camped here in our 32’ Bluebird skoolie, Hypatia, on a Friday night in December. It was cool and grey out so the spring was empty although the campgrounds were busy. This is one of the most gorgeous springs in Florida, a must-see for nature enthusiasts.

Sandi

Traveler

Reviewed Nov. 30, 2020

Amazing

Amazing pristine spring with paddling gateway to many other springs via the tannin santa fe river. Great campground, family atmosphere. Amazing town nearby.

Livi T.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 27, 2020

Friendly and beautiful

Visited here over the summer. The spring was absolutely beautiful and had a great priced kayak rental. I will definitely be coming back again

Jenn B.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 27, 2020

Amazing Spring, Small Sites

This spring is one of the newer State parks in Florida. The bathrooms need updating. The sites are small. The electrical boxes are limited to amp hookup. The spring is AMAZING!!! When you camp here you can use the spring before and after those who come for day use (there are a lot). I’m the evenings we had the spring to ourselves. There are hiking paths. You can rent canoes, kayaks, and SUP. They do not sell firewood or ice here.

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Ilena R.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 7, 2020

Brand new Spring Park in Florida

We stayed in this park in the month of November and although the weather was cool we really had a great time in the River. It’s a small park and RV sites are shared with tent sites. It’s has a beautiful spring that you can either swim in or go down the River in kayaks or canoes( bring your own or rent at the park). Please note that there are daily visitors and can get crowded during the day. Only one bathroom on the site that is shared with daily visitors. Great trails and beautiful nature walks.

Month of VisitDecember

Tara “the Bear clan” B.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 21, 2020

The Bear clans adventure.

Beautiful place! We can’t wait to go back. My phone died so I didn’t get pic’s of everything.

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Denise G.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 10, 2019

Awesome Swimming Hole

We didn't stay here but enjoyed it as a day use facility. The spring is MAGNIFICENT! We swam, floated, dove, and played in the sand. The Swimming area around the spring was nice and sandy and graded, not just rocky and/or deep some of the other near by springs. There were pavilions and picnic tables spread out around the swimming area, there was some shade, and a little beach area to throw a blanket on and tan.

As the newest acquisition of FL State Parks, there were some things that need to be brought up to par. Getting down to the spring was a bit haphazard as the terraced steps had been washed out, leaving you to have to step over exposed retainer boards. The bathhouse had been cleaned and touched up, but were still pretty dilapidated. We drove through to check out the camp ground, it is pretty small but well shaded. There currently isn't a Dump station on site.

The State Park web site: Indicates that they are Planning for Amenity upgrades.https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ruth-b-kirby-gilchrist-blue-springs-state-park

Month of VisitAugust