“Florida's Newest State Park”
Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park contains a collection of natural springs, including a large second magnitude spring that produces an average of 44 million gallons of water per day. This spring, known as Gilchrist Blue, has outstanding water clarity and discharges water through a shallow spring run about one-quarter mile to the Santa Fe River. The other named springs on-site are Little Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Kiefer Spring and Johnson Spring, which provide scenic vistas and photographic opportunities. The most significant ecological habitats include the spring run stream and floodplain communities. The main spring run is renowned for its support of a diversity of wildlife species including turtles, fish and invertebrates. Redbreast and spotted sunfish, largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish in can be observed in waters with unparalleled visibility. Paddling, snorkeling and swimming are all popular at the park. Pavilions are available, and a concession stand provides food and beverage service, and paddling equipment rentals. Other popular activities include camping, hiking, nature study and picnicking.
I'm not sure where Jim saw alligators, but we never saw one at any spring in Florida! I wouldn't be surprised if you saw one in the actual river it connects to, but you would have to swim a fair distance away from the spring. This spring was absolutely stunning, and I loved how it had the platform for people to jump from! We got there around 9am and there were only a couple other people there, but by 12 the place was absolutely packed. It seemed like a great place for people to spend the whole day, because some were even grilling! I personally liked some of the more secluded springs like Ichentucknee State Park, but I can see the appeal for this one if you have a family for sure.
Crystal clear water and a beautiful little trail takes you down to the river. A little off the beaten path but worth the trip.
Beautiful springs. Campground I give it a 3. Very run down. But definitely worth a day visit.
This place is beautiful and really deserves the visit, just make sure you arrive early in the morning especially weekends because it gets full capacity very quickly and the staff closes it no matter how long you have been driving, same thing with all others springs in the area, hope you enjoy this amazing experience! Bless you!
Nice place to swim. Very costly $10 a person. Not great for snorkeling.
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Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm
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Good for paddling and swimming.
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
- Affiliation
- State park or forest
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Paved Sites
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Fifty Amp
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Full Hookup
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Rec Facilities
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Pull Through
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Tent Sites
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Pull Through RV Sites
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Reservations
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Sewer Hookup
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Showers
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Standard Tent Sites
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Water Hookup
Campground, Parking
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