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Alexander Springs Recreation Area

Only 27 first-magnitude springs exist in Florida, and Alexander Springs is by far one of the easiest to enjoy. A broad and naturally gently sloped spring pool is a constant 72°F and extraordinarily clear. Ripples play across the sand bottom as small fish dart about. Surrounded by a floodplain forest of maples, sweetgum and cabbage palms, this recreation area feels almost tropical.

Camping

67-unit campground accommodates tents and RVs up to 35 feet. All campsites require reservations by calling 1-877-444-6777 or at recreation.gov.
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period.
No electrical, water or sewer hookups. Hot showers and dump station.
Concessionaire sells snacks, groceries, ice, charcoal, firewood, beach items and personal items.

Backpacking

Alexander Springs is one of several refreshing stops along the Florida National Scenic Trail. A 0.5 mile blue-blazed trail leads from the camping area to the main Trail, which is blazed orange. Alexander Springs to Clearwater Lake is 9.7 miles south. Alexander Springs to Farles Lake is 7 miles north.

Boating

An on-site outfitter rents canoes for the paddle down Alexander Run into the Alexander Springs Wilderness. You’ll need to paddle back to the springs unless you’ve arranged for your own take out farther downstream.

Nature Viewing

Birding is fabulous along Alexander Run.

Picnicking

Plenty of picnic tables are available under the oaks, all within sight of the splashing fun of the springs.

Scuba Diving

Alexander Springs is the only place in the Ocala National Forest where scuba diving is permitted. Open water diving enables you to explore the broad mouth of the spring.

Swimming

Alexander Springs is one of the best swimming holes in the Ocala National Forest, with a gently sloped beach leading into the gently sloped spring basin.

Walking the Trail

Day hikers will appreciate the shady Timucuan Trail, a 0.9-mile interpretive loop with a boardwalk through a jungle of palms along the spring run and more challenging terrain leading into the Big Scrub.
Enjoy the beauty of a turquoise spring basin on a walk around Alexander Springs. A paved path leads along the south side of the basin from the canoe launch to the trailhead for the Timucuan Trail. There, the interpretive trail continues as a boardwalk through the lush palm hammock along the spring's edge to observation decks along the spring run.

Current Conditions

Expect full recreation sites during weekends. Have backup plans. Sites may close when capacity is reached.

Reservations

Campsites are available by reservation only - Call 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov

General Information

Amenities

Accessible picnic area and boardwalk portion of nature trail
Bathhouse with hot showers for swimmers
Drinking water
Interpretive site - Timucuan Trail through River Hammock
Parking
Picnic tables - shaded picnic area on a sloping hill down to the spring
Tent camping - nicely shaded sites
Toilets
Trailer camping - 67 sites

Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; may close later seasonally. Campers have 24-hour access to the gates with an access code.

All anglers must have a valid Florida Freshwater Fishing License and follow regulations of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Ocala National Forest Recreation Area Pass - Ocala National Forest/Springs Hopper Pass. The day use pass is $80 + tax/person; good from date of purchase through end of the year. It provides entrance to recreation areas managed by Naventure: Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Clearwater Lake, and Wildcat Lake. This pass is available for purchase from Naventure at Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs and Silver Glen Springs.

Pets are not allowed in the Day Use area: Forest Order #08-05-05-02-13-0207; 36 CFR261.58(s).

For more information on fees, please visit the concessionaire at www.naventure.com Fees are subject to change without notice.

Canoes and kayaks are available to rent at the concession stand. Limited quantity available.