Ginnie Springs Outdoors

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!

Wife and I decided to give Ginnie a try... We have read the reviews and listened to stories on Facebook about how it’s a No holds barred drinking paradise.

We went for a Monday-Wednesday stay. Primitive camping in our new roof top tent in an effort to avoid the pub crawl atmosphere. I love my camping to be primitive and quiet.

Entrance to camp ground is great. Camp store was very inviting and the workers very friendly with great advice.

Bath house is great and cleaned daily. In the age of COVID, you have to love the smell of bleach. Showers were great and the hot water flows extra steamy.

We stayed at a campsite along the river. Campsite includes a picnic table and a charcoal grill. Camp fires set up right on the ground. Although not needed, I like to have a campfire ring.

We loved the “tube trail” and visiting each of the spring on the property.

There was a group camping that were college kids and partying was their mission.

We chose a site several 100 yards down river and enjoyed solitude and picture perfect river scenery!

Ginnie is so large that if you simply drive through you can find the perfect site for you.

First I want to say that Ginny Springs is an absolute shit show! Like South Beach or Daytona during spring break. Especially in the summer. But that doesn’t mean that it isn’t really great, it is. 

Camping at Ginny is a right of passage for any Florida boy. Like my father who went to UF, I camped at Ginny springs as a kid and so did my son. It hasn’t changed much at all over the years except to become a little more crowded. It’s a true Florida experience. 

You can only make reservations in one area of the park with the water and electric hook ups. All others are first come, first serve. You simply drive around til you find an available site and claim your own piece of paradise. The sites along the river are the best. It’s private so if you envision a state park, its not quite like that but in many ways camping is camping. This is similar only more crowded. 

The campground with all the amenities is tight. There will be every form of camping from big rigs to people in tents and everything in between including refrigerator boxes(not really but not far from the truth). It is not quiet in any way and the partying never seems to stop. The kids will start riding their bikes, playing ball and flying drones in the AM so get your sleep while you can. 

The spring gets packed with tubers, floaters, coolers, kayaks, canoes, scuba divers and every other human powered vessel as well but that just gives Ginny it’s vibe. What most people don’t realize is that if you get to the spring EARLY in the morning you can have it mostly to yourself and that includes the spring run and river too! 

The biggest dichotomy of Ginny Springs is how can something with constant pressure and crowding over decades remain so incredibly beautiful? 

If you have an open mind and can adjust your schedule to work around some of the crowded and go with the flow when you can’t it’s hard not to have a great time and appreciate the beauty of this magical place! It is and will always be one of my favorite places.