Ginnie Springs: Everything You Need To Know To Plan Your Visit

Located near High Springs, Gilchrist County, Ginnie Springs is one of Florida’s most scenic beauty spots. Whether you live nearby or are visiting from out of state, you’ll be sure to enjoy a trip to these crystal clear waters.

There’s something for everyone at this Floridian oasis; from scuba diving and swimming to barbequing, every member of the family is sure to have an unforgettable experience!

We recommend planning ahead to ensure you get the most out of your visit.

To save you the hassle, we’ve compiled a complete guide to Florida’s very own Ginnie Springs. From activities to opening times, we’ve got you covered! Read on for all the must-know info about this popular beauty spot.

How Much Does a Trip to Ginnie Springs Cost?

Unlike other public springs in Florida, Ginny Springs is privately owned.

For a daily pass between Sunday and Wednesday, adults can expect to pay around $14.00. This goes up to $19.40 between Thursday and Saturday and in the peak summer months.

Children between 6-12 can enter for around $3.00, while kids aged five and under go free.

While your tickets grant you entry into the Ginnie Springs park, you’ll need to pay extra for activities like cave diving, camping, and scuba diving. The full list of prices can be found here.

Things To Do at Ginnie Springs

Whether you’d like to explore the caves or soak up the warm Florida sun, you’ll be excited to hear that there are tons of things to do at Ginnie Springs.

Read on for an overview of the activities that Ginnie Springs has to offer.

Camping at Ginnie Springs

If you’d like to spend the night immersed in the natural beauty of Ginnie Springs, consider making use of the on-site campground. There are 123 water and electric camping spots to choose from. You can also bring your own vehicle/camping equipment- whether that’s a tent or an RV.

If you’d prefer a little luxury, you may consider renting Ginnie Cottage. With three beds and two baths, a maximum of eight guests can stay here.

Snorkeling & Diving

Many visitors enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving in the summer and early fall when the waters are clearest. If you’re lucky, you can spot catfish, mullet, bass, and even turtles!

Visitors are permitted to bring their own diving equipment or rent it on-site for a fee.

However, be warned: the waters at Ginnie Springs can get very cold! If you’re planning to dive or snorkel, be sure to bring your wetsuit.

Experienced or certified cave divers can also explore the caverns and caves of Ginnie Springs. If you’re inexperienced at cave diving, though, this is not a good idea, as this has been fatal in the past.

Tubing Down the Santa Fe River

Tubing is one of the most popular things to do at Ginnie Springs. There’s nothing more relaxing than floating along the Santa Fe River and taking in its natural beauty!

You can enter the river at the Devil’s Spring and spend around an hour traveling down to Twin Spring, where there’s a tube take-out station. From here, it takes around 15 minutes to walk to the site’s parking lot.

Guests can choose between bringing their own tube/raft or renting one at the Country Store. You can also refill on air for free.

Canoeing

If you’re a keen canoer, you’re allowed to bring your own canoe to this scenic stretch of the Santa Fe River!

Alternatively, if you don’t own a canoe, you can rent one from Ginnie Springs.

Kayaking

Similarly, you’re permitted to bring a kayak from home to Ginnie Springs. You can also rent kayaks; they cost $12 for 3 hours or $20 for 6 hours.

Paddleboarding

Ginnie Springs is also perfect for stand-up paddleboards. If you don’t have your own, you can rent them on-site as well.

There is no pick-up service offered at Ginnie Springs, so visitors must remember to paddle upstream when they first set out!

Ginnie Springs Opening and Closing Times

Guests staying at the campground have access to Ginnie Springs 24 hours a day.

For day visitors, the opening hours vary by season.

Ginnie Springs stays open later between May and September, so be sure to check the opening and closing times on the website before your visit.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Ginnie Springs?

There is no set ‘best time’ to visit Ginnie Springs. It all depends on the atmosphere and level of busyness that you’d prefer.

Quietest Periods

If you’d prefer to visit when it’s quieter, head to Ginnie Springs on a weekday. Daytimes during the week are usually very relaxed.

To avoid crowds, consider visiting Ginnie Springs during the off-season or the shoulder season (like April or October).

You’ll be relieved to hear that, unlike other Springs in Florida, Ginnie Springs doesn’t typically fill up to capacity.

Busiest Periods

As you’d expect, the summer months (especially during the school holidays) are the busiest time at Ginnie Springs.

Because the location is private, drinking is allowed on the premises. In the evenings, Ginnie Springs is popular among young people and college students. While the atmosphere is ordinarily family-friendly, this is something to bear in mind when visiting Ginnie Springs with your kids.

What You Will Need to Pack for Your Ginnie Springs Trip

As with any outdoors trip, packing the essentials is very important when visiting Ginnie Springs! Here are all the things that we recommend you bring:

Towels & Extra Clothes

The waters at Ginnie Springs can get quite cold, so it’s a good idea to bring fresh towels and plenty of dry clothes.

If you’re visiting as a family, ensure you bring enough towels and warm layers for everyone!

Camping Equipment

If you’re staying at the campground, don’t forget basics like a camping stove, roll mats, sleeping bags, and, of course, your tent!

Food and Drink

While the front office sells snacks and drinks, there aren’t any hot food trucks near the springs themselves.

For this reason, we recommend packing plenty of food and drinks. There is an abundance of sheltered picnic areas and tables to make use of!

First Aid Kit

From the hot sun to sharp areas on the riverbed, the great outdoors isn’t without its dangers.

To keep your family safe and happy, pack a first aid kit containing the essentials (like gauze dressings, adhesive bandages, and a pair of tweezers).

Camera

Trust us when we say that you’ll want to capture the dazzling beauty of Ginnie Springs on camera!

Bonus points if you’re able to buy an underwater camera to get some shots underneath the crystal clear water.

Sun Block

To ensure you’re fully protected throughout the day, bring sunblock to reapply at regular intervals. The higher SPF content, the better!

Mosquito Net & Insect Repellent

Unfortunately, Ginnie Springs is home to a whole host of irritating critters. Plan ahead to protect yourself against mosquito bites, particularly if you’re sensitive to bug bites.

A portable mosquito net is a worthwhile purchase, while anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory medicines can be effective in soothing bites once they’ve occurred.

What Facilities Are Available at Ginnie Springs?

When planning your trip, knowing the on-site amenities is very important. From restrooms to picnic areas, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself in advance.

Here are the facilities that you’ll find at Ginnie Springs:

Ginnie’s General Store

When you first arrive at Ginnie Springs, you’ll check in and pay your entrance fee at the front desk here.

The General Store is also where you rent equipment and camping supplies from. From cooled drinks to snacks, there’s a ton on offer at this hub!

Ginnie’s Grill

To satisfy your appetite with all manner of delicious hot meals, head to Ginnie’s Grill. You’ll find everything from pancakes to hot dogs on the menu.

Bath Houses & Toilets

Dotted around the park, the bathhouses at Ginnie Springs are equipped with heated and tiled shower stalls. There are also restrooms open 24/7.

Decks and Stairs at Springs

At each of the location’s different Springs, you can expect to find sun decks and steps with a handrail.

Other Amenities Include

But that’s not everything! Other facilities at Ginnie Springs include:

Covered Pavilions

Located near the springs, there are five pavilions that can be reserved for groups of 30 or more people. Each has an electrical hookup and a volleyball court nearby.

Volleyball Courts

Ginnie Springs has seven volleyball courts dotted around the proximity. They are all lit at night – providing campers with entertainment 24 hours a day!

Playground

If you’re visiting Ginnie Springs with young kids, there is a playground near the picnic pavilion, complete with a slide, climbing frame, and swings.

Picnic Tables and Grills

There are picnic areas near all of the springs, featuring tables and grills.

You’ll also find picnic tables & grills throughout the wooded areas and along the Santa Fe River.

Boat Ramp

Although Santa Fe is quite a shallow river, sailing is popular at Ginnie Springs. You can launch canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and motorized boats from the boat ramp (though jet skis are not permitted).

Laundry

In the center of the camp area, you’ll find an on-site laundromat.

Dump Station

RV campers will be pleased to hear that Ginnie Springs has a dump station, located just along the road from Ginnie Cottage. You can find its exact location on the park map.

FAQs

Is alcohol allowed at Ginnie Springs?

While it’s banned at Florida’s public springs, alcohol is permitted at Ginnie Springs because it is privately owned.

Excessive alcohol consumption is prohibited, though.

You can buy cans of drink on-site or bring your own. Glass containers are banned in common areas and around the water.

Is wifi internet access available at Ginnie Springs?

When you visit Ginnie Springs, Florida, expect to enjoy the free on-site wifi. The location also has good cell reception – though this will vary depending on your network provider.

Are pets allowed at Ginnie Springs?

Ginnie Springs has a strict no pet policy. While service animals are permitted, documentation will be required for entry. Emotional support dogs are not allowed.

Are there alligators in Ginnie Springs?

As any Floridian will know, every expanse of water in the state runs the risk of having an alligator in it.

While there are certainly alligators to be seen while tubing along the banks of the Santa Fe River, gators typically avoid crowds. You shouldn’t encounter them at Ginnie Springs during the peak season, though you’ll be more likely to in the off-season.

There have been no alligator-related incidents reported at Ginnie Springs.

How cold is the water at Ginnie Springs?

All year-round, the water at Ginnie Springs maintains a temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit (or 22 degrees celsius).

This is likely too cold for prolonged periods of swimming, though it’s ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, or canoeing.

Just be sure to bring your wetsuit!

Final Thoughts

There are just a few important things to remember when you visit Ginnie Springs. Here are our top tips and the main things you should take away from this guide:

• Opening times vary depending on the season, so be sure to check online before setting out on your trip! Ginnie Springs is open later in summer and closes slightly earlier in the darker winter months.
• Though Ginnie Springs is a popular choice for locals and visitors alike, it’s not always crowded. If you’d prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle, visit on a weekday or in the off-season.
• To make sure you capture those unforgettable memories, remember to bring your camera or smartphone when you visit. The crystal clear water makes for impressive shots if you’ve got an underwater or water-resistant camera.

If you’ve made it to the end of the article, you should now be an expert on all things Ginnie Springs! Whether you plan to go tubing or simply soak up the sun, be sure to follow our advice for a safe and exciting trip.