ALEXANDER SPRINGS RECREATIONAL
AREA
Altoona, FL
Description
Alexander Spring issues vertically from a conical
depression and has a large spring pool and that measures
300 ft (91 m) north to south and 258 ft (79 m) east
to west. Depth is 25 ft (7.7 m). The water is clear
and sky-blue. There is a large boil on the pool surface
over the vent. Native aquatic grasses are plentiful.
The bottom is mostly sandy with limestone outcropped
near the vent with a vertical ledge running north
to south near vent. There are multiple vents in a
tight cluster. Thin algae patches are present on rocky
substrate. High ground to the south rises gently to
12 ft (4 m) above water level. A rock wall forms the
south shoreline. There is a mixed hardwood and palm
forest around the spring. Alexander Spring Run flows
east trending approximately 8 river miles (13 km)
until reaching the St. Johns River.
Contact Information
Alexander Springs Rec Area
49525 CR 445
ALTOONA FL 32702 Phone: (352)669-3522
Operating Hours
Open all year round.
The campground gate is closed and locked from 8:00
PM to 8:00 AM.
Getting There
From I-75 take Hwy 40 East thru Ocala and
Silver Springs approximately 40 miles to Hwy 19. Go
south on Hwy 19 approximately 5 miles to Country Road
445 (CR-445). Go east on CR-445 5 miles to campground.
From I-95 take the Ocala/Silver Springs Exit (Hwy
40) west for approximatley 35 miles to Hwy 19. Go
south on Hwy 19 approximately 5 miles to County Road
(CR-445). Go east on CR-445 5 miles to campground.
Activities
Camping, swimming, scuba diving, hiking, fishing,
bicycling, canoeing.
CAMPING RESERVATIONS INFO:
Reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance.
Tax included in fees. 2 night minimum stay on weekends
3 night minimum stay on holiday weekends The campground
gate is closed and locked from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
If arriving after 6:OO PM, you must call ahead at
(352)669-3522 in order to gain entry. Camp sites must
be occupied first night. Maximum of 5 persons and
2 vehicles per site. Extra vehicles must park in overflow/overnight
parking area at $10.00 per vehicle, per night. Check
out time is 1:00 PM. Visitors who stay beyond this
time will be charged another days fee. No refund for
inclement weather. No ATV's or off road vehicles may
be operated within the campground. CAUTION: Bears/Raccoons
frequent the area. All foods must be kept in containers.
Only half the sites at these complexes are reservable
and there may be sites still available on a first-come,
first-served basis. Only one campsite may be rented
at a time using the Golden Age/Access Card for the
Discount Price.
General Rules for the National Forests and
Corps of Engineers Lakes
Camping
If you are staying at a campground,
you must camp only in those places specifically
provided or marked.All vehicles, RVs, and trailers
must be parked on your campsite or driveway. Driving
or parking off road is not permitted.Quiet hours
are between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Please be considerate
of others. Camping longer than 14 consecutive days
is generally not allowed. At Corps of Engineers
campsites only, camping at one or more campsites
at any one water resource project (lake) for a period
longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive day
period is prohibited. The number of camping units
per campsite varies and is set locally.
Sanitation
Help prevent pollution by keeping garbage, litter,
and foreign substances out of lakes, streams, and
other waters. All garbage and litter must either be
deposited in containers provided, or taken with you
when you leave.
Campfires
Obey any restrictions on fires. Fires may be limited
or prohibited at certain times. Within campgrounds
and other recreation areas, fires may only be built
in fire rings, stoves, grills, or fireplaces provided
for that purpose. Be sure your fire is completely
extinguished before leaving. Do not leave your fire
unattended. You are responsible for keeping fires
under control.
Vehicle Operation
Drivers must obey all traffic signs and operate their
vehicles in accordance with posted regulations, and
applicable Federal, State and local laws. Vehicles
must be parked in designated areas only. Use of vehicles
within campgrounds and other recreation areas is limited
to entering or leaving those areas.
Pets and Animals
Pets must be restrained or on a leash at all times
while in developed recreation areas. Pets (except
guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas or sanitary
facilities. Saddle or pack animals are only allowed
where authorized by posted instructions.
Fireworks
Use of fireworks or other explosives within campgrounds
and other recreation areas is prohibited.
Public Property
Preserve and protect your National Forests and Corps
of Engineers Lake areas. Leave natural areas the way
you find them. Do not carve, chop, cut and damage
any live trees.
