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Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
Let’s dive into the sparkling waters and lush landscapes of one of Florida’s lesser-known springs – Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park. This park is not just a natural wonder but also a perfect escape for those looking to explore THE REAL FLORIDA.
located at 7450 NE 60th St High Springs FL 32643. The cost to enter is 4-6$ per car. Pets are welcome on a leash but not in the swimming areas.
This is a relatively new state park, and while the spring is magical, the facilities need some major improvements. When we visited, we were told they were to undergo renovations in May of 2025.
A Splash of Magic
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, Florida’s newest state park, boasts the primary spring known as Gilchrist Blue. The spring pumps an impressive 44 million gallons of water daily. It’s a mesmerizing turquoise color.
The spring has shallow areas that you can walk into, perfect for smaller swimmers. The spring gradually gets deeper closer to the spring head, which gets up to 25ft deep.
The swimming area is relatively big in size and is shared with the kayak entrance.
There are 4 smaller springs however these are not available for swimming & must be accessed via hiking paths.
Water Activities
Upon arriving, you’ll want to jump straight into the inviting, cool, beautiful waters, ideal for beating Florida’s heat. However, in my opinion, when it’s extremely hot, it’s more difficult to get into the cold spring water, which is always a refreshing 72 degrees.
The park offers fantastic opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. Glide over sandy beds and through schools of freshwater fish. You might even spot a turtle. when we were paddle boarding we saw an abundance of turtles. Initially I saw the little turtle head poking out of the water and thought it was a snake. Quickly I realized it wasn’t. THANK GOODNESS!
For the more adventurous souls, bring a paddleboard or rent a kayak to explore the spring fully. The spring run ends at the Santa Fe River, which connects to other springs in the area. If you’re up for a much longer paddle you can access Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs and Rum Island.
Beyond the Springs
Gilchrist Blue Springs also offers hiking trails that meander through the park, including all the way to the Santa Fe River. We had rain while we stayed and the trail was very muddy and difficult to pull our wagon through.
There are plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting, including herons, egrets, turtles, fish, and maybe even an otter playing along the banks.
Camping
The campsites can be booked through the Florida state park website. There are approximately 25 sites , 18 being accessible for electricity and water and the rest are primitive. The sites do book up fast so make sure to get reservations early.
Camping at Gilchrist Blue Springs offers the unique experience of being close to the spring and being able to swim throughout the day. Camping also gives you the opportunity to have the spring to yourself in the early hours of the day before the crowds arrive, which is a pretty unique experience.
The campsites are mostly dirt, with mature trees for some shade. Each site is separated by wooden fences. There is one outlet and a water hook-up. The sites have a fire pit and a picnic table. The sites are not even, and close together, so bring your patience when parking your rig!
The bathrooms are shared by the public, which was rather disappointing. The restrooms are in need of a major overhaul; it has been said that in May of 2025, this is happening 🤞🏻.
If you have young children that love to dig and play in the sand/dirt like mine, make sure you pack extra clothes and towels for wiping feet and a bucket for washing outside.
Planning Your Visit
Gilchrist Blue Springs hits capacity quickly. Be sure to plan your visit early in the day during peak times, especially on weekends. Be sure to bring blankets or chairs for lounging as well as snacks and drinks to make the best of your visit. They do have some picnic pavilions and beach volleyball courts. There is an abundance of sand, but there is a hose for washing off before getting back in your car.
Get out there
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is a true example of THE REAL FLORIDA . So pack your swim gear, grab a paddle, and get ready to explore one of Florida’s most splendid hidden gems. Trust me, it’s a splash you won’t want to miss!
and always if you visit be sure to share because we all love a show and tell and don’t forget to tag me on IG @homesweetmartins
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