Alexander Springs
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. Some campsites are first come, first served. Others are reservable 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.