One of the most popular springs in Florida is Ginnie Springs. Whether you’re looking for a place to recharge your batteries after visiting the Orlando theme parks or just want to get away from it all, it’s an amazing destination.
The park features crystal clear natural spring water and miles of hiking trails.
Whether you hike in on your own, take a guided tour, or simply sit back and enjoy the scenery from one of many picnic areas, be sure to visit Ginnie Springs, as it has something for everyone
Fun Facts about Ginnie Springs
Ginnie Springs was named after Virginia, who used to wash her clothes in the spring. It is also known for being the place where Jacques Cousteau dove, and was introduced to the water in 1974 by a friend who praised its purity. “Visibility for all Eternity”.
Divers continue to find treasures in this ancient settlement, including broken flint, pottery, and arrowheads.
The natural spring water at Ginnie Springs provides excellent visibility for aquatic life that includes turtles, fish, and more. If you are visiting Orlando then Ginnie Springs should be your first stop to cool off after experiencing all the theme parks have to offer!
It does not matter if you prefer taking guided tours, hiking, or just sitting back and enjoying the scenery!
Ginnie Springs is not only the perfect place for outdoor adventure but also has plenty of interesting things to see on dry land too.
While visiting Ginnie Springs, you can explore remnants of three different Native American tribes that were known to inhabit this area in the 1800s – including Timucua Indians, Seminoles, and Choctaws.
Ginnie Springs is located on 250 acres of forest land, right next to the Santa Fe River, which include some amazing waterfalls that you can enjoy year-round.
The springs maintain a constant 72 degrees temperature year-round.
What’s Ginnie Springs Hours of Operation?
The Ginnie Springs state park office offers many great programs from guided tours to family activities so check out their website before you plan your trip!
Here are the current hours of operation taken from ginniespringsoutdoors.com
You can learn more here.
What Activities Can You Do at Ginnie Springs?
There is plenty to explore at Ginnie Springs, including exploring gator creek with its variety of fish species that include creekside sunfish, largemouth bass, stripers, and more!
Diving opportunities abound in the Ginnie branch where scuba divers will find turtles, old cypress trees root up to 50 feet deep as well as catfish.
You will also want to be sure to take the guided tour, which features various types of flora and fauna unique to this location such as gopher tortoises, gars, and more.
The park also offers a variety of activities for children.
On your guided tour, you will learn about the different types of trees you’ll find at Ginnie Springs – including swamp black gum, bald cypresses, and white pines!
Other family-friendly offerings include animal encounters where visitors can get up close with snakes, turtles, and other animals that live in this environment.
Bring your binoculars if you want to spot some ospreys or great blue herons too!
What Hiking Trails are Available at Ginnie Springs?
Ginnie Springs is home to many excellent hiking trails. There are trails for all levels of ability.
Many hikes have shade, which is great for getting away from the noon sun.
If you’re a keen hiker, why not visit one of Florida’s national parks and protected areas?
This hike takes you around the entire Ginnie Springs Camp Ground. It’s interesting to see how different campers set up their camps. If you are okay with camp music.
Along this trail, you’ll find a variety of wildlife and plants, including bald cypress trees that can live up to 2000 years old!
What is the Best Time for Camping at Ginnie Springs?
Camping at Ginnie Springs should be planned during late winter/early spring or fall when temperatures are milder.
If you plan on visiting during the summer months (June-September), keep in mind mosquitoes will likely pose an issue so bug spray is recommended.
Pack plenty of water too – it’s easy to get dehydrated in warmer weather!
How far is Ginnie Springs, FL from Orlando, FL?
Ginnie Springs is located about 40 miles southwest of Orlando.
Camping at Ginnie Springs
Camping at Ginnie Springs is available to visitors in primitive campsites.
Ginnie Springs offers 129 campsites with water or electricity, located right next to the park’s shop.
You can camp with all of the comforts and conveniences of home.
These sites may be reserved and reservations are recommended to ensure you will have a site.
The river is not near any of the electric or water sites. Each water and the electric site can hold a maximum 8 person, 2 vehicles, and 2 tents.
You will need to bring your own linens and dishes as well in order to cook and eat at these sites, so don’t forget to pack those items too!
Go Tubing at Ginnie Springs!
One of the most popular activities to do at Ginnie Springs is tubing, and there are plenty of ways to do it, and you can enjoy it year-round.
You may choose either a two or three-hour time slot; be sure to bring plenty of water as there are no amenities on this section of Ginnie Springs!
Tubes are available for purchase but if not then grab some friends and make your own raft from logs, driftwood, branches – anything that will float!
You can use your own tube or rent one from the concessionaire on site but if you want to avoid any hassles then we suggest bringing your own!
The water level for tubing may vary depending on rainfall so check with an employee on-site before getting in the water as well.
Once you’re all set up, head down where visitors love floating, and just so you know, this spot perfect for taking pictures!
Enjoy a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters, explore the park’s lush gardens, and capture some shots of the stunning waterfalls that are found on the grounds.
If rafting isn’t your thing, keep floating on, and relaxing on the water, and enjoy floating down a clear river, with a beer in hand.
Then head back to the launch ramp with plenty of time for a picnic lunch before getting out.
Ready to Kayak at Ginnie Springs?
If you’re looking for a different way to explore Ginnie Springs, then don’t forget about the kayaking opportunities!
Rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard to express your adventurous side. You can paddle your way through the Santa Fe River, taking in the stunning natural scenery around you.
Scuba Diving at Ginnie Springs
Ginnie Springs is the perfect place to experience scuba diving and snorkeling!
The natural spring water offers excellent visibility for a wide variety of aquatic life.
You can explore and find turtles, fish, rays, and more!
All dives must be supervised by an experienced diver (this includes children who are certified) so please call ahead to make arrangements with park staff before arriving at Ginnie Springs.
Within the 2.5 miles (4 km) stretch of river fronting the park, the seven springs at Ginnie flow into the Santa Fe River.
They combine to produce 260 million gallons (985 million liters) per day.
Ginnie Spring is where non-cave/cavern divers are allowed to bring their dive lights into the waters.
This is because if a diver who is not qualified in cave diving doesn’t have a light, he/she is less likely to go into dark cave systems.
This water is so pure that it is piped underground to a nearby bottling facility for retail sale.
Snorkeling at Ginnie Springs
Night snorkeling is a great option for daytime snorkeling. It’s likely that you’ll see more of the underwater world!
You can find crayfish, turtles, and other larger fish in the area. Overhead lights are used to illuminate Ginnie Spring as well as the Devil Spring System until 1 AM.
Remember…
This IS Florida!
We DO have alligators!
Since these creatures are more active at night. Always be aware of the environment around you and make good judgment about where to snorkel, especially at night.
Ginnie Springs Adventure Center features a full-service dive shop where you can rent or purchase everything that you need for your underwater adventure including gear like masks, fins, and wetsuits if needed.
The staff is always happy to answer any questions about the water conditions.
Looking for a Hotel Near Ginnie Springs?
Best Western Gateway Grand Gainesville
Staying at the Best Western Gateway Grand Gainesville will put you 17.9 miles from Ginnie Springs.
You will feel at home in one of the 152 guestrooms with microwaves and refrigerators. You can stay connected with complimentary wired or wireless Internet access. Cable programming is also available.
Enjoy the many recreational options available, such as an outdoor pool and spa tub or a 24-hour gym. The Tuscan-style hotel offers complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services.
There are also gift shops/newsstands. The complimentary shuttle service is available to take guests around the hotel within 15 miles.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Gainesville Northwest I-75
TownePlace Suites Gainesville Northwest is located at 7451 West Newberry Road, Gainesville, just 20.8 miles from Ginnie Springs.
There is an outdoor swimming pool that is open all year. The hotel has rooms that are suitable for non-smokers. All car owners have access to a free parking space. An elevator can take you to the highest floors.
The territory has several banquet and conference halls. There is a vending machine that sells juice and water on the territory.
All areas of accommodation have internet access. The shuttle service provided by the hotel will take you to the accommodation. You can do effective exercises in the fitness center.
Ready to Visit Ginnie Springs?
We hope we’ve managed to pique your curiosity about Ginnie Springs enough so that you’ll want to come to explore our natural spring water and miles of hiking trails for yourself!
If you’re looking for an experience unlike anything else in Orlando, be sure to visit Ginnie Springs and make memories like no one else will ever forget!
Book your trip today!
