water and electric campsites, which are located across from the park’s store. A reservation is not needed for primitive campsites, but they are first come, first serve. Since Ginnie is privately owned, there are few restrictions on visitors and is the only spring in Florida that allows alcohol. If you’re looking for a quieter day on the water or night camping, Ginnie may not be the best option for you. But if you’re looking to camp with a large group, they have 129 campsites, as well as a cabin, to accommodate many visitors at once.
Ginnie Springs
Ginnie Springs has been privately owned since 1971. When scuba diving grew in popularity, the owners opened the park to the public. Though the most dangerous caverns are now marked off from the public, Ginnie Springs is still a nationally renowned diving spot that is still largely popular today. In addition to diving, visitors can swim, paddleboard, kayak and tube along the Santa Fe River. The river contains various springs and sights to explore along the entirety of the waterway. If tubing, the run takes about an hour from start to finish. Being on a paddleboard offers the opportunity to explore, tie off for a snack or jump in for a quick swim. Personal equipment is allowed, or they have rentals available. Ginnie is also well known for camping. Visitors can make reservations for
mile from the starting point is blocked off from the main waterway, so you can paddle back and forth on the small run in the shallow water to get a hang of being on your board without the intimidation of a large course. Here, you can practice paddleboarding, tie off to a tree to have lunch on your board without a strong current in your way or have a quick swim in the shallows to cool down. In fact, this is where I learned to paddleboard! This is also a great spot if you have small children, as kayaking and paddleboarding can be very tiring. This spot will allow them to enjoy the activity without the commitment of a multiple-hour course, or for young children to be able to swim in shallow water.
GILCHRIST BLUE SPRINGS STATE PARK Located 25 miles south of Lake City and 20 miles northwest of Gainesville, Gilchrist Blue Springs contains ANASTASIA STATE a variety of natural PARK springs, including Though not a Florida Gilchrist Blue, a large spring, if you’re willing second-magnitude to make the drive to St. spring that produces an Augustine, Anastasia average of 44 million State Park will never gallons of water per day. Carly Meyers and Phillip Hill paddling to Rainbow disappoint. A pristine This spring has amazing Springs from Blue Run beach with warm, water clarity and discharges water clear waters, Anastasia is a haven for through a shallow spring run about one- both visitors and wildlife. Rentals of quarter mile to the Santa Fe River. paddleboards, sailboats, canoes and kayaks are available for guests without Other on-site springs include Johnson their own equipment, and there are Spring, Little Blue Spring, Kiefer Spring multiple launches to start at to paddle and Naked Spring, all of which provide up to the lighthouse and back. scenic views and outstanding, clear waters. The camping at Anastasia is one of the nicest spots we’ve ever stayed at. A short The main spring run is well known for a walk from the beach, the 139 campsites diversity of wildlife species, including offer water and power hookups, as well turtles and fish, some of which include as showers and restrooms for every spotted sunfish, largemouth bass, block of sites. bluegill and channel catfish. Though further from home, Anastasia Paddling, snorkeling and swimming are offered an entirely different view from all popular at the park. Other popular the waters we boarded closer to home. activities include camping, hiking, Not to mention, a day at the beach nature study and picnicking. The park once off the water was not a terrible does offer paddling equipment rentals if way to spend the day. The park is also you do not have your own. a 10-minute drive from Downtown St. Augustine, so there’s endless things to Gilchrist Blue is a great starter course do after a long day on the water. for paddleboarding. The first-quarter
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