25 beautiful Florida springs within driving distance of Tampa Bay

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

1502 S.E. Kings Bay Drive, Crystal River, (352) 563-2088, Free
The only refuge created to protect the threatened Florida Manatee, it provides a critical habitat for the manatees to migrate to each winter. Photography is popular at this site which can be done from above on the Three Sisters Boardwalk or underwater. No camping is available at the refuge, but sites are offered nearby at the Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park.

Photo via Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

7450 NE 60th Street, High Springs, (386) 454-1369, starting at $24 per night
The newest addition to the Florida State Parks is comprised of 25 campsites, 17 of which are fitted for RVs, and has not one but 5 available springs. Swimming, snorkeling and hiking are popular activities at each pool. Amenities include a picnic pavillion for larger parties and restroom facilities around the park.

Photo via Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

Ginnie Springs

7300 NE Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, (386) 454-7188, starting at $22.43 per night
From swimming to scuba diving and tubing down the Santa Fe River, Ginnie Springs has made a name for itself among Florida residents. As for camping, the park offers 121 sites, both primitive and electric, a water dumping station for RVs, restrooms, showers, a laundry room and a fully furnished cottage.

Photo via Ginnie Springs/Facebook

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

12087 SW U.S. Highway 27, Fort White, (386) 497-4690, starting at $6 per vehicle
Known best for its warm weather tubing experience, the Ichetucknee River also offers canoeing, kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing and eight major springs that join together to create the 6-mile river run. Although no camping is offered on site, River Run campground, Ichetucknee Family Canoe and Cabins, and Ichetucknee Springs campground.

Photo via Ichetucknee State Park

Weeki Wachee Springs

6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, (352) 592-5656, starting at $31 per night
From tubing. to river boat cruises, to live mermaid shows Weeki Wachee Springs is a great staycation destination. Several weekend and week-long camps are offered, including a junior mermaid camp. Although there is no onsight camping, there are nearby options such as Cody’s RV Park and Camp-A-Wyle Lake resort.

Photo via Weeki Wachee Springs/Facebook

Blue Spring State Park

2100 W French Avenue, Orange City, (386) 775-3663, starting at $24 per night
Not to be confused with the Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, this campground has 51 sites complete with water, electricity, picnic tables and a grill for both RV and tent use. For those more interested in “glamping”, cabins are also available. Although swimming or boating with them is not permitted, Blue Spring is known for its abundance of manatees and can be spotted from shore.

Photo via Blue Spring State Park

DeLeon Springs State Park

601 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, De Leon Springs, (386) 985-4212, starting at $6 per vehicle
Apart from the beautiful spring, De Leon is also famous for its featured restaurant where guests can cook their own pancakes. Boat tours, hiking, swimming, snorkeling and fishing is also offered as well as rentable picnic pavilions with tables and grills. Camping is available nearby at Hidden Valley Park, YMCA Camp Winona and Highland Park Fish camp.

Photo via DeLeon Springs State Park

Fanning Springs

18020 NW HWY 19 Fanning Springs, (352) 463-3420, starting at $5 per night
Located along the Suwannee River, visitors have the choice between primitive camping and staying in one of the park’s two bedroom cabins. Swimming, volleyball, snorkeling and boating is available, along with several other outdoor activities. Guests are also encouraged to spot wildlife such as white-tailed and pileated woodpeckers along the cypress-lined boardwalk and jump off the dock into the spring below.

Photo via Fanning Springs State Park

Alexander Springs Recreation Area

49525 County Road 445, Altoona, (877) 444-6777, starting at $24 per night
Located in the Ocala National Forest, this campground offers ample space for tent camping and level parking pads for RVs, as well as a small general store and restrooms complete with flush toilets and showers. Guests can swim, dive, and canoe as long as they keep their eye out for gators.

Photo via Aelxander Springs Recreation Area/Facebook

Hart Springs

4240 SW 86th Avenue, Bell, (352) 463-3444, starting at $20 per night
One of the largest spring-fed swimming areas in the state of Florida, Hart Springs is a family-oriented experience accessible by car or boat. Pitch a tent at one of their primitive sites, located under a canopy of granddaddy oaks, or for an additional $5 a night take advantage of their RV sites with full hook-up. Canoe, kayak and paddle board rentals are available, as well as a shuttle service to and from the spring.

Photo via Hart Springs

Homosassa Springs

4150 S. Suncoast Boulevard, Homosassa, (352) 628-5343, starting at $30 per night
From manatees and alligators to the the endangered Florida panther this campground is bustling with wildlife. Additionally guests can request boat tours, go on picnics and partake in a unique underwater dome, which allows visitors to “walk underwater” beneath the spring’s surface and watch the various fish and manatees swim about. Camping is available nearby at the Homosassa River Carefree RV Resort, and Nature Resort Campground.

Photo via Homosassa Springs State Park

Juniper Springs Recreation Area

26701 E. Highway 40, Silver Springs, (352) 625-3147, starting at $22 per night
One of the oldest spring parks on the East coast, Juniper is one of the best known recreation areas in Florida. Located between Ocala and Ormond beach the site offers swimming, hiking trails and campgrounds. No full hook-up sites are available, but all sites are shaded and equipped with a picnic table, grill, campfire ring, lantern post and space for tents. Other amenities include include hot showers, flush toilets, a dump station and a convenience store with camping supplies.

Photo via Juniper Springs Recreation Area/Facebook

Lithia Springs State Park

3932 Lithia Springs Road, Lithia, (813) 744-5572, starting at $24 per night
The campground offers 44 sites suitable for both tents and RVs complete with electrical, water and shower services as well as restrooms, picnic shelters and grills. From swimming in the springs, to hiking the surrounding trails, guests can enjoy a quiet stay.

Photo via Lithia Springs Park/Facebook

Manatee Springs

11650 NW 115 Street Chiefland, (352) 493-6072, starting at $20 per night
True to its namesake, on top of the usual springs activities and hiking trails Manatee Springs is also an ideal location for spotting manatees in the winter months. The park features 80 campsites, each with their own hot shower restroom, electricity, water and a short walk from the springs.

Photo via Manatee Springs State Park

Otter Springs

6470 SW 80th Avenue, (352) 463-0800, starting at $13 per day
This 636-acre spring area offers electric sights for RVs and tents, three fully furnished and equipped cabins, a stilt house, and primitive tent camping for those looking to rough it. The campground's centerpiece is the Otter Springs natural pool, but also offered is hiking, fishing, and a heated pool pavilion with wifi.

Photo via Otter Springs/Facebook

Rainbow Springs

19158 SW 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, (352) 465-8555, starting at $30 per night
All campsites are equipped with water, electricity and a complete hook-up and amenities include a recreation hall, showers and restrooms, laundry and a playground. Guests can access the river from the campground to fish, swim and paddle. Guests can also rent canoes and kayaks on site.

Photo via Rainbow Springs State Park/Facebook

River Rise Preserve State Park

373 Southwest US Highway 27, Fort White, (386) 454-1853, starting at $5 per night
Surrounded by quiet woods and trees, this campground is perfect for guests searching a peaceful getaway. The park offers approximately 35 miles of multi-use trails that can be used biking, hiking or equestrian use. The area contains a 20-stall horse barn, available on a first come, first serve basis, a restroom with showers and two fire circles. There are no electric or water hookups in this camping area.

Photo via River Rise Preserve State Park

Rock Springs State Preserve

30601 County Road 433, Sorrento, (407) 884-2009, starting at $5 per night
With 17 miles of trails, guests can explore the site on foot, by bike or even by horse. As for camping, the park offers primitive camping sites only accessible by canoe only and equestrian camping complete with horse corrals, stables, and posts for tethering. There is also recreational vehicle and trailer parking. Amenities include a restroom with showers and a grill. All spots are first come first serve.

Photo via Rock Springs Run State Preserve

Salt Springs

Fort McCoy, (877) 444-6777, starting at $20.50 per night
Located in the Ocala National Forest, Salt Springs is the only campground in the area to offer trailer camping as well as tent camping. Canoe rentals are available at the marina, swimming is permitted within the marked boundaries and fishing is allowed with a license.

Photo via Salt Springs Alliance/Facebook

Wekiwa Springs

1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, (407) 884-2009, starting at $24 per night
Complete with miles of trails to be explored, Wekiwa is a local favorite. A variety of different camping experiences are available, from RV and primitive tent sites, to horse-friendly spaces off the equestrian trial. Every wooded site has water and electrical hook-ups, a fire ring with a grill and a picnic table, and some even come with a complete hook-up for trailers. Amenities include two restrooms with showers and a Ranger Station with firewood for sale.

Photo via Wekiwa Springs State Park