Established Camping
Alexander Springs Recreation Area
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
<strong>Public notice: </strong>Timucuan Trail and boardwalk are closed for repairs.The USFS is actively working on the design and rebuild process at this time.
<strong>Coming soon! </strong>1-Day Vehicle Reservations for Alexander Springs will be required on weekends and holidays May 25, 2024 through September 2, 2024. They will become available for purchase at 10:00 AM ET on May 10, 2024, then 14 days prior to the desired visit date, on a rolling basis. <strong>These will be required for entry on any weekend and holiday</strong>. Those without reservations will need to make alternative plans. The Alexander Springs Vehicle Reservations webpage is under construction and will be available soon. Please check for updates.
<strong>Public notice: </strong>Timucuan Trail and boardwalk are closed for repairs.The USFS is actively working on the design and rebuild process at this time.
About
National Forest
National Forests in Florida
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.
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. Fishing and canoeing are popular 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.
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.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (352) 669-3522.
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.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
Beautiful spring, pricey sites
The spring is walking distance from campground - we saw turtles, otters, and many fish while swimming in the spring. For the price, no electric or water hookups and the facilities were not well maintained. Sites are close together and campground can get noisy. Front desk staff are amazing, so friendly and knowledgeable. The springs are worth a visit, but campground is too expensive for what you get.
Friendly spot
Nice spring, large camp sites, clean and super friendly people here.
Beautiful springs
Nature trail and beautiful spring for swimming
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Location
Alexander Springs Recreation Area is located in Florida
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