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Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest: Cool swimming, easy scenic paddling plus lots of wildlife

When a mama bear and two cubs on the boardwalk shut down Juniper Springs, we were so disappointed – until we saw nearby Alexander Springs, where we had an outstanding day of paddling.

Just 20 minutes apart, these two springs in Ocala National Forest are different enough to merit kayaking or canoeing them both.

Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest offers easy scenic paddling with lots of wildlife.
Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest. (Photo: David Blasco)

Alexander Springs will suit some people better – it’s an easy paddle requiring no experience or skills. Where Juniper is narrow and twisty, Alexander is 60 to 80 feet wide and slower moving.

Both have exceptional water clarity and are surrounded by unspoiled forest and vegetation. The sunny Alexander passes through a yellow pine lowland and a riverine swamp, with marsh grasses, lily pads and palm trees along the shore. Shady Juniper has live oaks and cypress trees.

In fall, the colors are are oranges and golds ata Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest.(Photo: Bonnie Gross)
In fall, many trees turn orange and gold at Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest.(Photo: Bonnie Gross)

The springhead at Alexander Springs creates a large, shallow sandy-bottom natural pool ideal for swimming – if you like swimming in 72 degree water. Where the spring emerges from the bottom, snorkelers and scuba divers enjoy exploring the limestone rocks and boulders in the spring boil. The swimmers in our group gave Alexander Springs top marks as a swimming hole. (You can rent snorkel gear here too.) Lifeguards are on duty seven days a week 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 15 to Sept. 15.

Alexander Springs is a first-magnitude spring, meaning it discharges at least 100 cubic feet of water per second and it’s the only one in a national park or forest. (There are 27 first magnitude springs in Florida.)

We loved the wildlife aat Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest, including so many turtles. (Photo; Bonnie Gross)
We loved the wildlife at Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest, including colorful turtles. (Photo; Bonnie Gross)

What made Alexander Springs delightful was the wildlife we saw above and below the water.

A highlight: A bald eagle flew over the river twice, giving us an exceptional view. But we loved seeing all sorts of birds from herons to belted kingfishers.

In the water, there were schools of fish (look for bass and bluegill) and beautiful turtles who seemed to be flying because the water is aquarium-clear.

A great blue heron at Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest was just one of the birds we loved seeing. There also was a bald eagle. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)
A great blue heron at Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest was just one of the birds we enjoyed seeing. There also was a bald eagle. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)

On the cool December day we visited, the ranger said others reported seeing otters and a doe swimming across the river. And we missed seeing Alice the Alligator, a 12-footer who we were told hangs out under the bridge.

Alexander Springs is a relatively short out-and-back kayak. The outfitter recommended going only to the bridge, which is a mile distance, and said vegetation made it difficult to go farther. But we easily paddled another mile downstream and loved every minute. Even there, we suspect we could have paddled farther, though we would be making our way through vegetation.

The current is mild enough that is it easy to paddle back upstream and it makes a good three or four hour paddle, depending on how long you pause to picnic, photograph or fish.

We found an island on the Alexander Springs run where we could have a picnic. (Photo: David Blasco)
We found an island on the Alexander Springs run where we could have a picnic. (Photo: David Blasco)

There are few places to land for a picnic. We were told the best spot is around the bridge, but we also found an island downstream beyond there that made an ideal spot – small but picturesque.

We had the river to ourselves on a winter weekday and we loved the surprising (for Florida) fall colors of the trees and the beautiful bunches of purple asters.

Peak season here is summer, although this river has no shade and would be very hot. (There’s no swimming outside the designated area because of alligators.)

The swimming area at Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest is excellent -- if you like 72 degree water. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)
The swimming area at Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest is excellent — if you like 72 degree water. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)

Unlike many Florida springs, Alexander Springs is quite healthy – nutrient levels, which can feed algae growth, have not increased over the entire 60 years they have been measured. (It helps that much of the springshed – the ground through which the water passes on its way underground into the springs– is inside Ocala National Forest.)

Visiting Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest

You can rent canoes here. While all day rentals are available, unless you plan to fish, you probably won’t need more than four hours. There is no shuttle service.

If you have your own canoe or kayak, you can launch here for a small fee.

The area around Alexander Springs offers excellent shaded picnic tables and the short Timucuan Trail, which has a beat up wooden boardwalk through jungle vegetation.

Alexander Springs camping

Camping here gets high marks, especially from tent campers. 

Our group included an adult who had camped here with his family as a child 50 years ago and remembers the area fondly.

The campground is quite close to the swimming area. The only complaints you see in reviews of Alexander Springs camping is noise from inconsiderate campers and the spring gets very busy on weekends. There is a small general store. 

Camping details: This 67-unit campground can accommodate recreation vehicles up to 35 feet but there are no water or electric hookups. We saw about a half-dozen pull-through sites alongside the main campground road.

The campground seems well-maintained, although it’s showing its age.

Every site has a picnic table, fire ring and grill. All campsites have shade. Dogs are allowed only in the campground. All sites are available by reservation. (First-come walk-up sites are no longer available.)

Potable water spigots are shared, there are two bath houses with hot showers a short walk from all sites and a single dump station is positioned near the campground exit.

Alexander Springs camping is $31 a night plus tax.(2022) Reservations may be made by phone at 1-877-444-6777 or online at recreation.gov up to six months in advance.

Alexander Springs
49525 County Rd 445, Altoona, FL 32702
(352) 669-3522

Florida Rambler’s ultimate guide to Ocala National Forest camping.

Alexander Springs entrance fee:

Weekdays $8 per person; weekends $11 per person. Details here.

alexander-springs-map

Map of Alexander Springs campground and area

Alexander Springs directions: Alexander Springs Recreation Area is located along CR 445 in the northeast corner of Lake County between Astor and Altoona.  From SR 40 at Astor, take Butler Street to CR 445A, and turn left on CR 445. The recreation area is 5.8 miles south on the right.  From Altoona, drive north 5.2 miles on SR 19, and turn right on CR 445. Continue another 5.1 miles to the entrance on the left.

Things to do near Alexander Springs and Ocala National Forest


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