While tourists flock to the beaches this spring break, Florida’s springs have plenty of sunshine and swimming—and way cooler wildlife than Chad from Northwestern. Here’s a guide to drivable springs from the Tampa Bay area for day trips and camping.

Crystal clear water at Kelly Park in Rock Springs, featuring lush cypress trees and visitors swimming and tubing. — Credit: Nicole Glass Photography/Shutterstock

Kelly Park and Rock Springs

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 2 hours and 10 minutes

400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, 407-254-1902, $3-$5 per vehicle

Upgrade your Orlando vacay for a fraction of the price at Kelly Park and Rock Springs. The park features a free-flowing natural spring that stays at 68-72 degrees year round, a concession stand, picnic pavilions and a playground. Tube rentals are available from vendors outside the park or guests may bring their own pool noodles or floats as long as they are less than five feet in length or width. The site also offers parking, starting at $3 per vehicle for up to two people.

Seven Sisters Springs

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 1 hour and 20 minutes

8544 W Miss Maggie Dr., Homosassa, 352-422-4078, $5-$7

Although it doesn’t receive as much traffic as nearby springs like the Chaz, Seven Sisters is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the state. With its exceptionally clear water, snorkeling and swimming is the best way to get acquainted. As the springs are only accessible by water, it’s recommended that visitors park for $5 and rent kayaks or canoes from the Chassahowitzka Campground.

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 1 hour and 40 minutes

1502 SE Kings Bay Dr., Crystal River, 352-563-2088, No cover

The only refuge created to protect the threatened Florida Manatee, it provides a critical habitat for the manatees to migrate to each winter. Photography is popular at this site, which can be done from above on the Three Sisters Boardwalk or underwater. No camping is available at the refuge, but sites are offered nearby at the Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park.

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 2 hours and 40 minutes

7450 NE 60th St., High Springs, 386-454-1369, $6 per vehicle

The newest addition to the Florida State Parks is comprised of 25 campsites, 17 of which are fitted for RVs, and has not one but five available springs. Swimming, snorkeling and hiking are popular activities at each pool. Amenities include a picnic pavilion for larger parties and restroom facilities around the park.

Ginnie Springs

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 2 hours and 40 minutes

7300 NE Ginnie Springs Rd., High Springs, 386-454-7188, starting at $25

From swimming to scuba diving and tubing down the Santa Fe River, Ginnie Springs has made a name for itself among Florida residents. As for camping, the park offers 121 sites, both primitive and electric, a water dumping station for RVs, restrooms, showers, a laundry room and a fully furnished cottage.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 2 hours and 40 minutes

12087 SW US-Hwy 27, Fort White, 386-497-4690, starting at $6 per vehicle

Known best for its warm weather tubing experience, the Ichetucknee River also offers canoeing, kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing and eight major springs that join together to create the six-mile river run. Although no camping is offered on site, River Run campground, Ichetucknee Family Canoe and Cabins, and Ichetucknee Springs campground are nearby.

Weeki Wachee Springs

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 1 hour

6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, 352-592-5656. Admission to Buccaneer Bay is $13 for adults.

From tubing to river boat cruises, to live mermaid shows, Weeki Wachee Springs is a great staycation destination. Several weekend and week-long camps are offered, including a junior mermaid camp. Although there is no onsite camping, there are nearby options such as Cody’s RV Park and Camp-A-Wyle Lake resort.

Blue Spring State Park

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 2 hours and 40 minutes

2100 W French Avenue, Orange City, (386) 775-3663. Entrance is $2-$6, with camping starting at $24 per night

Not to be confused with the Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, this campground has 51 sites complete with water, electricity, picnic tables and a grill for both RV and tent use. For those more interested in “glamping”, cabins are also available. Although swimming or boating with them is not permitted, Blue Spring is known for its abundance of manatees and can be spotted from shore. It also reaches capacity regularly, so call and plan ahead.

DeLeon Springs State Park

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 2 hours and 11 minutes

601 Ponce de Leon Blvd., De Leon Springs, 386-985-4212. Entrance is $2-$6 per vehicle.

Apart from the beautiful spring, De Leon is also famous for the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House restaurant where guests can cook their own pancakes. Boat tours, hiking, swimming, snorkeling and fishing are also offered as well as rentable picnic pavilions with tables and grills. Camping is available nearby at Hidden Valley Park, YMCA Camp Winona and Highland Park Fish camp.

Fanning Springs

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 2 hours and 14 minutes

18020 NW Hwy-19 Fanning Springs, 352-463-3420. Admission is $2-$6. Camping starting at $5 per night

Located along the Suwannee River, visitors have the choice between primitive camping and staying in one of the park’s two bedroom cabins. Swimming, volleyball, snorkeling and boating is available, along with several other outdoor activities. Guests are also encouraged to spot wildlife such as white-tailed and pileated woodpeckers along the cypress-lined boardwalk and jump off the dock into the spring below.

Alexander Springs

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 2 hours and 4 minutes

49525 CR-445, Altoona, 877-444-6777, $13 to put a canoe in, camping starting at $46 per night. Vehicle admission is $21.40.

Located in the Ocala National Forest, this extremely popular campground offers ample space for tent camping and level parking pads for RVs, as well as a small general store and restrooms complete with flush toilets and showers. Guests can swim, dive, and canoe as long as they keep their eye out for gators.

Hart Springs

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 2 hours and 40 minutes

4240 SW 86th Ave., Bell, 352-463-3444. Entrance starts at $3, with camping starting at $46 for primitive sites.

One of the largest spring-fed swimming areas in the state of Florida, Hart Springs is a family-oriented experience accessible by car or boat (no alcohol or intoxicated people are allowed). Pitch a tent at one of their primitive sites, located under a canopy of granddaddy oaks, to take advantage of their RV sites with full hook-up. Canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available, as well as a shuttle service to and from the spring.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 1 hour, 30 minutes

4150 S. Suncoast Boulevard, Homosassa, (352) 628-5343, Entrance starts at $13 per person, camping starts at $30 per night

From manatees and alligators to the endangered Florida panther this campground is bustling with wildlife. Guests can request boat tours, go on picnics and partake in a unique underwater dome, which allows visitors to “walk underwater” beneath the spring’s surface and watch the various fish and manatees swim about. Camping is available nearby at the Homosassa River Carefree RV Resort, and Nature Resort Campground.

Juniper Springs Recreation Area

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 2 hours and 15 minutes

26701 E. Highway 40, Silver Springs, (352) 625-3147, Entrance starts at $14.50 per person, camping starting at $46 per night

One of the oldest spring parks on the East coast, Juniper is one of the best known recreation areas in Florida. Located between Ocala and Ormond beach the site offers swimming, hiking trails and campgrounds. No full hook-up sites are available, but all sites are shaded and equipped with a picnic table, grill, campfire ring, lantern post and space for tents. Other amenities include hot showers, flush toilets, a dump station and a convenience store with camping supplies.

Lithia Springs State Park

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 40 minutes

3932 Lithia Springs Road, Lithia, (813) 744-5572, starting at $24 per night The campground offers 44 sites suitable for both tents and RVs complete with electrical, water and shower services as well as restrooms, picnic shelters and grills. From swimming in the springs, to hiking the surrounding trails, guests can enjoy a quiet stay.

Manatee Springs

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 2 hours, 13 minutes

11650 NW 115 St. Chiefland, 352-493-6072. Admission is $2-$6, with camping starting at $20 per night

True to its namesake, on top of the usual springs activities and hiking trails Manatee Springs is also an ideal location for spotting manatees in the winter months. The park features 80 campsites, each with their own hot shower restroom, electricity, water and a short walk from the springs.

Otter Springs

Estimated drive from Tampa: 2 hours

6470 SW 80th Ave., Trenton. 352-463-0800, starting at $13 per day

This 636-acre spring area offers electric sights for RVs and tents, three fully furnished and equipped cabins, a stilt house, and primitive tent camping for those looking to rough it. The campground’s centerpiece is the Otter Springs natural pool, but also offered are hiking, fishing, and a heated pool pavilion with wifi.

Rainbow Springs State Park

19158 SW 81st Pl. Rd., Dunnellon, 352-465-8555, starting at $30 per night

Tubes are available for $25 per person for one ride down the river, with kayak and canoe rentals starting at $19 per hour. Campsites are located a few miles from the headspring and day-use area, and are equipped with water, electricity and a complete hook-up. Amenities include a recreation hall, showers, restrooms, laundry and a playground. Guests can access the river from the campground to fish, swim and paddle.

River Rise Preserve State Park

Estimated drive from Tampa: 2 hours, 12 minutes

373 SW US-Hwy 27, High Springs, 386-454-1853, starting at $5 per night

Surrounded by quiet woods and trees, this campground is perfect for guests searching for a peaceful getaway. The park offers approximately 35 miles of multi-use trails that can be used biking, hiking or equestrian use. The area contains a 20-stall horse barn, available on a first come, first serve basis, a restroom with showers and two fire circles. There are no electric or water hookups in this camping area. As state officials note,
The Santa Fe River goes underground in O’Leno State Park and reemerges 3 miles away in River Rise Preserve State Park as a circular pool before resuming its journey to the Suwannee River.”

Rock Springs State Preserve

Estimated drive from Tampa: 2 hours and 15 minutes

30601 County Rd. 433, Sorrento, 407-884-2009, starting at $5 per night, $3 per vehicle

With 17 miles of trails, guests can explore the site on foot, by bike or even by horse. As for camping, the park offers primitive camping sites accessible only by canoe and equestrian camping complete with horse corrals, stables, and posts for tethering. There is also recreational vehicle and trailer parking. Hunting is allowed on select weekends September through January. Amenities include a restroom with showers and a grill. All spots are first come first serve.

Salt Springs

Estimated drive from Tampa: 2 hours

13851 FL-19, Fort McCoy. 352-685-2048. Day passes $12. Camping starting at $46 per night

Located in the Ocala National Forest, Salt Springs is the only campground in the area to offer trailer camping as well as tent camping. Canoe rentals are available at the marina, swimming is permitted within the marked boundaries and fishing is allowed with a license.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 95 minutes

1800 Wekiwa Cir., Apopka, 407-553-4383, admissions start at $2, and go up to $6 per vehicle. Camping is $5-$24 per night.

Complete with miles of trails to be explored, Wekiwa is a local favorite. A variety of different camping experiences are available, from RV and primitive tent sites, to horse-friendly spaces off the equestrian trial. Every wooded site has water and electrical hook-ups, a fire ring with a grill and a picnic table, and some even come with a complete hook-up for trailers. Amenities include two restrooms with showers and a Ranger Station with firewood for sale. Day use-entry to this local spring now requires reservations.

Devil’s Den Spring

Estimated drive from Tampa: 2 hours

5390 NE 180th Ave., Williston, 352-528-3344, starting at $112 per night

Devil’s Den is a prehistoric underground spring. Featured in various viral videos, this spring offers a unique scuba diving and snorkeling experience. Scuba sessions go for $48 per person and snorkeling sessions go for $30 per person. For lodging, guests have the choice between campsites, an RV park, or four fully furnished cabins. Other amenities include a heated swimming pool, grills, cabanas, and showers, and restrooms.

Edward Ball Wakulla Spring

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 4 hours

465 Wakulla Park Dr., Wakulla Springs, 850-561-7276, fees start at $6 & up

Despite being one of the furthest springs listed, it’s too good to leave out. Unlike most springs, this one has a small beach perfect for small children. For those a little more adventurous, there is also a 22-foot observation tower guests can jump from. Also available are an abundance of water activities such as swimming and scuba diving, as well as hiking and cycling opportunities plus boat tours.

Juniper Springs Recreation Area

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 2 hours

226701 SR-40, Silver Springs. 352-625-3147, starting at $46 per night

One of the oldest spring parks on the East coast, Juniper is one of the best known recreation areas in Florida. Located between Ocala and Ormond beach the site offers swimming, hiking trails and campgrounds. No RV hook-up sites are available but all sites are shaded and equipped with a picnic table, grill, campfire ring, lantern post and space for tents. Other amenities include hot showers, flush toilets, a dump station and a convenience store with camping supplies.

Florida Caverns lit up yellow and green — Credit: AshleyGary/Shutterstock

Florida Caverns State Park

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 5 hours

3345 Caverns Rd., Marianna, 850-482-1228, $4-$20

Also far from the Central Florida area, the long drive is more than worth it. As the name suggests, this state park offers guests the rare opportunity to explore stunning caves. Cycling and boating is also available, as well as cavern tours, primitive and equestrian camping equipped with water and electrical hook-ups.

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