Altoona, FL

Description
Alexander Spring issues vertically from a conical depression and has a large spring pool and that measures 300 ft (91 m) north to south and 258 ft (79 m) east to west. Depth is 25 ft (7.7 m). The water is clear and sky-blue. There is a large boil on the pool surface over the vent. Native aquatic grasses are plentiful. The bottom is mostly sandy with limestone outcropped near the vent with a vertical ledge running north to south near vent. There are multiple vents in a tight cluster. Thin algae patches are present on

rocky substrate. High ground to the south rises gently to 12 ft (4 m) above water level. A rock wall forms the south shoreline. There is a mixed hardwood and palm forest around the spring. Alexander Spring Run flows east trending approximately 8 river miles (13 km) until reaching the St. Johns River.

Contact Information
Alexander Springs Rec Area
49525 CR 445
ALTOONA FL 32702 Phone: (352)669-3522

Operating Hours

Open all year round.
The campground gate is closed and locked from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

Getting There

From I-75 take Hwy 40 East thru Ocala and Silver Springs approximately 40 miles to Hwy 19. Go south on Hwy 19 approximately 5 miles to Country Road 445 (CR-445). Go east on CR-445 5 miles to campground. From I-95 take the Ocala/Silver Springs Exit (Hwy 40) west for approximatley 35 miles to Hwy 19. Go south on Hwy 19 approximately 5 miles to County Road (CR-445). Go east on CR-445 5 miles to campground.

Activities
Camping, swimming, scuba diving, hiking, fishing, bicycling, canoeing.

CAMPING RESERVATIONS INFO:
Reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance. Tax included in fees. 2 night minimum stay on weekends 3 night minimum stay on holiday weekends The campground gate is closed and locked from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM. If arriving after 6:OO PM, you must call ahead at (352)669-3522 in order to gain entry. Camp sites must be occupied first night. Maximum of 5 persons and 2 vehicles per site. Extra vehicles must park in overflow/overnight parking area at $10.00 per vehicle, per night. Check out time is 1:00 PM. Visitors who stay beyond this time will be charged another days fee. No refund for inclement weather. No ATV's or off road vehicles may be operated within the campground. CAUTION: Bears/Raccoons frequent the area. All foods must be kept in containers. Only half the sites at these complexes are reservable and there may be sites still available on a first-come, first-served basis. Only one campsite may be rented at a time using the Golden Age/Access Card for the Discount Price.

General Rules for the National Forests and Corps of Engineers Lakes

Camping

If you are staying at a campground, you must camp only in those places specifically provided or marked.All vehicles, RVs, and trailers must be parked on your campsite or driveway. Driving or parking off road is not permitted.Quiet hours are between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Please be considerate of others. Camping longer than 14 consecutive days is generally not allowed. At Corps of Engineers campsites only, camping at one or more campsites at any one water resource project (lake) for a period longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive day period is prohibited. The number of camping units per campsite varies and is set locally.

Sanitation

Help prevent pollution by keeping garbage, litter, and foreign substances out of lakes, streams, and other waters. All garbage and litter must either be deposited in containers provided, or taken with you when you leave.

Campfires
Obey any restrictions on fires. Fires may be limited or prohibited at certain times. Within campgrounds and other recreation areas, fires may only be built in fire rings, stoves, grills, or fireplaces provided for that purpose. Be sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving. Do not leave your fire unattended. You are responsible for keeping fires under control.

Vehicle Operation
Drivers must obey all traffic signs and operate their vehicles in accordance with posted regulations, and applicable Federal, State and local laws. Vehicles must be parked in designated areas only. Use of vehicles within campgrounds and other recreation areas is limited to entering or leaving those areas.

Pets and Animals

Pets must be restrained or on a leash at all times while in developed recreation areas. Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas or sanitary facilities. Saddle or pack animals are only allowed where authorized by posted instructions.

Fireworks

Use of fireworks or other explosives within campgrounds and other recreation areas is prohibited.

Public Property

Preserve and protect your National Forests and Corps of Engineers Lake areas. Leave natural areas the way you find them. Do not carve, chop, cut and damage any live trees.