Ginnie Springs Outdoors

Beautiful but not appropriate for kids. High alcohol and drug use and high crime rate at times. Only electric golf carts no side by sides.

A perfect spot to camp and swim with your friends!!! This spot isn’t far from st Pete and is great for group camping! There is alot of space too!

This is clearly one of the best natural springs in all of Florida complete with 250 wooded acres of pure Florida wilderness. Not only does this site offer up more than 1 crystal-clear, freshwater spring to chose from(there’s a total of 7 for the singular admission price ($15-$20 for adults and$5 for kids (aged 5-12) depending upon season), but there’s also a lazy river to float down in an inner-tube, kayak or canoe. While I have been to plenty of springs all over Florida and Georgia, thus far, this is by far, the best run one. 

One of the best bits of this privately managed natural spring is that they are true capitalists and offer just about everything you can think of to buy or rent, this includes: snorkeling gear (masks, fins, wetsuits, dive flag, etc.) diving equipment(cylinders, fins, BC, regulator, octopus, weight belt, dive light, etc.), single or double inner-tube, paddles, volleyball, football, canoes, kayaks, paddle boards (but note that there is no pick-up service). Beyond a massive retail operation, there’s also a decent deli here offering up breakfast, sandwiches, hot dogs, appetizers, ice cream, snacks and drinks. 

Further afield, you’ll find a substantial number of river-front campsites seemingly spread out all over this entire water adventure land. You’ll see a decent smattering of covered picnic pavilions, sand volleyball courts, laundr-O-mat, country store, BBQ grills and some of the best kept restroom, shower facilities and heated, tiled bath houses of any campground I’ve been to (and I’ve been to quite a few). Another thing I really like – unlike any other campground is that check-in can be as early as 8am and you don’t have to depart until half hour before sunset the following day – that’s HUGE! You’ll want to note though that you have to be at least 18 to rent a campsite. You can only reserve specific sites for groups of 30 or more, otherwise, primitive campsites are first come, first served. 

While there’s basically 3 different primitive camping areas to chose from – The Out Back, Turkey Roost and Beaver Landing – it’s important you know a little bit about each for an EZ selection. To begin with, regardless of which one you select, know that each has plenty of space for even the largest of tents and the space between sites is decent, although there is nothing separating one site from the next – it’s basically wherever you want to plop your tent, you’re good to go. There’s scattered picnic tables and BBQ grilles all over the place (not necessarily one set per campsite, so get what you want by arriving early) and all three locations will give you a front row seat to the Sante Fe River as well as direct access to a few nearby springs and of course, nearby restroom and shower facilities. 

For those hauling their living rooms on wheels, there’s pull-through sites and a few back-in sites and all come with electric and water (requiring a reservation) – these sites are located just behind the main entrance / county store area. Upon exiting the park, there’s proper dump stations for disposal. For those not wanting to pitch a tent or roll-up in an RV, they do have cottage for let that sleeps up to 8 (3BR and 2 BA) where linens along with washer / dryer and fully-equipped kitchen are offered, along with A/C, central heat, large deck and charcoal grill – bonus: lodging fee includes daily park admission, but requires a 2-night minimum stay. 

Insider’s tips? Here's a few: (1) For all of you traveling with your pets, you will want to take note that Ginnie Springs is NOT pet friendly, so keep your animals at home (or hidden); (2) Unlike the state-run parks which prohibit not only alcohol but all forms of water bottles or beverage containers, there are no restrictions to what you can bring with you on a kayak or inner-tube here, so that’s another HUGE bonus to Ginnie Springs, but please, don’t take this as your opportunity to litter – do the right thing and dispose of your cans and bottles in the recycling bins!; (3) If you get tired of the scene at Ginnie Springs and want to explore other nearby springs, I suggest Devils Ear or Dogwood Springs – and of course, there’s Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park (see my review for particular details about this campground), which is pretty amazing too; and (4) While there is not much (or anything) around Ginnie Springs from a foodie standpoint, apart from its own deli (and that will get old very quickly), if you are looking for something decent that is nearby in High Springs, I highly recommend the sweet potato basket and cheeseburger egg rolls (don’t ask, just order and be prepared to be amazed) at the neon-lit Pink Flamingo Diner with its amazing craft beer selection, mini golf and live music. 

Happy Camping!