First of all, huge shout out to Colleen at the front desk. She was amazing, and absolutely went above and beyond to help me and my 3 year old son. She kept him calm and interacted with him while I filled out the canoe waiver. There was just way too many cool things to touch in that office for a kid. If Colleen had not helped me, I would have abandoned the whole idea. Seriously, this lady deserves a raise. Her good attitude is priceless A gentleman named Russell was also super helpful. You could tell the guy was happy with his job. We spent 4 days & 3 nights here with 2 small children (3 & 1) where the nights dipped down into the 40's. Anyone with children can understand that's a tough situation. That being said, this is the only place I will ever take my family camping again. It's perfect if you have small children or women in your group, the comfort level is sufficient for family settings. Over all it felt very safe, staff was helpful, and the spring is beautiful. read more

If you don't make a reservation you can't get into the park at all. We drove over an hour just to get turned around. Nothing on any website or Google said anything about a reservation. read more

My first time at a spring and it did not disappoint! We came on a Thursday morning. Parking was easy and there is a bathroom with showers right next to the parking lot. It's a short walk from the parking lot to the picnic tables and springs. The weather was perfect and the water was crystal clear. read more

Alexander Springs - Baby alligator - Campgrounds Near Me - Altoona, Florida

Alexander Springs is one of my favorite springs to snorkel in the summer. The spring head is gorgeous and the water is crystal clear. It is also nice for kayaking! There is a cool little area where you can 'park' your kayak and stand in the water, throw a frisbee, etc. On land, there is a sandy area you can lay out or various picnic tables perfect for lunch and snacks after swimming. I like that there is a reservation system so you can be sure you will be allowed in and don't have to arrive super early to get in line. read more

Alexander Springs - Alexander Springs swimming area - Campgrounds Near Me - Altoona, Florida

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My family and I drove four hours to camp at Alexandra Springs for a couple days. The staff were here tremendously helpful and kind, answering all of our question. however we had many problems with the actual campsite itself. The campsite we were at were way to close to other campers. I was about 10 feet from another family and I didn't really appreciate that at all, I was under the impression that our specific site was spaced out giving us more privacy but that was not the case. Every site was extremely close together, had I known that I would've never booked this one. Another thing, after 10pm it's "quiet hours" yet people didn't seem to care at all about that rule. Drunk people walking behind our tent all night trying to get to the bathroom, shining their flashlights at our tent, women literally cackling at 1am being so LOUD! ugh ... it was exhausting and very annoying. Nothing about it was peaceful. If anyone else was there 4/18 you know what I'm talking about. Every night around 2-5am our neighbors babies would literally scream for HOURS! Not minutes, HOURS! I have two kids so I can sympathize with parents with littles however, screaming for that long was excruciating. my whole family didn't get much rest at all! It seems camping etiquette has gone down the drain. I wanted to get away from the chaos of the world and spend some quiet time this past weekend with my family and it was the complete opposite. I did research on this campsite before booking so I know know what it looked like, but actually getting to the site and seeing how everyone was crowded together was very misleading. I will never book this campground again, which is a shame because the spring was beautiful and the nature was great. read more

It's a nice area to take a plunge and unwind with the spring water. Keep in mind there is wildlife here. read more

Alexander Springs - Alexander Springs - Campgrounds Near Me - Altoona, Florida

I'm very upset I had a reservation for yesterday it was pouring so I didn't go the last time I went they said if I don't go but have a reservation they would give me a refund I called up today and the girls on the phone said we don't do that I will never make a reservation to go again they lost my business read more

I'm driving through the Ocala National Forest in search for what may result in a taste from the fountain of youth - Florida has approximately 700 springs that percolate the purest waters from the aquifer through porous rock formations. Alexander Springs is one of those that for millennia has been providing native Floridians with some of the purest water on earth, this spring water some say has magical effects at the molecular level. It could literally be life changing and even if that's not the case it's refreshing and revitalizing - I for one have no reservation taking a sip or two but I would never advocate that you follow my lead without using some type of microbiology barrier (chlorine and / or UV probably are good options). It's a few minutes after 8:00 AM as I approach the entrance, it seems the entry fees changes so often they no longer post a fee schedule. Today the price for one is $9.63 that's seems like a strange total but it is what it is and includes taxes. After paying I follow the road around to the left making my way in front of the park's amenities, restrooms, a patio with covered tables and a partially railed concrete path to the spring through the picnic area. The squirrels are everywhere and fearless of man after years of feedings which they have become almost dependent on them which is an injustice, I'm sure they'd choose a half eaten bologna sandwich over a ground covered with acorns and hickory nuts. As I approach the spring at this hour there are only a few others on the grounds, it's seems they've packed most of the content from their vehicle parked at the top of the hill and they've stored most of it on a nearby picnic table - towels, goggles, noodles and a soft sided cooler which I and the squirrels are sure is filled with an assortment of snacks and plastic bottles of non-alcoholic beverages since alcohol is prohibited. I spot a guy with a video camera which is rolling while he walks and narrates everything in sight it's apparent he make a documentary or a video for his YouTube channel. I continue making my way to the steps and stainless handrail leading to the crystal clear waters of the spring only stopping to dump the sand from my camouflage hey dude shoes that have embroidered distressed American flags above the heels. I cop a squat on the bottom step with my water bottle in hand, the water is cool and crystal clear, I only need a sip or two, since this water isn't meant to quench my thirst, I return the unused portion back into the spring and stand just in time to see the sun peep over the tree tops - I soaked in this spiritual moment as if it's validation that I got my ticket punched today which was well worth the price of admission much like the Timucua people did a thousand years ago, they worshipped the sun and the moon and drank directly from these waters, although there are no Timucua left to tell their own stories I'm sure their spirits still roam this forest and watch over this spring and now I have a piece of their immortality... read more

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beautiful springs. Jenna was amazing. she de escalated a certain situation very well. I will always recommend this place because of her! you can tell she's so passionate about this area. God bless her. read more

I absolutely love this place. There are BBQ areas complete with grills, pavillions and picnic tables. Kayaking area where you can either bring your own or rent theirs. Also has a camping area. Spring water is the same temperature all year round. Complete with its own cave that can be explored. My whole family have been coming to Alexander springs since I was a kid and now I bring my own kids. So if your into cool water and great outdoors activity, definitely recommend to any one. read more

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What a gorgeous place for a little getaway! It's not a bad distance from almost anywhere in FL and the drive was clear and scenic. It was about $22 for three of us in one car, which I felt was a great deal. We came towards noon and the lot was only a quarter full, not many people there. We got a good spot under a tree and had a whole barbecue. The weather was perfect, and the water was a little cold but easy to get used to. The water was very clear and when you get out, you don't feel gross like you would from the beach. There were two nice guys driving around in the golf carts, assumably to just maintain the area. Bathrooms were clean and had showers (although the one I tried to use didn't work, but there were drains so you can still wash off). The place also has an area for canoeing or kayaking, and a trail around the springs, but it was closed due to lots of fallen trees. Overall this is a great place to hang out with friends and family or even by yourself, just to enjoy the day and relax. read more

Alexander Springs - Campgrounds Near Me - Altoona, Florida

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This is a beautiful spring. Lots of shade to park your chair under and have lunch. No concessions here, bring what food you need. And drinks too. No alcohol per national park service. Admission is $15 per person unless you have a national parks pass, which you can buy online. Recommended!. We are here on a Tuesday, and it is quiet and family friendly. A very large swimming area. People are also snorkeling, canoeing, and scuba diving. There are no airports nearby. Quiet! You cannot hear any trucks, planes, or construction. It's beautifully quiet, except for laughing children. A beautiful breeze today also coming through the trees off of the spring. Perfect weather. Do bring insect spray. A lot of black flies. Irritating! They are not biting flies. Bring your floats too. Warning. People with mobility issues. Getting into spring requires a little jump. Getting out, may need help. First step is 2.5-3 ft up. Hard to get up. Steps are slippery and have algae on them. read more

I grew up going here, at least 4 times a year as a kid. I was literally shocked when I went back today and was advised $13 a person to get in! We had to make a vehicle reservation, so for 2 people to get in it cost us $50!!!!!!! that is ABSURD! Where is the money even going? the bathrooms and store are the exact same that they've been for over 10 years. at least update those. it was still very full today even with a reservation, I've rarely seen it that full. I get its summer but still. We got there at 10:50 and there were 3 tables left. Trails are closed too. I am completely astounded at the price. People were blaring music everywhere, screaming and drinking. They don't check your coolers. It's so different than what it used to be and that really sucks. coming from someone who has went here a LOT -- not worth it anymore. spend the money to go somewhere else. read more

$13 per person at this spring instead of $6 per vehicle (4 persons) at Deleon Springs for the exact experience. In fact Deleon exceeds the experience because of the old Sugar Mill on site including griddle your own pancakes& eggs. read more

Beautiful spring, but we're on year five of the boardwalk trail being closed for maintenance and repairs. If you have to have a permanent sign in place (at the gatehouse) saying it's temporarily closed, maybe you're the problem. The sign is faded. It's been that long. read more

The tropical sensation is something I admire massively and this place differently meets that tropical sensation, from the crystal blue waters to the warm sun this place is a getaway from all your problems. To fully experience the tropical bring some goggles and go to this certain area I have put down here you can see the wildlife like fishes and if your lucky turtles can be spotted. As far as crowdedness goes it's only at the front of the spring and the lower you go the less it gets crowded so I recommend going lower to avoid people if you so desire. read more

Alexander Springs - Lilly pad valley - Campgrounds Near Me - Altoona, Florida

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Love this spring ... however the prices keep going up, now at 11$ per person it's 50 bucks to take the family and ya better hope you don't get rained out... nice canoe launch, however their rentals are quite pricy as well. I have never camped but that's on my todo list! Nice shallow area at the spring where you can play frisbee or football, and Lenny of picnic tables. GO EARLY or you might not get it, park will reach capacity weekend days all spring/summer read more

Alexander Springs - Campgrounds Near Me - Altoona, Florida

We arrived and paid for 6 people to enter the park. We rented a canoe because that sounded like fun! After walking down to the springs to set up our chairs and quickly jump into the water we were told to get out because it had started to rain! I understand the safety aspect of needing to vacate the water because of bad weather but when we asked about a refund of the $50 canoe rental that we were not able to even look at because of the rain, we were refused. We tried to wait out the rain but after 30min. the storm seemed to be getting closer with no end in site before the time limit on the canoe rental so we decided to leave. The fact that we were not allowed to take the canoe out should have qualified us for some kind of a refund. read more

It's a scam. They charge more money than we found advertised online. $13 per person, including kids over five, is a lot. And we ended up literally paying for nothing. They say "no refunds due to inclement weather." That would be a borderline understandable policy, but what they don't tell you is they decide what inclement weather is. As soon as our toes touched the water, the lifeguard barked at us with her megaphone to get out. My ears are still ringing. "There's a thunderstorm ten miles away," they said. I mean, when in the Florida summertime is it NOT raining ten miles away? The weather is not the problem, it's them. So, we were prevented from swimming for a good hour of sunny weather. Then a light rain finally rolled in. By the time it passed to their satisfaction it was closing time. (They say it closes at 8, but then it turns out you have to stop swimming by 7:30.) So we just paid to stand and stare. The kids were very disappointed and confused. Well, the kids still really wanted to go to see a spring before we went south. So, the next day, we came back thinking surely they would let us quickly go in free of charge, since we gave them 60 bucks the day before, so the kids could just snorkel out to the springhead and see it. They seemed to just see this as another opportunity to treat us poorly. If you want to pay money to be treated like a delinquent, go to there. read more

This is my FAVORITE spring that I've ever been to, and I've been to quite a few! The admission is a little bit steep, we paid around $21 for two people, but it is well worth it. Upon arriving, we noticed plenty of areas to picnic. The bathrooms are nice and clean, with showers! It's a short walk to the spring pool from the parking lot, and the spring pool itself is MASSIVE! It's an incredible sight. The water is cold, but it's warmer than most springs. We were able to tolerate it a lot better than usual. My advice to you is to just dunk yourself under, the quicker you get it over with, the better! At the stairs, it's probably about 2-3 feet deep and it slopes off slowly like the beach, which makes it perfect for children. It seemed to me like the majority of the pool was probably around about 5 feet, but there are some deeper areas. The water is the clearest most pristine water I've ever seen. I love to snorkel, so I spent a few hours watching the schools of fish, and even swam out to the vent (the deepest part). The view was spectacular. It felt like I was sitting on the edge of the universe, it's just an indescribable feeling! I can't wait to bring scuba gear and my go pro! If only I didn't live 2 hours away! read more

Start off I went for Memorial Weekend. I made a reservation per the instructions on their website for this weekend. We got there and found a parking spot fine. I went with my family and was please to see signs that said no alcohol beyond a point to get to the spring. Unfortunately was never given a map of the place only to find out that the only trail they have I was told had been under construction for over 5 yrs and no information as to when it would be available. The springs set up area was riddled with people drinking alcohol, playing extremely loud tacky music and just an all round un-family oriented experience. The spring would have been nice if some sort of civilized decorum would have been in place. read more

So we actually road tripped our way from Philly to check out this camp site. It was well worth the trip. They do close up the spring around 8pm. But towards the late afternoon it's nice and quiet out the waters. You can actually swim with the fish!! Watch out for the bugs, bring repellant! Also, I would advise, around May and June, Yellow flies are very abundant around this time. And the females bite!! I got lit up, no lie, over 50+ bites and that's just my arms. So this is a warning to all my fellow sweet blood kin out there! I wish I had more photos of this place but mostly I have videos, but I can honestly say the place was absolutely gorgeous, especially in the morning with the sun out! read more

Alexander Springs - A day away from the city - Campgrounds Near Me - Altoona, Florida

Gorgeous natural spring! As many have said this is a beautiful place to swim. There are some steps to get into the spring and some other areas where you can walk into the spring from the sandy edge. This is a naturally formed spring in the Ocala forest area and it's quite beautiful. There are many shallow areas to hang out in the water and also the spring head area that is quite deep, but clear and beautiful water. Lots of people hang out at the spring head and dive for fun into the deep end. To other reviewers that think $5.50 is a waste of money to get in, I refute you! It's lovely and natural and so much cheaper than running your A/C all day to cool off. It's also much cheaper than a theme park and so much more refreshing. You are out in nature, so if squirrels, bugs, mosquitoes, some vultures, and possibly other wildlife bother you, this may not be the place for you. You might need some insect repellent and definitely sunblock. The park area has nice picnic tables and small BBQ grills (byob of lighter fluid and matches) so that you can hang out and grill if you like. There is a strict no alcohol policy and your cooler is subject to surprise inspections, so don't even think about it. The tables will fill up fast in the morning, but some are usually available again in the afternoons. I didn't camp here, but there is camping that other people in our group said was great and there are plenty of shared bathrooms available. Also, there is a drop off area closer to the spring if you want to drive your car from the campsite and drop off equipment. There is a small general store with snacks, treats, and drinks. Also you can rent a canoe to take out into the non-swimming area too. The nature trail/walk is about 1.10 miles and you can really get away on the path into the forest, very lovely! Really great park and you will have no cell service when you're there...so ahhh...time to enjoy nature and not the internet. read more

Alexander Springs - Picnic area under the trees - Campgrounds Near Me - Altoona, Florida

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Absolutely incredible slice of nature, fantastic staff! Bathrooms even had hot showers! Canoed and swam for an afternoon on last day of a short trip to Orlando. These springs were a highlight!! read more

Four stars because we didn't have time to check out the entire park, just the swimming part of the spring. As usual, it takes me about 20 minutes or so to get in the freezing water. Once I'm ready and brave enough, I submerge myself entirely and then boom! It feels awesome. Don't forget your snorkel and mask and noodle so you can just swim all over looking down at this wonder and amazing gift that mother nature gives us. If you're not a very good swimmer like me then trust me when I tell you that a noodle will be your best friend because these springs are deep and if you really want to relax and enjoy it then bring a noodle or a float of course. read more

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This Spring is beautiful!! The water is beautiful!! I've visited DeLeon, Blue and Wekiwa Springs. But by far this Spring is the best. The (Boil) underwater caves are so visible, the water is that clear. The water is pretty shallow over the whole swim area. This Park is very nice to picnic, or just layout in the beautiful Florida sun. read more

This was my first time here and I had a lot of fun. Me and my friend hung out on a blanket near the water but didn't go swimming. There were of course people swimming and they said the water was chilling but refreshing. It was a very pleasant evening and a pretty drive to the springs. read more

Looking to be one with nature, this place is a must to check out. Explored the trails and then ended with a dip in the springs. Beautiful scenery all around and not terribly packed. Very clean park, Would come here again. read more

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Went here with my husband and two kids yesterday to kayak and was not impressed, probably my least favorite spring yet. When we arrived we were told they only had canoes so we rented one of those & didn't end up seeing much of anything, the water was murky and the canoe was full of red ants that we couldn't seem to get rid of. After that we went in the swim section which was pretty clear but packed with people with no distancing going on at all. Vultures lurking around everywhere I was disgusted actually. We left early. read more

Alexander springs is my favorite camp ground! It's always so clean and there's always someone to help at almost any hour! My boyfriend and I were having a hard time getting our fire started (turns out we got wet wooden) and the park managers came and gave us 2 starter logs and got our fire going HUGE for us! They were so extremely nice and told us not to hesitate if we needed anything else! I believe the ladies name was Frankie! The springs are GORGEOUS! There is a continent store on site if you need anything! There is running water at each camp site. The bathrooms and showers are always extremely clean! If you go in the summer months, make sure you bring big repellant! And watch out for the raccoons! They'll steal your food! The water is so refreshing and so crystal clear! Make sure to pack a snorkel! read more

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Great park for camping, trails and swimming. I would definitely go back and recommend to friends.

I absolutely love this place. I had never been to Florida before and most people go for the beach or amusement parks but since I was staying in central Florida with family I checked out this nearby gem. I'd never been to a spring before either and was intrigued by the clear blue water in the pictures. Its just as picturesque in person! We paid $6 a person to get in, well worth it. The spring is the perfect temperature to cool off, and the water is crystal clear. It's like a big natural swimming pool. I'm an Ohio girl, but with the palm trees and humid air, dunking in this spring really is paradise to me. There is a concession area and restroom/ changing area. People were also snorkeling. There is camping too! If I lived here, the first thing I would do is buy a season pass to the Ocala National Forest to swim in all the springs year round. Bonus fact: the water has to be this cold or else you would be swimming with alligators. So for inland FL this is the only place to swim besides a pool, lakes are too warm! read more

was lucky enough to backpack 10 miles to reach the springs. The springs were so refreshing and what I needed after hiking. entrance to swim was $7 plus tax. quite a bit of people there but didn't feel too crowded. after that we continued on hiking the Florida trail https://youtu.be/oPOWLaRB_z0 read more

Alexander Springs is beautiful and campsite I had was nice. However, they have really poor customer service.

4 stars because how can you give mother nature a "meh" review? This Spring is located about 45 minutes from Apopka. The drive is easy and scenic. Entrance is a bit steep at $6 per person so make sure you bring goggles to get your money's worth of the under water views! The reception area was clean and there are a few areas with available charcoal grills. There are many trees to offer some shade, but it's Florida so expect sun. The springs have a mostly soft sandy bottom which is huge! There are also some great view of the underwater foliage! I was excited to do some hiking here, as its located in Ocala National Forest but unfortunately there is really only a 1 mile loop. It's a very nice trail with some grest views on the river, but I was hoping for something much longer. The park does have kayak and canoe rentals. Next time I make it up there I'll definitely bring the kayaks. The river was very scenic and I am excited to come up later in the fall or winter to get out and see it! read more

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Great camping grounds - be sure you LOCK your cooler. Yep, you heard me. The "locals" get in there, quite easily. We arrived one day kinda late, got our camp set up and went hunting for firewood. As we were behind our camp, we heard a big clunk. We ran over to see what was the matter and our beer had fallen off the cooler. We looked around - nothing was there. We started continued adding wood to our fire and saving some and when we went to cook dinner - the package of chicken was missing. Interesting since we had it packed under a bunch of other stuff in the cooler......we went looking around and found a cat licking at what was left in the package (2 of the 3 breasts were there - one was missing....) at the end of our camp's pathway. The cat skiddattled and we threw the rest of the package away and went about our night freaking out how smart that cat was. He was an orange kitty. But mean. And the rest of the night we had to shoo him away. We put the cooler and everything else but the fire and the tent in the car, packed all our garbage in a big black trash bag and strung it up until we went to throw it out. When we went to walk the trash to the trash bins, we walked across a few empty camps and we heard a big BOOM and looked up and saw blue blinking eyes. WOAH! Apparently a mama bear protecting her cubs - we were still a ways away, but she would have chased and eaten us. We backed up slowly, trash in hand to the car and drove it to the farthest route away from that area. The whole night we were up with flashlights and fire protecting our territory in hopes that not only a cat wouldn't get us but the bears! I've never run into bears on my camping trips in years past - anywhere. The next day we spoke with the office folks and they swore that the cat didn't get in our cooler but the resident raccoon that had a name, but we don't remember what it was. But that was funny. The cat was just taking the leftovers. The bears - that's a whole 'nother story, but apparently not uncommon in the Ocala National Forest. They moved us to a new camp since we had 2 more nights to go and low and behold that damn cat found us again. He was not fed, nor did he get close enough to our things, but he was annoying. Beggar. The park itself was very nice, the canoeing was nice, the facilities were nice, the entire trip overall was good minus a few animal encounters, but we had a good time. read more

A friend and I went to Alexander Spring last summer to go swimming: he lives near Daytona Beach and I in Gainesville, so it seemed a good place in between our locations to meet, but most of the time I go to Little River Springs in Branford, Rainbow River Springs State Park or other springs closer to Gainesville. As Alexander Spring is a USDA/National Forest property, I noticed some interesting differences from the county and state park facilities I tend to go to otherwise. For one, it's a little more expensive--I forget exactly how much, but I know it was more costly a fee than a state park. However, it's still a fair price and the bathroom facilities include changing rooms and showers which is really nice after changing into boardshorts in Rainbow River Springs State Park's tiny, unkempt, restroom. The actual springs include a small beach/pic-nic area and a large swimming area at the spring-head leading into a small river which I think you can launch a canoe in but I'm not sure about that. The water is beautiful: clear, just perfectly crystal-clear. Still, I would recommend Rainbow River Springs State Park in Dunnellon overall as it's slightly cheaper and the hiking trails there go by some amazing lovely garden-like and natural areas whereas the ones at Alexander do not. Also, the general set-up of Rainbow River Springs State Park is better I feel, but if you're camping in the Ocala National Forest or otherwise in this area, Alexander is still worth checking out. I would just be more tempted to drive an hour to Dunnellon than around the same distance here considering what's offered at both locations. read more

Alexander Springs - Swimming area at Alexander Spring. - Campgrounds Near Me - Altoona, Florida

Recently I finished a day of Kayaking in the hot Florida Sun and needed to cool and Alexander springs was relatively close by. My family and I went. While a bit more highly priced than Florida State Parks at $5.50 a person it was definitely a worth it. The swimming area accommodates a range of swimmers with a shallow area good for wading all the way to the spring vent where it gets amazingly deep. Having a snorkeling gear is highly recommended. The spring was crystal clear. The picnic area was nice, it was a great place to relax and I will be back. read more

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Our family really loves this place. We camped here last year without the kids but are planning a family camping trip soon. The springs are fun!! It's great for all ages. The kids always have so much fun. There's plenty of shade and picnic tables and grills. Great place to spend the day. read more

Alexander Springs - Panoramic view of the springs. - Campgrounds Near Me - Altoona, Florida

We used to love camping in here. Haven't been here since the whole Covid thing started. The springs are still as beautiful as we remember them. Campgrounds: bathrooms could use some more cleaning. Large groups of people partying every night all night long (never ever had such an experience in all places we've been camping). Wish the security could drive around once in a while making sure rules were followed. Friday afternoon first come first serve people would be turned away - "campgrounds are full". Walking around, you'd find out that about 40% of the capacity would actually be available. The campsites have signs saying "Reserved" but days later no one would be using them. The little store they used to have was completely closed. I really hope I am wrong but this place seems to be going downhill. Here we come Juniper. Hopefully we'll have a better experience in there. read more