Ginnie Springs Outdoors, High Springs, Florida
Ginnie Springs
Playing in the clear freshwater springs
What attracted us to Ginnie Springs were the seven springs and spring runs that empty into the Santa Fe River. Although the weather during our stay was rainy and cold, Ginnie Springs is one of our favorite spots in Florida. Each group of springs has entry/exit stairs with handrails, a pavilion, a bathhouse, a volleyball court, campsites and plenty of parking. The springs have limestone bottoms and each spring was a unique shade of blue.
The water in the Santa Fe River is colored brown by tannin; where the spring water faded into the river water was an eerie sight. The springs are 72 degrees year round, so swimming and snorkeling in them was not a problem. The last day we were there, we aired up the Sea Eagle, our two-person kayak, and set off from the first river entry. Luckily, we were wearing wet suits because the river was about 50 degrees!
While kayaking, we found three unnamed springs on the other side of the river. We would spot bubbles on the surface and paddle close to see the springs. The paddle down to the river take out was about 3-1/2 to 4 hours and the river was high from all the rain this season. During the summer, you would tube, canoe or kayak the Santa Fe, emerging from the river at different springs or just drifting to the tube take out.
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The dive shop/office/store sells or rents all types of diving equipment and has instructors available for cave-diving or basic snorkel or scuba lessons. We camped at Ginnie Springs for four nights and five days. We were the only RVers, so we had our choice of camping sites with electricity and water. For tent camping, there are some gorgeous sites along the banks of the Santa Fe. Each tent site came with water, BBQ grill and picnic table.
Ginnie Springs, Otter Springs, Poe Springs, Hart Springs and Blue Springs (one of five in Florida) are located in Gilchrist County, an area with the highest concentration of freshwater springs on Earth. We did not see all the springs in northern Florida, but we tried.
We have many pictures to share when we are able to find a solution for a slide show. Stay tuned.
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What an amazing spot and adventure! That water looks like something you would see from a tropical island! Cold water though, otherwise it looks so inviting!
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