You Can Camp At This Crystal Clear Oasis In Florida For As Little As $6/Person & See Manatees

There's a lush world just under the surface.

Two people in a tent on top of a truck. Right: A man in scuba gear underwater in Alexander Springs.

Two people in a tent on top of a truck. Right: A man in scuba gear underwater in Alexander Springs.

Georgia Contributing Writer

Camping in Florida is a great way to reconnect with the state's natural beauty.

But the fun doesn't have to be limited to the beach. You can escape the summer heat and spend some quality time with a group of your friends by paying a visit to one of the state's crystal clear swimming holes.

Alexander Springs in the Ocala National Forest is a great spot to relax and connect with nature without breaking the bank.

You can camp at one of Alexander Spring's 67 campsites all year round.

You can stay in a tent or RV right by the water and spend your time kayaking on the pristine waters or lounging under the shady trees.

The springs are a constant 72 degrees F all year, making them ideal for spotting endangered wildlife, like manatees.

At the springs, you can dive deep into the depths to discover a lush, underwater oasis hidden beneath the surface.

During your camping trip, you can hike one of the rugged trails, enjoy a picnic under the oak trees, or go scuba diving or paddle boarding.

A single campsite has an estimated cost of $31/night and can accommodate up to five people, two tents, and two vehicles. When you split the cost with your group, you can camp for as cheap as $6/night per person!

Due to the spring's popularity, walk-up sites are no longer available to the public, and you have to book a reservation online in advance to guarantee your spot, so plan accordingly.

For animal lovers, you're allowed to bring along your four-legged friend as long as they're kept on the leash.

Camping In Alexander Springs

Price: estimated at $31/Night

Address: 49525 County Rd. 445, Altoona, FL

Why You Need To Go: You can visit a lush oasis and explore crystal clear waters without having to blow your budget.

Website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Contributing Writer Maeve Browne (she/her) is a journalist living in her hometown Savannah, Georgia. Maeve is an award-winning reporter and expert on all things "Lowcountry." She has a knack for internet culture, food, wine and travel writing, as well as breaking news in Georgia's major cities. She has been freelancing for digital publications for seven years and was Narcity USA's first full-time Staff Writer.

These grocery stores in Canada have the lowest prices, according to Canadian shoppers

"Where they're cheap on one item, they're expensive on another."

OPP officer dead after crash in Cobourg: police

OPP officer dead after crash on Highway 401 in Cobourg: police

Canada's best employers were ranked and these are the top places to 'grow your career'

Where you work can make a difference in how you work, according to LinkedIn.

This is how a sovereign wealth fund works

Canada is getting a sovereign wealth fund. What does that mean and how do they work?

Lotto Max winner bought a ticket at the grocery store and won $1 million

She put the lottery ticket in her purse and forgot about it!

Ontario's May weather forecast reveals which days will be sunny and warm

The month will be cooler than normal but warm temperatures are still in the forecast.

Liberals outline key priorities in economic update

Liberals table first fiscal document in seven years that won't need opposition votes