Ginnie Springs Outdoors – High Springs, Florida

Ginnie Springs Outdoors is a lot of things: a campground, a haven for cave divers, and a group of seven warm springs that have some of the best clarity in all of the United States. Jacques Costeau himself said the natural springs had, “visibility forever.”

Located just southwest of Jacksonville, Ginnie Springs Outdoors is easy to get to but hard to leave because the beauty of every acre and 72-degree Fahrenheit water year-round make it so inviting.

Natural Warm Springs

Ginnie Springs Outdoors, Florida. Photo: WT-shared

Technically, Ginnie Springs are warm springs, not hot. Yet, with the heat of Florida, they’re pretty much always comfortable to enjoy. The park rents gear for several water sports including inner tubes, kayaks, and paddle boards.

Scuba gear is also offered for rent, although diving here can be a bit dangerous. The cave system underneath Ginnie Springs is quite extensive, and over the years more than twenty enthusiasts have gotten turned around in them and were unable to find their way to the surface again. For this reason, some of the caves have grates over them so that divers can’t access the deepest, most labyrinthine parts.

The springs don’t just nourish the spirits of human guests. Here you’ll find alligators, manatees, turtles, and waterfowl. The general rule is, leave them alone and they’ll leave you alone. Like many of the natural springs in Florida, this mineral-rich water and the grounds around it once supported the Timucuan Native Americans, and relics of their time on the land are found now and again in the soil and water.

Campground and Lodging

Camping at Ginnie Springs, Florida. Photo: CANDID1PHOTO

Ginnie Springs Outdoors has several overnight options for those wanting to enjoy the hot springs for more than a single day. However, be warned that locals and tourists alike line up to get spots at the campground. Sites regularly sell out, with cars filled with eager visitors waiting in line to claim their spots before the park opens at 8:00 am.

Primitive/tent camping sites are scattered throughout the 600 acres around the springs. Some have water access while some do not. You cannot reserve these spots as they’re first-come, first-served. Amenities include a picnic table and charcoal grill.

There are also 123 sites for RVs at Ginnie Springs Outdoors. They are equipped with water and electric. Reservations are highly recommended at least 48 hours in advance of occupying the site. Like the primitive sites, amenities include a picnic table and charcoal grill.

The ‘Ginnie Cottage’ is a single small home at the park. Despite its small footprint, the cottage can boast two twin-size beds, two double beds, and two roll-away beds for single sleepers. Here, you’re not limited to outdoor cooking and can whip something up for family and friends in the outfitted kitchen.

Dining

At Ginnie Springs Outdoors, you’ll be pretty well taken care of when it comes to food. There’s Ginnie’s General Store, where basic groceries are stocked. Then, there’s Ginnie’s Grill where prepared meals are sold. These warm meals include eggs, pancakes, bacon, grilled sandwiches, and hotdogs.

The town around Ginnie Springs also has a lot to offer. There’s a nearby Winn-Dixie supermarket if you can’t find what you need in the General Store. If you’re looking for a place to sit down and be served, you can visit either Great Outdoors Restaurant or the vintage Pink Flamingo Diner.

Have a terrific time at Ginnie Springs Outdoor in northern Florida. With close access to both Gainesville and Jacksonville, getting here will be easy and always worth the journey.