The view of Ginnie Springs at night features a tranquil lake shimmering under a large moon. This private nature park is in northern Florida and is popular with scuba and snorkeling enthusiasts. Ginnie Springs is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
It’s not what you would expect from a Florida town—it’s quiet, peaceful, and has this really unique vibe that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s got a small-town feel but with tons of opportunities for outdoor activities, too.
I’d definitely recommend checking out Ginnie Springs if you’re ever looking for somewhere quiet and relaxing to get away from it all—but still close enough that you won’t feel cut off from civilization entirely!
With its pristine beaches and blue sky, this is the kind of place where you can truly get away from it all.
If you don’t live in Florida, you might have been wondering about the 129 campsites at Ginnie Springs.
Luckily for you, you can stay at any of these sites overnight, including one of the few that allow camping.
If you’re interested in exploring this unique place at night, here are a few tips for you to keep in mind.
Ginnie Springs is a Privately Owned Nature Park
Located in Gilchrist County, Ginnie Springs is a privately owned nature park located 6.5 miles northwest of High Spring.
It is connected to the Santa Fe River and is known for its clear, cold spring water. It has limestone and sand bottoms that allow visitors to explore the caverns within the water.
This is the perfect place to spend an evening while enjoying the sounds of nature.
Visitors are welcome to camp in the water year-round.
The park is open from eight in the morning until sunset on the day of your visit. After dark, you can stay overnight at Ginnie Springs and enjoy the park without the crowds.
You should wear dry clothing, and fresh towels, and bring plenty of warm layers. For best viewing, try visiting Ginnie Springs in winter when the water is at its lowest temperature.
The park has picnic areas along the Santa Fe River. You can enjoy your picnic with friends and family by the water.
You can also rent fishing gear at the park. There are showers, volleyball courts, and playgrounds for families and individuals to play.
There are warning signs posted near the cave entrances. Safety is the responsibility of each visitor.
The best time to visit Ginnie Springs is Between Sunrise and Sunset.
Even though many folks enjoy Ginnie Springs at night!
The springs are open to campers twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Admission is usually $15 per person or $5 for children twelve and younger.
Children four and under are free. During the summer, admission prices go up. Please check the website for more information and hours.
You cannot bring pets to the springs.
The springs are one of Florida’s natural treasures, and Ginnie is a wonderful place to spend the day or night. This park features more than two hundred acres of natural beauty.
Water lovers can enjoy swimming, tubing, and snorkeling.
Turtles and colorful fish are often spotted here. Camping is also available on the spring side.
The park offers a paved walkway to the springs.
To take advantage of the springs’ crystal clear water, visitors should rent or bring their own diving gear. Cave divers should be careful when exploring the springs’ caves, as the water can be freezing.
Inexperienced cave divers have met with fatal accidents. While the water at Ginnie Springs is clear enough to swim in, it is important to be prepared for the cold.
It is possible to visit Ginnie Springs at night, but be prepared to spend a little extra for that.
While swimming in Ginnie Spring, you’ll want to check out the surrounding area.
The area is home to dozens of natural freshwater springs.
A few of these springs are near Orlando, but there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to explore them on your own.
The springs in northern Florida are a beautiful natural setting to spend a night.
And the hiking trails will take you to a scenic overlook of the Santa Fe River.
Ginnie Springs is a Popular Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Destination
Scuba divers will enjoy the clear, crystal clear water of Ginnie Springs. The springs are 260 million gallons per day and flow into the Santa Fe River.
The springs offer excellent visibility for aquatic life and are ideal for beginners.
While scuba diving is an adventure that requires a certified instructor, the water temperature remains warm and the springs are safe enough for inexperienced divers.
While scuba divers love the crystal clear waters of Ginnie Springs, snorkelers love the calm, clear water that is a warm 72 degrees year-round.
You can rent their own equipment or rent equipment from the resort for a fee. However, cave diving is only recommended for those who have experience.
Inexperienced cave divers have perished while trying to explore these caves, so it is important to bring your own equipment.
During the day, Ginnie Springs offers a wide range of water sports, including scuba diving and snorkeling. Floats are also available for you to relax on.
You can enjoy a relaxing day at Ginnie Springs during the week, but the resort becomes a hotspot during the weekends or spring break.
The natural surroundings of Ginnie Springs offer some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities in the world.
Ginnie Springs is Open Year-Round
The water is cool and clear, and you can explore its caverns and sand and limestone bottom. The park is open year-round, so no matter what the weather is like, you can visit!
To experience the water, take a dip in the icy water at Ginnie Springs, or explore the caves if you’d like.
Ginnie Springs is perfect for groups or families!
You can also camp next to the springs or find RV hookups.
You can also enjoy Alexander Springs, a one-hour drive from Gainesville.
This spring is a family favorite and has a large, sloping spring pool.
It has 129 campsites
The campground has 129 campsites and rentals for paddle boards and snorkel gear. If you are looking for a little more adventure, you can rent a tube or paddleboard to float down the Santa Fe River.
For those looking for an adventure, there is an underground Devil’s Den spring, located just north of Ginnie Springs.
For campers, Ginnie Springs offers plenty of space for tent camping.
It is one of the most affordable high-spring camping destinations in the area.
You can choose between two or four-person campsites. Ginnie Springs also has a general store and a grill where you can eat burgers and subs.
You can also use the facilities of Ginnie Springs campground for free wifi and heated showers.
Ginnie Springs is a popular destination for many national and international groups and events.
It has perfect water temperature for swimming and floating.
Alligators at Ginnie Springs
The Florida park is home to alligators, manatees, turtles, tortoises, snakes, and birds. The park is situated in a natural spring and is open year-round. Ginnie Springs is run by the Florida Springs Institute.
It is best to see alligators at Ginnie Springs at night when they feed and are less likely to be around people. They are more likely to hide in areas with lots of lush greenery.
To avoid running into an alligator, stay on the edges of the river, away from lily pads and long grasses, and in open water.
If you do see an alligator, do not approach it.
Can You Swim at Night at Ginnie Springs?
There are several great spots for swimming and diving at Ginnie Springs. You can also take a scuba diving course if you wish to explore the caves.
You may be able to find fossils of giant sloths if you choose to scuba dive. Ginnie Springs offers scuba diving lessons through PADI. It is an “at your own risk” destination, however.
Cave diving can be hazardous to the unprepared, and inexperienced cave divers have even lost their lives.
You can rent tubes for two or three hours and go for a nighttime dip. However, you will have to ensure that the tubes you rent are U.S. Coast Guard-approved.
Alternatively, you can enjoy stand-up paddle boarding at Ginnie Springs. SUP rentals at Ginnie Springs vary throughout the year.
A great way to enjoy the peaceful waters at Ginnie Springs is to try stand-up paddle boarding. Whether you’re on a board or just want to hang out in the water, this sport will make your stay enjoyable.
Staying Overnight to Explore Ginnie Springs at Night?
The water is cool and clear, and you can explore its caverns and sand and limestone bottom. The park is open year-round, so no matter what the weather is like, you can visit!
To experience the water, take a dip in the icy water at Ginnie Springs, or explore the caves if you’d like.
Ginnie Springs is perfect for groups or families!
You can also camp next to the springs or find RV hookups.
If you are planning to spend the night at the campground, you may be wondering what to pack. While you’ll need food, water, and electricity, camping at Ginnie Springs is surprisingly expensive compared to normal camping.
The campground is also very popular, so expect to see rambunctious crowds during the hottest days of summer.
To make your stay as comfortable as possible, bring along sunscreen and sunglasses.
The winter, however, can be unpredictable but still visiting Ginnie Springs at night makes it worth it but don’t expect to see it too cold.
If you’re not a certified cave diver, you can still enjoy the clear waters at Ginnie Springs. You can rent scuba gear from the park’s office, or bring your own.
You can also bring a tube with you. You can also purchase gear, such as a snorkel or dive mask.
Despite the cost, you’ll be glad you went.
Wrapping Up
Overall, Ginnie Springs is a great place to visit year-round. It offers plenty of activities for groups or families, as well as individual travelers.
The natural surroundings are beautiful and perfect for wildlife spotting.
And, the park is affordable and easy to access. So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous escape, be sure to add Ginnie Springs to your list!
