Gilchrist Blue Springs

ByTrip Advisor

Gilchrist Blue Springs are found in a Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Spring State Park, nestled near High Springs in Gilchrist County and along Santa Fe River. This 250-acre park has a lot of activities to do. Gilchrist Blue Springs is the largest and most beautiful natural pool in this Park.

Gilchrist Blue Springs

Location

Gilchrist Blue Springs are discovered in a Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Spring State Park, which is nestled close to High Springs in Gilchrist County and along Santa Fe River.

Gilchrist Blue Springs Location

Natural Pools

The spring draws 44 gallons of pure natural water into the state park daily. The famous and main natural pool is Gilchrist Blue Spring, which is 20 feet deep. This is a family-friendly pool with many shallow areas around it. You can explore a scenic forest on the Santa Fe River by covering a quarter-mile walk through the water. 

Temperature of The Spring

The water temperature of Gilchrist Blue Spring spans about 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This water temperature is the most suitable natural environment, containing many animal species like turtles and fishes. 

Best Time to Visit

This spring is overcrowded with visitors mainly on weekends or during holidays. If you want to enjoy a peaceful experience or to avoid a great traffic of visitors, visit it on weekday mornings. 

Opening Hours of Gilchrist Blue Springs

Gilchrist Blue Spring State Park is open from 8 a.m. until sunset for all twelve months of the year. Campers who reach after sundown should contact the park at 386-454-1369 to get instructions. 

Fees

1. Admission Fee

  • It costs 6$ per vehicle ( two to eight people).
  • It costs 4$ for a single-occupant vehicle.
  • It costs 2$ for foot travellers, bicyclists, and extra passengers.
  • Those passengers who possess an Annual Individual Entry Pass also pay 2$.

2. Camping Fee

  • It costs 18$ + tax, plus a non-refundable 6.70$ reservation fee and 7$ utility fee for RVs, boats, and yart units. The utility fee includes water and electricity.

Note: For tent campers, a utility fee is not applicable.

Camping

Gilchrist Blue Spring Park has 23 campsites, of which 16 are for RV or tent camping, with 30 ampere hookups. Seven campsites are for tent camping only. These campsites feature:

  • Bathrooms
  • Picnic tables
  • Ground grills
  • Concessions

You can reserve these campsites online or by contacting 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.

Activities to Do

These natural pools at Gilchrist Blue Spring Park have numerous activities to do, such as swimming, snorkelling, canoeing, walking, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

1. Hiking

Nature viewing and hiking is the main activity of this park or springs. This spring is famous for its wildlife species, including turtles, fish, and invertebrates.

2. Paddling

Paddling, swimming, and snorkelling is the most famous activity at the main springhead and spring run. Kayak and Canoe are available on rent by Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures. At this time, no shuttle facility is available.

3. Snorkelling

Snorkelling is available in some areas.

4. Swimming

Gilchrist Blue Springs is the only spring at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park which allows swimming. Other pools are available only for viewing.

5. Wildlife Viewing

These springs contain a wide variety of wildlife, including fishes, turtles, and many other invertebrates.

Activities to do at Gilchrist Blue Springs

Facilities

The following facilities can be enjoyed at these springs.

  • ADA access
  • Garbage bins
  • Picnic tables
  • Firewood available
  • Phone service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Potable water
  • Electrical hookups 
  • Toilets
  • Fires
  • Water hookups
  • Dump stations
  • Big rig friendly
  • Pull through sites

FAQ’s

Yes, you can swim at Gilchrist Blue Springs. These are the only springs at Gilchrist Blue Spring State Park which are available for swimming, while other pools are only for viewing.

These springs cost 6$ per vehicle ( two to eight people), 4$ for a single-occupant vehicle, and 2$ for walkers.

The water temperature of these springs spans about 72 degrees Fahrenheit almost all the year.

Final Thoughts

Gilchrist Blue Springs is found at Gilchrist Blue Spring Park. These are the only natural springs that are available for swimming at this park. The water temperature of these springs spans about 72 degrees Fahrenheit almost all the year.

Boating at Gilchrist Blue Springs

The operational hours of this park are 8 a.m. until sunset. During weekends or holidays, this park or spring has great traffic. So, weekday mornings are the most suitable time to plan a visit to these springs for a peaceful experience. Campsites are available at these springs.

You can also visit other gems of Florida, such as Alexander Springs, Cypress Springs and Blue Springs.

To get more Hot Springs list in United States and Australia just visit Family Trip Advisor.