Swimming and kayaking opportunities draw visitors to Alexander Springs Recreation Area, where a large spring-fed swimming area connects to a scenic paddling run through Ocala National Forest. The 72-degree spring water maintains its temperature year-round, creating a popular destination for water activities and wildlife viewing.
Sites accommodate RVs up to 44 feet on paved surfaces with ample shade from the forest canopy. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring, though hookups are not available. Water spigots are positioned between every few sites for filling tanks and containers. Brian and Janet S. notes that "for the price, no electric or water hookups and the facilities were not well maintained," though campers consistently appreciate the proximity to the spring itself.
The spring area sits within walking distance of the campground, where swimmers often spot turtles, otters, and various fish species in the clear water. A boardwalk system provides access around the swimming area, while the spring run offers kayaking and canoeing opportunities. Scuba divers use the deep spring hole for training dives. The Florida Trail crosses the road from the entrance, providing hiking access into the broader forest. Campers can explore campgrounds around Ocala National Forest for additional options in the area.
Sites lack privacy between neighbors, and the campground can become crowded and noisy during peak periods. All sites require advance online reservations. Joshua W. found the "bathhouse was clean and adequate" during his stay. Summer months bring increased mosquito activity, so insect repellent proves essential for comfortable camping.
Description
Overview
Alexander Springs Recreation Area is located in the Ocala National Forest near the beautiful, turquoise waters of Alexander Springs. With forested scenery and abundant water, the recreation area offers camping, swimming, canoeing, scuba diving (for certified divers), hiking, birding and wildlife viewing.The Ocala National Forest, located in north central Florida, spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River, and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. If you are planning to visit the weekend of Memorial Day through Labor Day on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, you will be required to obtain a Vehicle Access Reservation.
Recreation
Visitors can swim, snorkel and dive year-round in the crystalline waters of the spring. The spring is the only place in the Ocala National Forest where scuba diving is permitted, and a broad and naturally gently sloped spring pool becomes a natural water park where visitors can picnic, swim and play. If you are planning to visit the weekend of Memorial Day through Labor Day on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, you will be required to obtain a Vehicle Access Reservation. Fishing and canoeing are p opular outside the swimming area. Anglers can bring a rod and reel and head down to one of the platforms along the Timucuan Trail to drop a line in Alexander Run. Visitors can rent canoes or bring their own and paddle down Alexander Run into the Alexander Springs Wilderness.Day hikers will appreciate a short interpretive trail on a boardwalk over the spring and through the palm trees. They can also access two segments of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail, which runs through the entire national forest.
Facilities
The camping area contains four loops of campsites within an easy walk of the swimming and picnicking area. The sites are shaded with level parking pads for RVs and plenty of space for tents. No hookups are available. Restrooms have flush toilets and showers. Camping necessities and firewood are available at a small general store.
Natural Features
Alexander Springs is among 27 first-magnitude springs in Florida, and is by far one of the easiest for visitors to enjoy. The water is a constant 72 degrees and extraordinarily clear with a sandy bottom. The area is subtropical, surrounded by a floodplain forest of maples, sweet gum and cabbage palms. Alligators, turtles, deer, raccoons, black bear and numerous birds make their home in the national forest.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (352) 669-3522.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors can explore the surrounding Alexander Springs Wilderness Area. A paddle down the spring run is the best option to explore the mosaic of hardwood swamp, hardwood forest and scrub habitats and spot the animals that live there. The Ocala National Forest is notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to both ATV enthusiasts and Jeeps, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters from around Central Florida. These opportunities are available within a short drive of Alexander Springs.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation. https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, gear rentals, or day-use fees.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
The Ocala National Forest is currently under stage 1 fire restrictions. Exemptions include developed campsites with Forest Service provided campfire rings and grills. Dispersed campers who wish to have fires must use propane; charcoal is authorized for grilling purposes. All residents must conform to the specifics of their county's burn bans. The USFS conforms to and may enforce county burn bans as authorized under; "CFR 261.5 (i) Violating any state law concerning burning fires or any state law that is for the purpose of preventing or restricting the spread of fire." USFS law enforcement can issue citations under this code.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsAlexander Springs Recreation Area is located in Florida near Astor
Directions
Alexander Springs Recreation Area is located along County Road 445 in the northeast corner of Lake County between Astor and Altoona, Florida. From I-75, take Highway 40 east through Ocala and Silver Springs approximately 40 miles to Highway 19. Go south on Highway 19 approximately 5 miles to Country Road 445. Go east on 445 for 5 miles to the campground. From I-95, take the Ocala/Silver Springs Exit (Highway 40) west for approximately 35 miles to Highway 19. Go south on Highway 19 approximately 5 miles to County Road 445. Go east on 445 for 5 miles to the campground.
Address
49525 CR 445
Altoona, FL 32702
Coordinates
29.0788889 N
81.58 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 5/31/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/13/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/31/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 5/31/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/13/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/31/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 52 min from Ocala, FL
- 52 min from Wildwood, FL
- 54 min from Deltona, FL
- 1 hr 6 min from Orlando, FL








































