Ocala Travel Forum

I shall be travelling up to Ocala from Tampa in August.
I would like to go to one of the Springs in the Ocala area. I have heard that Juniper and Alexander Springs are best but perhaps someone in the area or in the VT community can help to inform me of somewhere better.

I have tried to research this without much success so far any tips would be appreciated.
Thanks
Paul

We used to go camping in this area a lot in the 80s - specifically I remember canoeing and swimming in Rainbow River in Dunnellon, which is actually a bit southwest of Ocala. The water was crystal clear, and you could just let the current carry you. No gaters either! And there were no crowds like at Manatee Springs I think it was.

I don't remember any places that we stayed in Ocala itself - other than in the National Forest for Thanksgiving, but no tubing or canoeing on that trip.

Here's a web site for the state parks in that area.http://www.floridastateparks.org/northeast/default.asp

Hope this helps.

Interesting that I was going to recommend the Rainbow River at Dunnellon also for canoeing or tubing.

Here are a couple website you might want to check out.

http://www.florida-secrets.com/Florida_Kayaking_and%20_Canoeing/Dragon.htm

http://www.floridastateparks.org/rainbowsprings/faq.asp

From the Florida State Park web site for Rainbow Springs -
Do alligators exist in Rainbow Springs?

Yes, alligators exist in almost all of Florida’s fresh water, but at Rainbow Springs sightings are rare. Alligators rarely become a problem to people unless they are fed and learn to expect food from people, or they are harassed. It is against the law to harass or feed an alligator.

Enjoy,
Donna