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.