Alexander Springs Recreation Area
Campground · Florida · 66 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Ocala National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 66
- Bookable sites
- 44 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 25
- People per site
- 4
- Accessible sites
- 38 ft
- Elevation
Overview
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.
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.
Facilities
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.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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (352) 669-3522.Charges & 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.
The facts
- 66 bookable sites
- 69 sites in total, including non-bookable
- 2 sites for day use only
- 4 accessible sites
- Vehicles up to 44 ft
- Up to 25 people per site
- Loops: DAY USE, LOPA, LOPB, LOPC, LOPD
Site types
- 64 Standard Nonelectric
- 3 Management
- 2 Group Picnic Area
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Grills
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups.
69 campsites at Alexander Springs Recreation Area
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Grade | Access | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | DAY USE | Group Picnic Area | — | — | — | Hike In | — | 25 | |
| B | DAY USE | Group Picnic Area | — | — | — | Hike In | — | 25 | |
| 001 | LOPA | Management | Back In | Paved | — | — | 35 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 002 | LOPA | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 34 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 003 | LOPA | Management | Back In | Paved | — | — | 35 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 004 - Handicap Accessible | LOPA | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 20 ft | 5 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 005 | LOPA | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 30 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 006 | LOPA | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 37 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 007 | LOPA | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 40 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 008 | LOPA | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 40 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 009 | LOPA | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 35 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 010 | LOPA | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 25 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 011 | LOPA | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 30 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 012 | LOPA | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 37 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 013 | LOPA | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 35 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 014 | LOPA | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 35 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 015 | LOPB | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 25 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 016 | LOPB | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 35 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 017 | LOPB | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 33 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 018 | LOPB | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 25 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 019 | LOPB | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 30 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 020 | LOPB | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 20 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 021 | LOPB | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 35 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 022 | LOPB | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 20 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 023 | LOPB | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 33 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 024 | LOPB | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 35 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 025- Handicap Accessible | LOPB | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 25 ft | 5 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 026 | LOPB | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 35 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 027 | LOPB | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 35 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 028 | LOPB | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 25 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 029 | LOPB | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 21 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 030 | LOPB | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 44 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 031 | LOPB | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 21 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 032 | LOPC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 20 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 033 | LOPC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 30 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 034 | LOPC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 35 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 035 | LOPC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 25 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 036 | LOPC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 21 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 037 | LOPC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 30 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 038 | LOPC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 25 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 039 | LOPC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Severe | — | 25 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 040 | LOPC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 27 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 041 | LOPC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Severe | — | 35 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 042 | LOPC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 27 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 043 | LOPC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 28 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 044 | LOPC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 25 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 045 | LOPC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 27 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 046 | LOPC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 30 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 047 | LOPC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 27 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 048 | LOPC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 29 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 049 - Handicap Accessible | LOPC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 35 ft | 5 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 050 | LOPD | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 31 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 051 | LOPD | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 25 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 052 | LOPD | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 29 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 053 | LOPD | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 31 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 054 | LOPD | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 30 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 055 | LOPD | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 30 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 056 | LOPD | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 25 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 057 | LOPD | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 35 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 058 | LOPD | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 20 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 059 | LOPD | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 23 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 060 | LOPD | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 35 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 061 | LOPD | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 27 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 062 | LOPD | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 30 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 063 | LOPD | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 24 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 064 | LOPD | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 31 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 065 | LOPD | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 35 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 066 - Handicap Accessible | LOPD | Management | Parallel | Paved | Slight | — | 18 ft | 5 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 067 | LOPD | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | 20 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
Getting there
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.
29.07889, -81.58000 · 29°4'44.0"N 81°34'48.0"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 3.1 | 2.5 | 3.1 | 2.7 | 3.8 | 7.8 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 7.1 | 4.6 | 2.2 | 2.5 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 13.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Alexander Springs Recreation Area
- Can you reserve a site at Alexander Springs Recreation Area?
- Yes, Alexander Springs Recreation Area is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Alexander Springs Recreation Area have?
- 69 sites in total, of which 66 can be booked.
- What is the maximum RV length at Alexander Springs Recreation Area?
- 44 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Alexander Springs Recreation Area?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Alexander Springs Recreation Area.
- Are campfires allowed at Alexander Springs Recreation Area?
- Campfires are allowed at Alexander Springs Recreation Area. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Also listed by
Alexander Springs Recreation Area also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Alexander Springs Recreation Area's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- For more information on fees and how to reserve your site, please visit the concessionaire at www.naventure.com
Restrictions:
- All freshwater fishing regulations of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission apply.
- All Ocala National Forest campgrounds allow pets, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and are not permitted in designated swimming and picnic areas.
- There is a maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period.
Accessibility:
- Sidewalks and boardwalks are fully accessible. Bathhouse and restrooms are ADA-compliant.
Camping near Alexander Springs Recreation Area
- Buck Lake Group Campground 4.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Lake Dorr Campground 5.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Lake Dorr Cabin 6.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Clearwater Lake Rec Area 7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Juniper Springs Rec Area 10.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Big Scrub Campground 11.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area Vehicle Reservations 12.3 mi · Timed entry · we watch it
- River Forest Group Site 12.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Big Bass Campground (FL) 13.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Hopkins Prairie Campground 14.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Lake Dorr Day Use 5.8 mi · Activity pass
- Lake Woodruff Wilderness 13.7 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 352-669-3522
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-08-11.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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