Tips For Ginnie Springs: A Perfect Florida Oasis

Summertime in Florida is hot, sticky, and uncomfortable. If you’re looking to escape the scorching sun and take a break from the crowds, Ginnie Springs is the perfect place to visit. With its refreshing pools, shady trails, and picturesque landscapes, this natural oasis offers something for everyone.

Mud, rocks, and the occasional alligator are not what you would expect to find at a Florida oasis. However Ginnie Springs is just that-a perfect place for an escape from reality. Located in High Springs, FL, this unique natural spring provides recreational opportunities for everyone who visits it. Whether you want to swim with manatees or explore the many trails on its 150 acres of land there is something here for everybody.

Here are a few tips for Ginnie Springs to make the most of your trip.

Ginnie Springs: Map and Directions

Be sure to check out the Ginnie Springs map before visiting, as it has all of their amenities & attractions clearly labeled on it! It also includes a list of rules for visitors like no glass containers or alcohol (although you can bring your own cooler with these items inside).

Ginnie Springs is located in High Springs, FL. From I-75 take exit #376 and head west on State Road 235 for about 20 miles. Then turn left at the Ginnie Springs entrance sign and proceed another mile to the resort.

Be sure to follow all posted speed limit signs and watch for pedestrians, as there are many people who walk around the Springs.

Ginnie Springs: How Much Does It Cost To Visit?

Bet you thought Florida springs were only cheap, huh? Well this one is actually quite pricey! The general daily price for visiting Ginnie Springs is:

Adults (Sunday – Wednesday)$14.02,

Adults Summer Rate(Thursday- Saturday ) 19.40

Children ages 6 -12 $3 .73 & under 5 are free.

There are also prices in scuba diving and other activities available at Ginnie springs too like regular breathing exercises or cave exploring but be prepared because those may cost more depending on what kind of equipment you’re going to use.

What Can You Do at Ginnie Springs?

Ginnie Springs offers visitors the opportunity to swim with manatees, take a boat tour of the springs or river, go stand up paddle boarding,tubing, kayaking and canoeing in its natural spring run, backpack through the many trails on its land (camping is permitted), camp out under the stars at one of their primitive campgrounds, play primitive beach volleyball and horseshoes, or take a dip in the swimming pool.

Ginnie Springs: Where to Find The Manatees?

During certain times of year-usually winter -manatees will migrate to Ginnie springs because its warm water is perfect for them to survive in. You can usually find them in the main spring and also in the run that leads out to the river. If you’re interested in swimming with manatees be sure to check with Ginnie Springs staff before entering the water, as it is illegal to disturb or harass these animals.

Ginnie Springs: Kayaking and Canoeing

Kayaking and canoeing are some of the best ways to explore Ginnie Springs’s natural springs. Rentals for kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards are available at the park during certain times of year. For more information check with staff before getting on site as availability is limited.

Ginnie Springs: Tubing the Natural Spring Run

Summer is the perfect time for tubing at Ginnie Springs. This natural spring’s clear and cool water provides a relaxing way to spend an afternoon with friends and family. If you’re interested in taking your own tubes be sure that they are U.S Coast Guard approved, as there have been injuries due to improper equipment usage here in the past. Tube rentals are available at the park during summer months.

Ginnie Springs: Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Stand up paddle boarding is a great way to experience Ginnie Springs. The spring run and river offer calm waters perfect for beginners who want to try something new this summer! If you’re interested in SUP rentals check with the park staff first as availability varies throughout the year.

Ginnie Springs: Diving and Snorkeling

Ginnie Springs is a popular destination for SCUBA divers and snorkelers. With its crystal-clear water and abundance of fish, this park offers some of the best diving in Florida. If you’re interested in exploring the springs by SCUBA or snorkel be sure to check with staff about rental and certification requirements.

Ginnie Springs: Camping, Primitive or Full-Service

There are two campgrounds at Ginnie Springs, one is primitive and the other offers full-service amenities. If you have your own equipment be sure to select a campsite in area B of the primitive camping zone because these sites offer picnic tables, grills/fire rings, water access & proximity to restrooms.

If you need park staff to set up a tent, grill/fire ring, or install water spigots for your group be sure to choose a campsite in the full-service zone.

Ginnie Springs: Other Activities

During your visit to Ginnie Springs make sure to check out their trails and primitive campgrounds as well. The park has over 150 acres of land that is perfect for exploring, so bring your hiking boots or a backpack and prepare yourself for some outdoor fun!

Ginnie Springs does not offer electric hookups at its campsites but they do have bathrooms with showers, as well as a dump station. Pets are also allowed in the park but must be kept on a leash at all times.

Primitive camping is free for Florida residents and $12 per night for out-of-state visitors, while regular camping costs $24 per night.

Ginnie Springs: What to Bring?

When you visit Ginnie Springs be sure to pack the following:

Sunglasses and hat for sun protection, as well as bug spray if you want to avoid ticks.  Don’t forget your sunscreen either! A picnic lunch or cooler with food & drinks is a good idea too because there are no concession stands at Ginnie springs (and its not cheap to buy food there anyway). It really is best to bring your own.

Swim clothes and a towel if you plan on swimming in the springs or river. Binoculars if you want to bird watch, as well as cash for parking ($15 per day) and tube rentals (if applicable). Finally, be sure to pack your sense of adventure! There’s so much to do at Ginnie Springs that you won’t be bored.

Ginnie Springs: What To Do During The Summer?

Summer is peak season at Ginnie springs so you can expect its busiest during these months. There are many activities to enjoy at the springs and campground during this time, including:

Swimming in the natural spring run or river Kayaking and canoeing Tubing on a tube Stand up paddle-boarding Hiking & bird watching Campfires (remember your firewood) Primitive camping Dispersed camping Full service campsites Aqua shoes are allowed but you must have your own flotation devices as no life jackets are provided or allowed.

Ginnie Springs: Restrooms and Showers

There are four bathrooms at Ginnie springs, one is handicap accessible with baby changing tables, two have showers attached and there’s also a porta-potty for emergencies if necessary. There are only three showers available on site so they tend to get pretty busy during summer months. If you’re just looking to freshen up before heading out, the bathroom sinks provide a nice alternative option as well!

Ginnie Springs: What if It Rains?

Being that Ginnie springs is outdoors and most activities take place outside it’s important to be prepared for anything when visiting this park in Florida. The good news is that the park has a lot of covered pavilions which are perfect for picnicking or just taking a break from the sun. If rain does start to fall there’s also plenty of things to do inside, such as:

Hiking the trails Fishing in the river Playing on the playground Visiting the nature center Watching a movie in the air-conditioned theater.

Ginnie Springs: Camping Tips

When planning your trip to Ginnie Springs be sure to read over their camping tips below to make the most of your stay!

• If you’re looking to camp at Ginnie Springs, be sure to book your reservation in advance. The park tends to fill up very quickly during peak season so it’s important not to leave this part of the trip until the last minute. Also keep in mind that there are no refunds for camping reservations within 24 hours after making them – if bad weather is in the forecast or some other emergency comes up.
• When you arrive at Ginnie Springs, be sure to check-in at the office and get your parking pass. The park has a limited amount of spaces and they do fill up quickly – especially on weekends.
• If you’re camping in a primitive site, come prepared with everything you need to enjoy your stay. This includes:

A tarp, tent and sleeping bag Bug spray A cooler with food & drinks Camping chairs Firewood Sunscreen Flashlights Toilet paper Lanterns Matches Dishes Gloves or hand wipes Eating utensils Garbage bags Trash can fire extinguisher Shovel For a full list of what’s allowed and not allowed in primitive campsites, please visit the Ginnie Springs website.

• If you’re camping in a full service site, there are some things you’ll need to bring with you and some things that are provided. For example:

You must provide your own food, drinks, ice and firewood (or purchase it at the park).

• The park provides a limited number of tents, coolers, cots and camp chairs. You can also reserve these items in advance.
• You must have your own transportation – the park does not provide shuttle service.
• The park has restrooms with showers, a dump station for RVs and laundry facilities.
• The park offers both primitive and full service camping, as well as dispersed camping which is available outside of the main campground.
• Primitive camping costs $12 for Florida residents and is free for out-of-state visitors. You can book a primitive campsite online here .
• Full service sites cost $24 per night but have access to all of the amenities you would need, including: showers restrooms potable water dump station fire rings/grills picnic tables laundry facility.
• Pets are allowed in the park but must be kept on a leash at all times and are not allowed in the swimming areas. You can bring your own tents or rent one from the park for a small fee.
• Campfires are permitted in designated areas and firewood is available to purchase onsite.
• No alcohol is allowed in the park and glass containers are prohibited as well.
• No open fires are allowed during periods of extreme fire danger.
• No littering, firearms, fireworks or hunting is permitted in the park.

Common Questions About Ginnie Springs

Q: Are credit cards accepted onsite?

A: No, cash is required to pay camping fees but can be used towards any purchases throughout the park.

Q: What is the closest town to Ginnie Springs?

A: High Springs, which is about a 15 minute drive from the park. There are also several restaurants and shops in this small town.

Q: Is it safe in Ginnie Springs?

A: Yes, the park is patrolled by security 24/seven and they take safety very seriously. There are also emergency call boxes located throughout the park.

Q: Is there any public transportation in Ginnie Springs?

A: No, there is no public transportation available in the park. However, visitors are able to rent golf carts or bicycles from the park office.

Q: Are there any other attractions in this area?

A: There are many other activities that can be done while staying at Ginnie Springs, such as exploring the famous Ichetucknee River.

Q: What is the best way to get there?

A: The easiest and most direct route from Gainesville, FL would be Highway 27 all the way up until it turns into County Road 49. There’s also a nice bike path that goes through High Springs which can make for an easy ride or jog to Ginnie Springs!

Q: What is the best time to go to Ginnie Springs?

A: The park is open year-round and the weather is nice pretty much all year long. However, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds it’s best to visit during the weekdays. Weekends can get pretty busy!

Q: Is the water in Ginnie Springs drinkable?

A: Yes, the water in Ginnie Springs is drinkable and all of the campsites have access to potable water.

Conclusion

Ginnie Springs is a perfect Florida oasis for anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re visiting with your family or want some time alone, there’s no better place in the Sunshine State than Ginnie Springs! 

It has plenty of camping sites that accommodate any size group and offers more activities than most other state parks around Florida. If you live nearby this park, take advantage of all it has to offer by going on a hike through its many trails.