The Official 2009 RVers Guide to Florida

SPRINGS Florida is full of natural treasures, and its 750 or so freshwater springs - the highest concentration on the planet - are no exception. Weeki Wachee and Wakulla Springs have both become world-famous, and they offer excitement for the whole family. However, many springs flow in places tucked away and far less traveled, offering a more tranquil or romantic escape into nature. For centuries, travelers have come to Florida’s freshwater springs in search of their fabled ability to restore health. Though the state’s springs likely won’t cure what ails you, they will provide a moment of peace and profound beauty. Blue Spring State Park 386-775-3663 floridastateparks.org/bluespring An RV-friendly getaway in Orange City, Blue Spring State Park offers fun for the whole family. The largest spring on the St. Johns River, Blue Spring’s 73-degree water is a winter home to a population of West Indian manatees. This park fills up fast - be sure to plan your trip for the early morning or late afternoon. Ginnie Springs 386-454-7188 ginniespringsoutdoors.com The world’s top freshwater dive destination, privately owned Ginnie Springs is home to two separate springs systems and incredibly clear water. Guided dives are available. Those without dive experience can try the Discovery SCUBA course. Camping is available. Manatee Springs State Park Wakulla Springs State Park Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park 352-628-5343 floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings Though not a swimmer’s destination, this state park offers the chance to catch a glimpse of the West Indian manatee year-round from an underwater observatory. Black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, alligators, crocodiles and river otters also call Homosassa Springs home. The park is about 75 miles north of Tampa. 850-926-0700 floridastateparks.org/wakullasprings Near Tallahassee, Wakulla Springs is described as a giant - the spring system produces more than 250 million gallons of water every day. During the summer, the water temperature is always a refreshing 69 degrees. Swimming area features a dive tower and two swimming platforms. The park features nature trails and glass-bottom boat rides, offering a view of one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. Peacock Springs State Park 386-776-2194 floridastateparks.org/peacocksprings One of the longest underwater cave systems in the continental United States can be found in Live Oak. Peacock Springs State Park is home to two major springs, a spring run and six sinkholes - not to mention 28,000 feet of charted, underwater caverns. Visitors wishing to dive must present proof of certification. Those not diving can still enjoy swimming and nature walks. Weeki Wachee Springs 352-596-2062 weekiwachee.com Some Florida springs are frequented by manatees - but only one is home to mermaids. North of Tampa in Spring Hill, Weeki Wachee Springs offers world-famous shows by the Weeki Wachee Mermaids underwater performers, that is - as well as fun at Buccaneer Bay, Florida’s only spring-fed water park. SCUBA Diving and canoe/kayak rentals are also available. Ponce de Leon Springs State Park 850-836-4281 floridastateparks.org/poncedeleonsprings East of De Funiak Springs in the Florida Panhandle, Ponce de Leon Springs State Park offers refreshing, 68-degree water year-round. Named after the famed explorer who sought the Fountain of Youth, this spring produce 14 million gallons of water every day. After taking a dip, many visitors enjoy picnicking and fishing. Wekiwa Springs State Park 407-884 2008 floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings At the headwaters of the Wekiva River in Apopka, this park gives visitors a glimpse of what Florida looked like when the Timucuan tribe fished and hunted the land. Take a swim in the cool spring or enjoy fishing and picnicking. Canoeists can hit the river, and 13 miles of nature trails offer many sites for hikers. frvta.org 105 http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring http://www.ginniespringsoutdoors.com http://www.floridastateparks.org/wakullasprings http://www.floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings http://www.weekiwachee.com http://www.floridastateparks.org/peacocksprings http://www.floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings http://www.floridastateparks.org/poncedeleonsprings http://www.frvta.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Official 2009 RVers Guide to Florida

The Official 2009 RVers Guide to Florida Contents RV Friendly Logos Meet Roadie Behind the Wheel Region 1 - Southwest Florida Region 2 - Southeast Florida Region 3 - Tampa Bay Area Region 4 - Orlando & Space Coast RV Rentals Region 5 - Florida Panhandle Financing Your RV Region 6 - Northeast Florida Region 7 - North Central Florida Florida Regional Shows Region 10 - Out of State Members Indian Mounds in Florida Springs in Florida What’s Your Type? Lighthouse Tour Insurance, Who Needs It?

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