Alexander Springs Recreation Area Vehicle Access Reservation
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. Timed 1-Day Personal Vehicle Reservation tickets will be required on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays between and including Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Amenities include a walk-in store with snacks, beverages, and souvenirs, bathrooms with showers and changing stalls, picnic tables, grills, bear-proof storage, a swimming area, and two reservable pavilions and a canoe/kayak/SUP launch area.
Need to Know
- Entrance Times
Your 1-Day Personal Vehicle Reservation ticket guarantees your place for the entire day, starting no earlier than 8:00 a.m. You may exit and re-enter the park at any time.
- Reservation Requirements
The 1-Day Personal Vehicle Reservation pass reservation DOES NOT INCLUDE the per person entry fee. Daily per person entry fee will be paid at gatehouse prior to entering parking area.
- Pass Holders
Annual Spring Hopper Pass holders are still required to purchase a 1-Day Personal Vehicle Reservation ticket on select weekends and holidays.
- Hours
The location opens daily at 8:00 a.m. and the swimming area closes based on the length of the day. Staff will inform you of closing time upon arrival to the site and it will be posted.
- Entering the Area
Please have a printed or digital copy of your 1-Day Personal Vehicle Reservation entry reservation available to be verified at the gatehouse when you enter. Print or download your reservation to your phone prior to leaving a nearby town with cell service. There is limited cell service. ID required for 1-Day Personal Vehicle Reservation holders.
- Personal Vehicles Only
No RVs, trailers, travel trailers, boat/kayak/canoe trailers, or camper vans permitted. Vehicles must fit in a standard parking space. If you have any of these larger vehicles, please call the location directly for more information.
- Weather/Hazards
Conditions can change quickly. Regardless of weather conditions at the start of your day, come prepared. Dangerous wildlife is in the area frequently. There are no refunds due to weather.
- Area Regulations
No pets, glass, alcohol, or personal grills are permitted in the recreation area. Bags, wagons, coolers, etc. are subject to inspection.
- Campers’ Vehicles
If you have camping reservations, you must park at your campsite and not the day use area unless you purchase a 1-Day Personal Vehicle Reservation.
- Camper Access
Campers may access the recreation area only during their reservation. They may not arrive early nor stay after checkout to access the swimming area.
Booking Windows
1-Day Personal Vehicle Reservation for Alexander Springs Recreation Area will become available 14 days in advance of the entry date at 10a.m. ET.
Changes and Cancellations
Cancellations must be made up to 48 hours in advance of the entry time for refund minus $2 processing fee. Refunds must be processed through www.recreation.gov. No refunds for no shows, weather, or cancellations less than 48 hours in advance. Once printed, the ticket is considered issued, and modifications or cancellations will no longer be allowed.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
49525 County Road 445 Altoona FL 32702
Phone Number
(352) 669-3522
