Alexander Springs Recreation Area

National Forests in Florida

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.

If you are planning to visit the weekend of Memorial Day through Labor Day on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, you will be required to obtain a Vehicle Access Reservation.

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.

Notifications and Alerts

Public notice: Timucuan Trail and boardwalk are closed for repairs. The USFS is actively working on the design and rebuild process at this time.

Need to Know

If you are planning to visit the weekend of Memorial Day through Labor Day on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, you will be required to obtain a Alexander Springs Recreation Area Vehicle Access Reservation.
Campers can check in at 2:00 pm must check out by 11:00 am. We do not accomodate early check-ins or late check-outs. If you arrive early, you will be required to pay the per person admission fee to access the site. If you remain after checkout, you will be assessed a late fee for occupying the site or will be required to pay the per person fee to access the swimming and picnic area.
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators are not allowed to run during quiet hours.
Campsites are resrticted to 2 tents, 2 vehicles (campers included), and 5 persons.
Campground gate is locked at 8 p.m. during Daylight Savings (Mar - Oct) and 6 p.m. (Nov - Mar). Campers who check-in after the gatehouse is closed must visit the Gatehouse the next morning to complete their check-in to their site. Failure to do so will lead to a 'no show' charge to your reservation and potential forfeiture of site.
Extra vehicles will be charged a per-vehicle, per-night fee
Bears and raccoons frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers. Failure to comply with this regulation can result in immediate ejection from campground without refund.
Alligators inhabit the area; use caution with pets
Dogs/pets are allowed in campground only and must be leashed and supervised at all times. No dogs/pets allowed in day-use area, bathrooms, boardwalk and canoe run.
Click here for more information about Ocala National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
We ask that guests be courteous of one another and limit floats in the swimming area to under 60 inches across.

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.

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.

If you are planning to visit the weekend of Memorial Day through Labor Day on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, you will be required to obtain a Vehicle Access Reservation.

Fishing and canoeing are p opular 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.

Changes & 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.

Contact Information

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49525 CR 445 ALTOONA FL 32702

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 352-669-3522

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving 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.

Available Campsites

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