10 Natural Springs in Florida And Where To Find Them

The reason we can take our time and cherry-pick the best natural springs in Florida is that the state sits on one of the largest aquifers in the world. It’s over 100,000 mi² and sits under the entire state, along with southern portions of Alabama, throughout Georgia, and even South Carolina.

There are roughly a trillion gallons of water down there and it’s the most productive aquifer in the world. Thanks to this, there are over a thousand natural springs in Florida. The only place in the state that’s a little light on the number of springs is the western panhandle.

Otherwise, the natural springs in Florida are so abundant that you can hardly walk in one direction for more than an hour and not approach one. Since there are so many to choose from, here is a convenient breakdown of 10 excellent natural springs to visit in the state of Florida.

1. Devil’s Den

A cave? In Florida? This stunning natural wonder isn’t visible on the surface. That’s right—it’s down in a cave. Unfortunately, tourists can’t just pour inside to have a look. Everyone gets about an hour and a half so you have to make an appointment or wait and hope that the line is not too long.

Fortunately, though the Devil’s Den is a huge draw, there is also a campground outside, with an RV park, primitive camping, picnic tables, and other recreational opportunities for enterprising tourists. With only 30 people allowed in the cave at one time, it’s not always easy to get in. However, if you love snorkeling or diving, Devil’s Den is a fantastic and one-of-a-kind opportunity.

2. Ginnie Springs

Ginnie Springs is one of the few natural springs in Florida that’s not a part of a state park or a national park. It’s entirely run by a private business which means it’s more expensive to get in and the regulations you find in a state or national park are non-existent.

On the bright side, if you avoid going on the weekend or spring break (the University of Florida is nearby), this is a stunning and beautiful area to swim and camp in. You can set up your tent just about anywhere and spend the day swimming in crystal clear, ice-cold water to beat the heat.

3. Madison Blue Spring

Madison Blue Spring often finds its way onto the top five lists of best natural springs in Florida. It’s a famous spring, sitting close to Suwanee River State Park. As a state park, there are amenities such as picnic tables and bathrooms for changing in and out of your swimsuits.

As far as the spring, it’s one of the most beautiful springs in the state, and it’s highly popular with snorkelers and nature watchers. It’s also a good place to just go swimming and take the kids out for a fun time on a hot summer day.

4. Silver Glen Springs

Located in Ocala National Forest, Silver Glen Springs is a fantastic spot for some nature-watching and swimming recreation. Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are common here but there’s plenty to do on the land as well. Hiking trails, picnicking, and shopping at the store on-site.

There’s also plenty of shade since the springs are located in the middle of the woods. Floridians appreciate the shade and you’ll find it here in abundance. Like most natural springs, this is the perfect spot for snorkelers as the underwater views are crystal clear, with plenty of marine life to observe.

5. Ichetucknee Springs

Ichetucknee Springs State Park contains one of the best Natural Springs in Florida. This place is a huge recreational draw for both locals and tourists. The Ichetucknee Campground hosts RVs down to primitive tents and there is a ton to do when you aren’t swimming, canoeing, kayaking, or hitting up the SUP on the springs.

Ichetucknee Springs is also a very family-friendly place so the park is often filled with families and kids splashing in the springs. Float and tube rentals are available on-site as well, so you can spend a lazy day floating on the water, even if you don’t bring your own watercraft.

6. Gilchrist Blue Springs

This park is a little slice of heaven in High Springs, Florida. The springs are surrounded by a large number of campsites, most of which accommodate RVs and some of which accommodate tent campers who prefer a more primitive experience.

All of the park’s amenities and camping areas are close to the springs so you can leisurely make your way down for a swim anytime you want. Another great feature of Gilchrist Blue Springs is that it’s not the only spring. Naked Spring, Little River Springs, and Poe Springs are all within walking distance.

7. Wakulla Springs

Natural Springs in Florida don’t all look alike. For instance, Wakulla Springs looks more like a marshland in some areas than it does a traditional spring. However, it has its own level of dark beauty, rife with Spanish Moss and the soft drone of crickets.

From the pictures, you might assume it is a tranquil place, far outside of civilization. But, that’s far from the truth. It’s 20 miles southbound from Tallahassee and there is a huge lodge (known as The Lodge), nearby that was built in the mid-1930s. It’s a fantastic place to stay with incredible scenery just outside of every window.

8. Vortex Springs

Vortex Springs is one of the few natural springs in Florida that is near the western panhandle. However, it’s every bit a match for some of the most beautiful springs throughout the state. According to Google, it’s one of the best springs in the state for divers thanks to its deep, underwater cave system.

Diver certifications are also held here, although Vortex Springs is far from a divers-only park. It’s also a huge recreational spot, with a ton of activities, especially when it comes to kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and swimming.

9. Rainbow Springs

Rainbow Springs is definitely out there so, don’t expect to have much of a cell signal. Rainbow Springs is loaded with amenities as well. These include bathhouses, primitive camping options, an RV park, and a laundry.

Of course, swimming is the main priority for those visiting the park and there is plenty of that. If there’s one drawback to the spring, it’s that a huge slice is “campers only.” If you’re just visiting for the day and have no plans to camp, you’ll have to stay away from the designated area.

10. Wekiwa Springs

Wewika Springs is more than just another conglomeration of natural springs in Florida. There are nearly 17 miles of hiking trails surrounding the water. You can work up a good sweat, make your way back down to the springs, and cool off in a hurry.

It’s also a great park for very young kids since it has plenty of waist-high areas they can play in. There are also surrounding campgrounds and plenty of shady areas to lounge in and have a picnic with the family.

Summary of 10 Natural Springs in Florida

The photo featured at the top of this post is © A Cotton Photo/Shutterstock.com