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4.1
16 votes

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground

7450 NE 60th St, High Springs, Florida 32655-0331 USA

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Video
$$
Reasonable
Closed Now
Opens Tue 9a
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    Accepted
  • Pet Friendly
  • Not Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
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“Florida's Newest State Park”

Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park contains a collection of natural springs, including a large second magnitude spring that produces an average of 44 million gallons of water per day. This spring, known as Gilchrist Blue, has outstanding water clarity and discharges water through a shallow spring run about one-quarter mile to the Santa Fe River. The other named springs on-site are Little Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Kiefer Spring and Johnson Spring, which provide scenic vistas and photographic opportunities. The most significant ecological habitats include the spring run stream and floodplain communities. The main spring run is renowned for its support of a diversity of wildlife species including turtles, fish and invertebrates. Redbreast and spotted sunfish, largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish in can be observed in waters with unparalleled visibility. Paddling, snorkeling and swimming are all popular at the park. Pavilions are available, and a concession stand provides food and beverage service, and paddling equipment rentals. Other popular activities include camping, hiking, nature study and picnicking.

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Reviews of Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground

17 people have reviewed this location

Ratings Summary

2.2 Access
3.5 Location
2.5 Cleanliness
1.8 Site Quality
3.5 Noise

Cell Coverage

Verizon 4G/5G

Confirmed by 8 users | Last reported on February 01, 2024

T-Mobile 4G/5G

Confirmed by 3 users | Last reported on August 09, 2021
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Reviewed by
vikkaschweer

  • 5 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
July 17, 2017
Rated 5.0

I'm not sure where Jim saw alligators, but we never saw one at any spring in Florida! I wouldn't be surprised if you saw one in the actual river it connects to, but you would have to swim a fair distance away from the spring. This spring was absolutely stunning, and I loved how it had the platform for people to jump from! We got there around 9am and there were only a couple other people there, but by 12 the place was absolutely packed. It seemed like a great place for people to spend the whole day, because some were even grilling! I personally liked some of the more secluded springs like Ichentucknee State Park, but I can see the appeal for this one if you have a family for sure.

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
redfool27

  • 6 Reviews
  • 3 Helpful
September 08, 2015
Rated 5.0

Crystal clear water and a beautiful little trail takes you down to the river. A little off the beaten path but worth the trip.

2 people found this review helpful
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Reviewed by
Campendium

October 31, 2018
Rated

Gilcrest Blue Springs is a beautiful springs one of Florida's Natural wonders. The park is on the rough side, the pavilion are run down and need attention. The Bathroom are clean, but very small and could use some TLC. I had reservations to spend a few days in the campground, but discovered there was no Dump station and no Showers the road into the camp ground is very rough. The staff is wonderful and working with what they have, TLC is needed to keep the area open to more Campers.

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Nightly Rate: $15.00

Days Stayed: 0

Site Number: -

1 Access
2 Location
2 Cleanliness
1 Site Quality
5 Noise

Cell Coverage Rating

Verizon 4G

T-Mobile 4G

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Reviewed by
Campendium

January 09, 2019
Rated

We were trying to camp at a different park, but it was full (holiday traffic). Lucky for us the reservation phone agent found us 2 nights here. The highlight is a large, crystal clear, blue spring. Perfect for swimming and jumping in from the diving platform.

This used to be a private park, and the state took it over about 18 months ago. They are trying to make improvements, but the budget hasn't come through. Despite that, the staff were wonderful. Very friendly and tried to make our stay as pleasant as possible.

The sites are not paved, but the sand base is OK. Water and electricity available, no sewer, and no dump station at this park yet (there is a dump site at a nearby park). The bathrooms have hot showers, but are in need of a coat of paint. The staff tries very hard to keep them clean. They are fighting an uphill battle, though. The park gets quite a bit of day use, from people who just come to picnic and swim. A lot of sand is tracked into the restrooms on wet feet and it is impossible to keep up. But, the floors were very clean each morning when the cleaning crew was finished.

Highlight of the stay: a lone manatee swam into the spring from the Santa Fe river. This doesn't happen very often.

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This reviewer would stay here again

Nightly Rate: $15.00

Days Stayed: 2

Site Number: 8

3 Access
3 Location
4 Cleanliness
3 Site Quality
3 Noise

Cell Coverage Rating

Verizon 4G

Reviewed by
gregoryberleue

  • 3 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
September 24, 2019
Rated

I spent some time at this park last year and returned to camp there last weekend (9/21/19). The oversight by the state of the springs is terrible- they are not enforcing the no swim areas and the spring run out is being destroyed as a result - a real shame! Camp sites for RV units are very tight - double check your size. Access road is very rough for over one mile and sand covered road may require 4 WD to navigate if you have a moderately sized RV. Verizon service only 1 bar. Florida state park service needs to invest some $ here and soon.

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Nightly Rate: $25.00

Days Stayed: 2

Site Number: 16

1 Access
3 Location
3 Cleanliness
1 Site Quality
4 Noise

Cell Coverage Rating

Verizon 4G

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Reviewed by
Campendium

October 02, 2019
Rated

Starting on the road in, the other reviews were too nice. We had to drive no more than 5 mph and thought our transmission was going to drop with the amount of severe bumps the entire way in. Finally get to our reserved spot, #13, and there is such a big dip to get into our spot, our tow hitch dig about 6 inches into the sand (everything is sand btw). We couldn’t even make it into our spot. Luckily they had other openings so tried #1. Got all hooked up and the power doesn’t work.... finally settled on #2. We were the only Class A in the park, and I now know why. No space. The Spring on site was amazing! Crystal clear. We went on a Wednesday and there were quite a few people there, but not packed. I’m glad we stopped for some photo ops, but won’t be staying again.

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Nightly Rate: -

Days Stayed: 1

Site Number: 13

1 Access
1 Location
3 Cleanliness
1 Site Quality
3 Noise
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Reviewed by
Campendium

June 30, 2020
Rated

Stayed there for one night in June on our way back from a two week road trip. State park is rather new but poorly adapted to RV camping. Access road to state park is one mile of dirt, rocks and sand. Sites are close to one another and most are not level. Ours was so bad the auto leveling system in our camper did not work. So we ended up with a camper at a very uncomfortable angle. Sites are mostly sand and dirt. facilities are shared with the springs so very busy and dirty. They seem to clean up once a day in the morning so make sure you shower before the day passers arrive. Little to no shade. No dump station. No or little service (Verizon). We would definitely avoid the site and head to another state park in the area next time.

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Nightly Rate: -

Days Stayed: 1

Site Number: 15

1 Access
4 Location
1 Cleanliness
1 Site Quality
3 Noise

Cell Coverage Rating

Verizon 4G

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Reviewed by
Campendium

July 11, 2020
Rated

First off you have to kind of separate in your head 3 things... the springs themselves, the campground, and the river. We came for all three and LOVED it. This trip happened for us on Fathers day and as a father it is one of my favorite memories for Fathers day ever. I wish we'd stayed longer but we had reservations elsewhere to get to.

The springs are crystal clear, a bit on the cools side, and very popular for day use. On a Sunday we got there early (around noon) and since the campsite wasn't ready for us yet, we were allowed to park in in the lot (with travel trailer) and use the springs. There's no pet area right by the springs, so keep that in mind. The swimming was great, especially if you enjoy snorkeling. Once you get a few feet away from the "shore" you have much more space and can roam. There are plenty of picnic tables etc... but you come here to swim in the springs. Its perfect on any day above 85 outside.

The springs flow into the Santa Fe river and where they meet the water goes from crystal clear blue to a brownish (from tannin?) color. We brought inflatable kayaks with us but they do have a rental place at the springs. Right where the river meets the springs we saw a pair of manatees. We saw tons of turtles on logs as we kayaked for an hour or so. We were with small children, otherwise we would have stayed out for hours. We headed back to the springs and encountered the manatee pair again, this time they swam all the way up to the springs where the majority of the swimmers were. So cool to be this far inland and swim with manatees. I have no idea how rare this is...maybe it is common...but it was a treat for us.

The campground itself very small. Perfect for smaller rigs or tents. Our site fit our rig but we had to move the picnic table, fire pit, and hook up on wrong side to make it work... but it was all good. The whole park gets very quiet and after the day use part closes your sharing it with only a handful of people. It was very quiet in the evening. We could have easily stayed here for 3 nights and loved every moment of it. Worth mentioning they currently have NO DUMP site... you have to go to a nearby state park if you need to. We were headed to a place with full hookups so this was not an issue for us, but it might matter to others.

We had zero coverage on T-Mobile (iPhones) and Verizon (mifi) ... I had to head into town for some work in the morning... :( As others have mentioned the road in is currently ROUGH. Washboard sandy and very long. You can go super slow and still struggle. I think it's worth it for a weekend... if we were here longer and came and went several times it would be a deal breaker. That said... I think they are planning on paving it.

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This reviewer would stay here again

Nightly Rate: $18.00

Days Stayed: 1

Site Number: 3

5 Access
5 Location
5 Cleanliness
4 Site Quality
5 Noise

Cell Coverage Rating

Verizon

T-Mobile

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Reviewed by
Campendium

April 06, 2021
Rated

Have waited six months into our RV life to start reviews for fair comparisons. Stayed 2 nights in 35 foot RV+tow car in site #14 at $23/night. At the time, this was our cheapest per night stay and one of our absolute favorites. New small state park. There is a long dirt road to get in but was very manageable. Same with the sites (sand) which made us a bit nervous looking at it that we would get stuck, but no issues. Did have some issues trying to level. The springs were gorgeous to look at and we even took a swim. You can rent kayaks as well. Not extensive, but very nice hiking paths through the forest. Could hear owls occasionally although never saw one. The sites were close and in “corrals” but something about it made it feel nicer. Can’t explain it. Just great feel to this park. The tent area was also very nicely laid out. Highly recommend!

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This reviewer would stay here again

Nightly Rate: $23.00

Days Stayed: 2

Site Number: 14

3 Access
5 Location
5 Cleanliness
3 Site Quality
5 Noise
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Reviewed by
Campendium

August 09, 2021
Rated

I wish I could rate this campground and park experience in two separate ratings. Past reviews stated that the long dirt road was rough during the rain. Well it rained the entire time there! I can tell they brought in sand and watched them grade it flat almost every morning. Even with that, the road is a typical dirt road in Florida when it rains with poor drainage. I never felt that we would become stuck or any other campers/travel trailers. The Rangers were helpful and accommodating.
The park/spring is AMAZING! The water was beautiful and refreshing. We were there for July 4th weekend. They do close it off at a max capacity, which was low enough to not feel too overcrowded. The water was up due to all the rain, so we didn’t Kayak as far as we planned due to the fast current of the actual river, but Kayaking the spring was nothing short of magical. I can see why the Spanish Conquistadors thought the springs was a fountain of youth. The noise was okay and to be expected due to the July 4th weekend. I could hear the loud music and yelling from the neighboring campground and glad I didn't stay there with my family.
Onto the campground: One of, if not, the worst state own/ran campgrounds we have stayed! The bathrooms were disgusting, that when I opened the door, it felt like I was in a Port-A-Jon at a construction site, that hadn’t been cleaned for three weeks. Needless to say I am glad we were self-contained and didn’t need to use their “bathhouse”. The campsite itself was hard to back into/on-top of each other, very uneven, and the power supply kept tripping. We ended up having to use another campsites power outlet due to ours not working. Thank goodness they were in a tent and didn’t need the 30amp connector. The Rangers were as helpful/nice as they could be, but all the sites were full plus it being the weekend they couldn’t get an electrician to fix the power supply.
Talking with the Rangers, they said they are in the planning stages of building a new section of the campground soon. Until then, we will not consider camping there again. I will say that we were very close to leaving after the first night. I am aware that the park itself was bought by the state only a couple of years ago, but it is time that Florida invests money into this park as the spring itself is amazing.
Another thing I wish I would see is that they would stop the water run off from the bathhouse making it down to the spring. When it rained hard, the run-off sat on top of the water creating what looked like a cloud over the blue water. That can't be good for the natural environment they are trying to preserve.

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Nightly Rate: $18.00

Days Stayed: 4

Site Number: 16

2 Access
5 Location
1 Cleanliness
1 Site Quality
4 Noise

Cell Coverage Rating

Verizon

T-Mobile

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Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground

7450 NE 60th St
High Springs, Florida
32655-0331 USA
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Hours

Closed Now
  • Sun - Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Good for paddling and swimming.

  • Check
    Parking
  • Check
    Pets Allowed
  • Check
    Restrooms
  • Unavailable
    Wifi
  • Unavailable
    Wheelchair Accessible
  • Check
    Credit Cards Accepted
Affiliation
State park or forest
Last Nightly Rate
15.0
Longest Vehicle Length Reported
37.0
Lowest Nightly Rate
15.0
  • Unavailable
    Paved Sites
  • Unavailable
    Fifty Amp
  • Unavailable
    Full Hookup
  • Check
    Rec Facilities
  • Check
    Pull Through
  • Check
    Tent Sites
  • Unavailable
    Dump Station
  • Unavailable
    Big Rigs
  • Unavailable
    Open Seasonally
  • Unavailable
    Age Restricted
  • Check
    Boondock
  • Unavailable
    Cabin Sites
  • Unavailable
    Dispersed Sites
  • Unavailable
    Firewood
  • Unavailable
    Fulltime Residents
  • Unavailable
    Group Tent Sites
  • Unavailable
    Laundry
  • Unavailable
    Mobile Homes
  • Unavailable
    Permit Required
  • Unavailable
    Propane
  • Unavailable
    Public Water
  • Check
    Pull Through RV Sites
  • Check
    Reservations
  • Unavailable
    Sewer Hookup
  • Check
    Showers
  • Check
    Standard Tent Sites
  • Check
    Water Hookup
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