I got there around 10 am, and at that point there were very few people around. And it's very refreshing to step into on a 90-degree day! It became entertaining to listen to all the sharp gasps from everyone when they first stepped into the water. No matter how many bodies clamber in, or how many boats you see parked beyond the swim area, somehow that water looks completely unpolluted. The pictures, somehow, don't even do it justice. Even the woman at the booth was excited for me! And once I walked down to the water, I could see why. I'd never gone swimming in a natural spring before this. All the kids enjoyed it aside from the freezing water temperature. If you like to snorkel, please bring your gear and especially goggles because the bottom of the spring is worth the dive and view! This spring was soo breathtaking and beautiful that honestly it was worth the 3hr wait to get in. I had a life proof case on my iPhone and the videos came out amazing! The clarity of the spring water was amazing! Please bring a GoPro or a water proof case for your phone. Now, for the best part! The spring water!!! Jesus when I tell you I felt soo refreshed after jumping in that freezing cold water since I spent most of my 3hrs waiting outside of my parked car sweating while talking with other people in line to get in. If you are wanting to listen to music - make sure you create a list to play before you go. I had read about the wilderness animals are friendly therefore I had began to grill later on the day while we can attend all the food because the vultures were literally all over the ground eating everyone's food! There was barely any mobile reception being that I have AT&T and my friend who had Tmobile had no reception. We were lucky enough to find a grill and a spot near the entrance to the spring. Once we were finally in, again since it was later in the day, all the benches were taken so therefore take beach chairs & an extra table for seating if you are with a group. I stood in line in my car for 3 hrs waiting to get in! Once the park is at its full capacity - they will not allow another car in unless a car exits. I initially intended to be there early but ran late and arrived at 11am. To begin with, I highly advise to get here BEFORE the park opens. I'll begin to say that the pictures you see about this spring are not fake or photoshopped! It is truly gorgeous! Wristbands must be worn that are given to you when you pay at the gate. Cannot bring in your own grill, no alcohol. We saw two baby alligators floating on the top of the water in the lake. There is a 2 mile hike on a marked trail to Lake George. Boats can come up to a predetermined area where it is roped off for the swimmers safety. There are a lot of striped bass by the opening of the spring, a turtle or two swimming around in the grassy areas, and mutton as well. The buzzards will come right up to the table and steal whatever is not covered thoroughly or in a cooler. Watch out for the raccoons and buzzards as we saw 1 raccoon and a couple three buzzards. There are picnic tables with a couple of grills. There is a path down to the water’s edge. There is no running water so there is a hand sanitizer dispenser on a post outside the ‘restrooms’. Two changing rooms that look like small sheds. Not sure of other prices as there were only two adults in our car, for example if children are a different price. $8 per person to enter for an adult plus tax. Located in the Ocala Forest, what seems out in nowhere, but there it is … a beautiful spring.
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