• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Top Hot Springs Logo Wide

  • Home
  • Hot Springs by State
    • Alaska
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • California
    • Colorado (redirects)
    • Florida
    • Hawaii
    • Idaho
    • Illinois
    • Massachusetts
    • Montana
    • Nevada
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • North Carolina
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • South Dakota
    • Tennessee
    • Texas
    • Utah
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • West Virginia
    • Wyoming
  • Hot Springs by Country
    • Africa
      • South Africa
    • Asia
      • China
      • Georgia
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Philippines
      • South Korea
      • Taiwan
      • Thailand
      • Turkey
      • Vietnam (redirects)
    • Australia/Oceania
      • Australia
      • New Zealand
    • Europe
      • Albania
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Croatia
      • Czech Republic
      • France
      • Georgia
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Hungary
      • Iceland
      • Italy
      • Norway
      • Poland
      • Portugal
      • Romania
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
      • UK
    • North/Central America
      • Canada
      • Costa Rica
      • Dominican Republic
      • Honduras
      • Mexico
      • Nicaragua
      • United States
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Peru
      • Uruguay
  • Camping
  • Lodging
  • Search
  • Home
  • Hot Springs by State
  • Hot Springs by Country
  • Camping
  • Lodging
Ponce de Leon Springs Park, Florida

Ponce de Leon Springs Park – Northwest Florida

October 23, 2022 By //  by Patricia K

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park is found in the northwest town of Ponce de Leon, both named after the Spanish explorer who led the first Spanish exploration to Florida in 1513. The legend is that he was on the hunt in the now-state for a spring that would make you younger again by bathing it; hence how this natural pool got the nickname “the Foutain of Youth.”

The park and springs get very busy in the summertime, so if you plan to go during these months, it’s best to arrive early. Once they reach capacity, the gates will shut to any newcomers until others leave and make more room.

History

Ponce de Leon Springs Park, Florida
Ponce de Leon Springs Park, Florida. Photo by: Amre

Many years before Europeans arrived and settled in 1821, the Ponce de Leon region was inhabited by Native Americans from the Chisca and Chatot tribes. These peoples were experts on the land and used the clear waters for fishing, hunting, and forming a rich history on the grounds.

By 1840, the springs area started developing with newcomers and included a logging hotel and several family homes. Years later, during the Civil War, Union soldiers stopped here en route to the Battle of Marianna and, unfortunately, did a lot of damage, ransacking homes and destroying the hotel.

Natural Springs Swimming and Snorkeling

Ponce de Leon Springs Park, Florida
Ponce de Leon Springs Park, Florida. Photo by: Amre

Featuring a year-round temperature of 68℉, these second-magnitude springs are formed by two underground flows and produce 14 million gallons of water daily. The headsprings create a 350-foot spring run that meanders through the hardwood forests. It creates a relaxing environment for those who want to get away from the crowds.

The swimming area is defined with a rock wall and staircase, making it obvious where to access the water. In the headsprings area, the water is about 20 feet deep and has a vent where the flow refills constantly.

While in the water, paying attention to your surroundings and the wildlife is essential. Alligators and snakes occasionally come through the recreation area, which is their natural habitat.

State Park Activities

Ponce de Leon Springs Park, Florida
Ponce de Leon Springs Park, Florida. Photo by: ravas51

The park offers plenty to do outdoors. Swimming and snorkeling are the top things to do, especially on a hot day, but birding, geocaching, picnicking, wildlife watching, and photography are also pretty popular. Hiking is possible on two unique trails that lead visitors on a relaxing stroll that showcases fantastic views of the natural area.

Rangers provide guided tours, but visitors can also explore at their own pace.

Picnic pavilions can be rented ahead of time, but having a booking doesn’t guarantee admission to the park. Visitors planning to come on a particular day with a reservation need to arrive early before capacity is reached.

Nearby Camping

Ponce de Leon Springs Park, Florida
Ponce de Leon Springs Park, Florida. Photo by: Paul Clark

There is no on-site camping in Ponce de Leon Springs State Park; however, less than a mile from the property is the 60-acre Ponce de Leon RV Park. All sites at this establishment are pull-thru and have water, sewer, and 30 & 50 amp electric. Complimentary Wi-Fi and cable are also provided.

Details

Address: 2860 Ponce De Leon Springs Rd, Ponce De Leon, Florida 32455

Phone: 850-836-4281

Season: Year-round

Hours: 8 am to sunset, 365 days per year

Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ponce-de-leon-springs-state-park

Patricia K

About Patricia K

Currently living in Arizona, Patti was born in Singapore, grew up in Taiwan, and has visited 25 different countries. This has been the fuel for her love of travel writing and sharing those experiences with others.

Previous Post: «Green Cove Springs Pool, Florida Green Cove Springs Pool – Northeast Florida
Next Post: Three Sisters Springs – Crystal River, Florida Three Sisters Springs, Florida»

Primary Sidebar

Hot Springs by State

  • All United States
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado (redirects)
  • Florida
  • Germany
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Massachusetts
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wyoming

Join our community of hot springers

Enter your email below and grab our complimentary guide on the world's top hot springs.

Footer

Top Hot Springs

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

Travel Guide

  • Hot Springs by State
  • Hot Springs by Country
  • Africa Hot Springs
  • Asia Hot Springs
  • Europe Hot Springs
  • Oceania Hot Springs
  • North/Central America Hot Springs
  • South America Hot Springs
  • Camping at Hot Springs
  • Lodging at Hot Springs

Latest Hot Springs

  • Miranda Hot Springs – Thames, New Zealand
  • Kuirau Park Footbaths – Rotorua, New Zealand
  • Morere Hot Springs – Mōrere, New Zealand
  • Sequoia Lodge – Crafers, SA, Australia
  • 7132 Therme Vals – Eastern Switzerland

Disclosure: Top Hot Springs is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Copyright © 2023 · Top Hot Springs | Sitemap