23 Central Florida springs you should be camping at this fall

Weeki Wachee Springs
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 1 hour 43 minutes
Famous for its enchanting mermaid show, these springs have brought many visitors over the years wanting to see the unique performance. Tubes, canoes and more outdoor activity rental equipments are available onsite. Although no camping is available onsite, there are many near options including: Cody’s RV park, Camp-A-Wyle Lake resort, and Hawks Nest RV Park & Campground.

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Otter Springs
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours 23 minutes
Flowing into the nearby Suwannee River, this 636 acre spring area offers fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities. There is also an enclosed pool pavilion and primitive tent areas or cabins with air conditioning, kitchens and more.

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Salt Springs
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 1 hour 32 min
With the largest camping grounds in Ocala National Forest, this spring area is the only to offer RV camping. Freshwater fishing and boating is allowed along the Salt Springs run. Camping ranges from $20.50 with no hookups and $29 for a full-hookup campsite.

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Fanning Springs
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours 17 minutes
Located near the Suwannee river, this state park has a boardwalk through cypress trees overlooking the river where many furry creatures can be seen as well as some under the water. Weddings can also be held here so you may be able to crash one if you get lucky. Primitive camping is $5 per person while cabins are $100 per night.

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Alexander Springs Recreation area
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 1 hour 10 min.
Located in the Ocala National forest, these springs are surrounded by forest animals and a ton of activities including snorkeling, swimming, canoeing and more. Camping is first come, first serve for $22 a night.

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Blue Springs
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 45 min.
A manatee refuge during winter time, this 2,600 acre park fills up pretty quickly. It offers visitors chances to go on boat tours, fishing, snorkeling, swimming and more along the St. John’s river. Cabins and camping are available and reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance.

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Ginnie Springs
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours
Nearby college students in Gainesville love these 7 springs where they can tube down a river as they drink their weekend away. The 7 springs also offer swimming, snorkeling, scuba and cave diving with multiple picnic areas around with some volleyball courts. Families or visitors can camp out in sites with electricity & water with reservations or day of in wooded acres for $21.34.

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Hart Springs
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours and 26 minutes
Located under a canopy of granddaddy oaks, Hart Springs gives camping goers the chance to test our their primitive camping skills. Located close to the Florida Greenway trail, this spring provides a vary of options along with a low cost of camping for $20. An RV campground with large sites and full hookups (water, sewer, electric), is also available for just $4 more.

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Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 2 hour 14
Flowing six miles until it meets with the Santa Fe river, this spring is great for tubing, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking and canoeing. Canoeing through the Ichetucknee river, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and more can often be seen. Camping is available nearby in River Run campground, Ichetucknee Family Canoe and Cabins, and Ichetucknee Springs campground.

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Juniper Springs Recreation Area
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 1 hour 19 min
Created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, Juniper Springs has swimming, camping, hiking trails and a famous 7-mile canoe run that’s pretty hard to accomplish. Canoe rentals are available as well as camping for $21 + tax per night.

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Manatee Springs
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 2 hour 10 min
Going from a stream to hardwood wetlands and then the Suwannee River, this spring is great for canoeing and kayaking, which can be rented there. Anderson’s outdoor adventures also sells BBQ takeout. The facility campground surrounded by redwoods is $20 + tax per night and pavilion rentals are $35.

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Rainbow Springs
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 1 hour 34 min
Being Florida’s fourth largest spring, this spot is famous for canoeing, tubing and more….within the designated areas. The available campground is 9 miles from the day use area with water and electricity and fishing available nearby.

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Rock Springs State Preserve
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 40 min.
With 17 miles of trails, this place is made for people seeking trail adventures. Horses can be brought to go on trails with and can stay at camping grounds in the equestrian campsite. There is also normal primitive camping where pets are allowed in accordance to the pet policy.

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Wekiwa Springs
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 30 min
Near Orlando, this park is a favorite among locals not just for its proximity. From birding to fishing and snorkeling to equestrian trails, there are loads of activities to do here. Camping is available for $5 per person...except if you bring your own horse.

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River Rise Preserve State Park
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 2 hour 3 min.
With over 35 miles to explore, this park perfect for “fat-tire” bikers or equestrians. The spring area is great for anglers seeking a quiet oasis. Camping is available for $5 per person, per night and there is a 20-stall horse barn available on a first come, first served basis.

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Homosassa Springs
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 1 hour 32 min.
Visitors are able to see manatees at any time in the year from the park's underwater observatory. The park also showcases native Florida wildlife, including manatees, black bears, and bobcats. Manatee programs are offered three times daily. Camping is available nearby at Covered Wagon Campground, Homosassa River Carefree RV Resort, and Nature Resort Campground.

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Lithia Springs State Park
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 1 hour 36 min.
Swimming is the main attraction in Lithia Springs State Park with nearby picnic areas and a playground. Nearby, the Alafia river has canoe and kayaking available. Camping on site is $24.

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Kelly Park
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 38 minutes
Featuring a free-flow natural spring, Kelly springs is the best way to drift your mind (and body) away while tubing in constant 68 degree water. On-site camping is available in both Kelly Park and Camp Joy with electricity from $18-$23 and additional fees with picnic pavilions, a playground and full service concession stand around.

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De Leon Springs
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 1 hour
Forgetting to eat breakfast is totally fine if you were too excited on your way to these springs since they have a cook-your-own pancakes restaurant available inside. This spring has a large spring to swim through, dive, snorkel and even paddle in along marshes. Pavilions are available for rent with surrounding picnic areas, grills and playgrounds and a luscious butterfly garden. Camping is available nearby at Hidden Valley Park, YMCA Camp Winona and Highland Park Fish camp.

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Devil's Den
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 1 Hour and 37 minutes.
By now, you’ve probably seen a Facebook video on the Devil’s Den, an underground spring inside a dry cave which only offers scuba diving and snorkeling. Unless accompanied by an adult, this spring is only available for adults. Tent camping options are $10 and cabin options are up to $110.

Photo via Devilsden.com