Top 15 Florida Springs for Families Throughout the Sunshine State

Planning your next family vacation and not sure where to go? Consider visiting one of many of the natural springs in Florida. The Sunshine State boasts over 700 beautiful springs, each with crystal-clear waters, diverse ecosystems, and its own unique charm. Most of these natural wonders are protected under the Florida State Parks Service, meaning they get the love and respect they deserve. With so many springs all over the state, it’s hard to narrow it down, but check out our picks for the top 15 Florida springs for your next family vacation.

1. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, established in 1947 in Spring Hill, Florida, is famous for its crystal-clear springs, diverse aquatic ecosystem, and live mermaid shows. This state park is equal parts natural treasure and classic Floridian theme park with Buccaneer Bay, the only spring-fed waterpark in the state, featuring full-size waterslides that plunge directly into the natural spring. Ideal for a family day trip, the park also offers riverboat tours, as well as kayak and canoe rentals for adventures along the Weeki Wachee River.

Where to Stay

Lakewood Travel Park, located near Hudson, FL, offers a comfortable stay for visitors heading to Weeki Wachee Springs, with full RV hookups, Wi-Fi, and recreational facilities. Its proximity to the spring, coupled with easy access to the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area's attractions make it the perfect basecamp for exploring the region's natural beauty and entertainment options.

2. Silver Springs State Park

Not only is Silver Springs State Park the world’s largest artesian spring, it’s also Florida's oldest commercial tourist attraction, established in 1852. Explore its crystal-clear depths with iconic Glass-Bottom Boat Tours, or kayak alongside diverse fish populations. Nestled near Ocala National Forest, the park offers a glimpse into Florida's rich history and continues to be a cherished destination for families and nature enthusiasts.

Where to Stay

Wild Frontier RV Park, just 3 miles from I-75 exit 354, offers a relaxing woodland retreat near Silver Springs State Park, complete with a heated pool, remodeled bathhouses, full hookups, and a calendar full of family-fun activities. Its close proximity to the park makes it an ideal spot for exploring the natural beauty and attractions of the area.

3. Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park is home to a huge part of the state’s manatee population during cooler months. Spanning over 2,600 acres, it boasts the second-largest spring in Florida, known for its clear waters and diverse ecosystem, including the iconic Florida alligator. Explore the spring on an expansive boardwalk, or take a dip and break out the snorkel to get a closer look at the underwater world of Blue Springs.

Where to Stay

Fisherman’s Cove Golf & RV Resort, conveniently situated in Lake County near Blue Springs State Park, is the perfect escape with amenities like a full-service marina, a nine-hole golf course, and access to several natural areas. This peaceful retreat provides a variety of lodging options from RV sites to private lodges, catering to every camper’s style.

4. Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Ichetucknee Springs State Park, a jewel of Florida, shines with its pristine, six-mile spring run. Kayak or paddleboard through cypress swamps, or float along gentle currents on a tube. This natural playground welcomes families and adventurers looking to snorkel or swim in crystal-clear waters, all surrounded by lush Florida greenery. And if you’re lucky, you might just spot one of the park’s most elusive inhabitants, the river otter!

Where to Stay

Suwannee River Hideaway in Old Town, Florida offers a secluded and peaceful camping experience with the natural beauty and wildlife reminiscent of a state park. Its location invites families to enjoy nature and old Florida charm, with the soothing sounds of resident owls at night.

5. Rock Springs at Kelly Park

Rock Springs at Kelly Park transforms a natural wonder into a family-friendly paradise. Its iconic spring branch flows as a gentle natural lazy river and the lush Florida greenery surrounds the water, creating a picturesque backdrop for a relaxing float. And spacious picnic areas with pavilions and grills cater to family gatherings after long days on the water.

Where to Stay

Idlewild Lodge and RV Park nearby is a great home base for your Rock Springs adventures. It’s also a destination in its own right, located on the banks for Lake Panasoffkee. Here, you’ll find waterfront RV sites and cabins, a boat loft with rentals, interactive airboat alligator experiences, and more!

6. Manatee Springs State Park

Visiting families will find Manatee Springs State Park offers an up-close view of majestic manatees during the winter and opportunities for scuba diving in the first-magnitude spring. The park features over 800 feet of boardwalk along the spring run, making it accessible for visitors to enjoy this natural spring in all its glory.

Where to Stay

Manatee Springs RV Park is a local 55+ RV just 5 miles from Manatee Springs State Park, offering guests comfortable RV sites close to all the fun. For an all-ages option in the area, head on over to Eleanor Oaks RV Park, where you’ll find well-appointed RV sites, a heated pool, a rec center, and more. It’s also pet-friendly!

7. De Leon Springs State Park

De Leon Springs State Park, named after the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, offers a refreshing escape for families looking for a blend of fascinating history and outdoor fun. Take a dip in the cool, clear waters of the spring, a natural swimming hole used for centuries by indigenous peoples and early settlers. Explore the grounds and learn about the park's rich history through interpretive exhibits, or take a leisurely stroll on the surrounding nature trails.

Where to Stay

Coral Sands Inn and RV Park in Ormond Beach offers a peaceful beachfront escape with over 900 ft. of pristine coastline, an oceanfront heated pool, and unique oceanfront gazebos, alongside an RV park with full hook-up sites and hotel amenities. Its location provides easy access to local attractions and is conveniently situated an hour from Saint Augustine, Ponce Inlet, and Orlando, making it an ideal stay for visitors exploring the area.

8. Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wekiwa Springs State Park, a hidden gem near Apopka, just north of Orlando and its many famous theme parks, offers a fantastic destination for families. The crystal-clear spring water is perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day, and the park is full of activities like kayaking, canoeing, and exploring miles of nature trails.

Where to Stay

Fisherman’s Cove Golf & RV Resort, features amenities like a full-service marina, a nine-hole golf course, and accommodations ranging from RV sites to private lodges. This tranquil retreat, set against the backdrop of over 1000 lakes and rolling hills, provides easy access to outdoor activities and the historic towns of Tavares, Eustis, and Mount Dora.

9. Juniper Springs Recreation Area

This recreation area features one of the most popular and scenic canoe and kayak runs in Florida. The Juniper Springs Run is a narrow, winding waterway that travels for 7 miles through stunning wilderness areas, offering paddlers an immersive experience with nature and the chance to see wildlife up close. And unlike many other springs that might offer a singular main spring, Juniper Springs Recreation Area features multiple springs, including the main Juniper Spring and the smaller Fern Hammock Springs which feed into a natural swimming area that's surrounded by lush vegetation.

Where to Stay

Champions Run Ocala is a high-end RV park in the area that boasts over 400 RV sites, pickleball courts, a massive pool and cabana, and more. It’s the perfect spot to set up camp for your Juniper Springs adventure.

10. Rainbow Springs State Park

Rainbow Springs State Park, another gem among Florida's natural attractions, offers unique features, including a two-hour float down the Rainbow River and a handful of waterfalls surrounded by native Florida flora and fauna. Beyond the water-based activities, the park also offers picnic areas and hiking trails.

Where to Stay

Eleanor Oaks RV Park in Yankeetown combines modern comforts with the charm of Old Florida, offering over 70 RV sites, Wi-Fi, a solar-heated pool, and kayak access, making it a peaceful retreat for visitors to Rainbow Springs.

11. Ginnie Springs

Ginnie Springs, on the bank of the Santa Fe River, is a popular spot for tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. This famous spring is also world-renowned for its underwater caves, offering high visibility and unparalleled diving opportunities. Jacques Cousteau, the famous French oceanographer and filmmaker, visited and dove in Ginnie Springs in 1974, and characterized it as “visibility forever.”

Where to Stay

Suwannee River Hideaway offers a tranquil, nature-based RV camping experience with the scenic beauty and wildlife of a state park, but with added privacy and quiet, ideal for families visiting Ginnie Springs.

12. Madison Blue Spring State Park

Madison Blue Spring maintains a natural and somewhat less developed feel compared to other more commercialized springs, being a first-magnitude spring that forms a circular pool before flowing into the Withlacoochee River. Like Ginnie Springs, one of the park's standout features is its cave system. The underwater cave is a significant draw for adventurers looking to explore the depths of Florida's aquifer in a more controlled environment.

Where to Stay

Madison RV & Golf Resort, located just 15 minutes off I-10 in beautiful North Florida, offers 95 spacious, big-rig friendly RV sites with full hook-ups, including back-in, pull-through, and waterfront options.

13. Wakulla Springs State Park

The spring at Wakulla Springs State Park boasts an astonishing depth, with recorded depths of over 300 feet in some places. One of the park's signature attractions is its glass-bottom boat tours which offer a view of the caverns below and the wildlife that inhabits the crystal-clear waters, including fish, turtles, and alligators. Wakulla Springs has also been a popular filming location due to its unspoiled natural beauty and clear waters. It served as a backdrop for several classic films, including "Creature from the Black Lagoon" and "Tarzan's Secret Treasure."

Where to Stay

Ho-Hum RV Park offers a serene getaway on the Florida panhandle's forgotten coast, with simplicity at its core and the Gulf of Mexico at your doorstep, featuring a natural walking beach, a 250 ft. pier for fishing, and access to native wildlife.

14. Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park offers visitors with small kids an opportunity to safely enjoy Florida’s natural springs with a shallow swimming area and a spring run ideal for young ones. The forest service also strongly emphasizes conservation and environmental education in this natural area. Visitors can learn about the ecological importance of springs in the Floridan aquifer system and the efforts being made to preserve these water resources.

Where to Stay

Set up camp at Gainesville RV Park for unforgettable family camping adventures! This RV park is conveniently located with the Blue Springs to the West and the stunning beaches of St. Augustine to the East. 

15. Silver Glen Springs

Unlike some other springs, Silver Glen Springs is accessible by boat from Lake George, the second largest lake in Florida, which is part of the St. Johns River system. This accessibility makes it a popular spot for boaters and anglers looking to explore the clear waters and rich aquatic life. The Forest Service and other organizations occasionally offer educational programs and guided tours that highlight the ecological importance of the springs, the surrounding forest, and the area's history.

Where to Stay

The RV Resort at Orange Lake is an idyllic RV park located along the shores of one of the best bass fishing lakes in the state. This pet-friendly destination also offers paved RV sites, a boat ramp, a lazy river, and more. And it’s just a hop skip and a jump over to Silver Glen Springs. 

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