I grew up in a little town called Umatilla. Not far from Alexander Springs. My grandfather took my brother's and myself here frequently. They are some of my favorite memories. I feel blessed to have visited such a beautiful place and visited often.
One of our favorite campgrounds. Right across the street is the Paisley trail that also connects to the Florida trail. Nice place for a hike or a bike ride!
Excellent review, thanks so much. I was there for the first time just for the day a few weeks ago so didn't get to see the trail, camp ground or the beautiful overlook area. I'm a native and am trying explore my own state as much as I can so this was very helpful. Great job.
That's so great! We put up some behind the scenes stuff from time to time on our facebook page if you want to follow us there as well..facebook.com/camptravelexplore
The clarity of that water! Amazing! Loved the palm tree sideways over the kayaking and the boardwalk. When I think of Florida I don’t think of bears... alligators yes, bears not so much. 😂
We've visited Alexander Springs twice to go snorkeling, but we've never camped there. However, we do plan to camp there in Spring 2020. Thanks for the review!
I plan on going Friday on the 15th of October. It looks nice. I am getting tent from bass pro this week and I did get one of those grills that you can put over the fire not thinking that they already had some. Oh well, it is bigger to put my cast iron on there and make multiple dishes I guess and I can take it home.
Thanks Luka! Have you seen our New "Top 10 Springs in Florida" video yet? You can check out where Alexander finished on the list and please leave us a comment on it and tell us what you thought of it! You can check it out right here..th-cam.com/video/xenBkPpv87Q/w-d-xo.html
@@CampTravelExplore it was a beautiful morning at Alexander Springs today. Not crowded at all. We were able to work on some drills in the basin. It is a great place to bring the family 😊
All the years that we take down there I never dreamed there were so many different Springs to go to. You'll just never know how much I appreciate your Channel. And you know I'm no spring chicken but I had no idea there were bears in Florida. I always think alligators and those sneaky snakes but I never think about no bear. I have a notebook along side of me as I watch your videos I'm documenting all these amazing places to see. Thank you again for sharing this awesome information and the videos are really great because you cover everything. Going back to the Devil's Den I noticed that in the next video I watched you said you needed to be a certified diver. I am a certified diver but I was wondering does Ryan take down un certified divers to the devils den like to just see if they would like scuba diving. I can't give up on my daughter I try to convince her not force but just convince her that that's a whole nother World underneath that water. Thanks a lot safe travels.
I am a new subscriber and love your videos. I do have one suggestion...it would be very helpful to know if the various camp sites allow tent camping or if its just RVs. I appreciated that you mentioned this park does not have water or electric. Beautiful job and thank you for sharing your travels with us!!
Charles - Based on what I understood camping is available for tents and camping trailers. I wish he had included the rates especially since there’s no electric and water access. I realize we can go online to obtain such but if one’s creating a TH-cam video then it’s most helpful to provide overall stats.
Thank you for the review. My wife and I are just getting into camping and have a small TT. The heat at night would be a concern without power. How did you find that to deal with?
We haven't found that to be an issue yet, now we haven't gone in Jan or Feb, the coldest months of the year in Fl. They also make some nice portable units that you could look into, but I think you would be fine if you are not camping the two coldest months! TY for your comment, it is appreciated!
They allow generator use up until 10:00 at night. That with some battery powered fans was enough for us. If you don't have a generator, maybe late July to early August would be tougher, but i will say, We were very pleasantly surprised at the nice shade the sites had (lots of trees) and it made a big difference, doable in our humble opinion.
This is an amazing review! Alexander is my all time favorite spring. It’s so big and beautiful. It’s a paradise. I imagine the Indians, before the white man came , thanked their spirits every minute, every day for such a glorious place to live.
How were the sites next to site 40? if we wanted three site next to each other would you recommend 39-40-41
5 ปีที่แล้ว
Another great video! This site is now on my winter bucket list. No experience with bear cabinets -- do you need a padlock or does the contraption secure itself?
@@CampTravelExplore - Upon reviewing several comments I’ve noticed you’ve not directly answered people’s questions. 🤷🏻♀️ Maybe take a moment to review and be more precise when we leave a comment.
what's it like in mid October? bugs , heat, swimming ? I don't need power or water in my small conversion van. Any good nearby boondocking options? drive in difficult at night?
October would be cooler at night which is a plus. The sites are really shaded though so I think you would be fine! The water is always 72 degrees! I think October and November would be prime months there! Night driving is a bit tough I guess but just gps your way in and you'll be fine!
Hey Joy did you get to check out our Brand New "Top 10 Springs in Florida" episode yet? Leave us some comments on it when you do, TY. Here is the episode..th-cam.com/video/xenBkPpv87Q/w-d-xo.html
How is it at night if you can’t use the generator past 10pm? We usually sleep with the AC on in the camper. I’m a south east FL native and it doesn’t cool down at night. Was it miserable ?
To further add, yes Gators rarely frequent any head spring but periodically they do but as mentioned, very very rare. Being reptiles and therefore cold blooded, the spring water cools there metoblism down drastically where they can not focus their natural behaviors such as feeding on fish and small mammals as much so they require more basking times when they do. Longer periods of time in spring water puts them in short brumation periods ( a reptile version of hybrination) in which they sit motionless many times on the bottom of the springs where smaller Gators usually try to find a way out to escape the colder water of the springs while basking frequently untill they do. As with any Florida reptile, Gators are normally defensive animals unless where people feed them often. If you give Florida reptiles a way out, they normally prefer to flee unlike reptiles in other countries which some or offensive and not defensive. I worked with reptiles including with crocs, caimans and alligators for many years in zoos and other places and I still work with a dozen of them today (mainly very rare albino turtles that produce eggs for me yearly , some large lizards like rare monitors and bearded dragons, leopard geckos and I have 5 rare snakes today still) even being retired early so I have a ton of experience with them hand in hand.
Yes gators are there. They have one that hangs around near that they even gave a name. Last time I swam there it was swimming too and no one seemed to care.
The entire area has been warned to have alligators, wild bore and big foot. Oh and MONKEYS that are dangerous. It does not matter where you are in Florida or temps of water... Alligators are EVERYWHERE but most are captured immediately and hauled off. That's why there are cages closing in most ponds etc.
No power or water? That is no good. Is that for all of Ocala National forest? I just received the application to apply for my disability pass called the "Access Pass" to apply for National Park discounts similar to what the State Park benefits but with no power & water seems very discouraging since I do not have a generator just yet.
@@CampTravelExplore ...... Not good. It looks like a generator is in focus as well. I loved working in the Ocala national forest when I went through the forestry academy in my young adult life but the group I was in actually camped in there with tents during the few 5 or 6 week time frames. Our schooling was more our less at at a location that was between Orlando and Titusville on highway 50 called Christmas Florida with the odd trips such as Ocala National forest and the Ocala National fire academy (the only co ed fire academy of it's time). But over the years living in England for many years then returning, my tolerance to the Florida heat simply does not exist any longer for long periods of time more than 4 to 5 hours maximum.
Gators always seem to be much further up river where its warmer, thats been the case at every spring I have visited. Get out and enjoy the springs, don't worry about gators :)
@@CampTravelExplore yeah. I have been to weeki wachee a bunch and last time we went towards a dead end brackish area and there was a small one on the bank. Very random. Just discovered your channel and it is great.
Hi Linda, I have never had a gator bother us at any spring we have been to in Florida and we have filmed fifteen springs now. They really stay away from the spring head and swimming areas from our experience and as far as kayaking goes, staying in the middle of the river usually keeps a nice distance from any we have seen as they tend to lay on the river banks. Hope this info helps and you get out there and take them in! :)
@@CampTravelExplore talked to a worker there 2 days ago. They want to rebuild it but the moneys not there. I guess someone fell through and got hurt so that was the end of it
Check out our New "Top 10 Springs in Florida" video right here...th-cam.com/video/xenBkPpv87Q/w-d-xo.html
I grew up in a little town called Umatilla. Not far from Alexander Springs. My grandfather took my brother's and myself here frequently. They are some of my favorite memories. I feel blessed to have visited such a beautiful place and visited often.
That is so great!! glad we could bring some of those memories back!!
@@CampTravelExplore ❤❤❤❤❤ keep up the great work getting the information out there.
Thank you for showing us the campsites, including the number! Super helpful.
One of our favorite campgrounds. Right across the street is the Paisley trail that also connects to the Florida trail. Nice place for a hike or a bike ride!
Ty for watching! Alexander was a pleasant surprise for us!
Excellent review, thanks so much. I was there for the first time just for the day a few weeks ago so didn't get to see the trail, camp ground or the beautiful overlook area. I'm a native and am trying explore my own state as much as I can so this was very helpful. Great job.
TY so much for your kind feedback!
I really enjoy your channel! I watch it on another monitor while working and it keeps me day dreaming of new adventures!
That's so great! We put up some behind the scenes stuff from time to time on our facebook page if you want to follow us there as well..facebook.com/camptravelexplore
The clarity of that water! Amazing! Loved the palm tree sideways over the kayaking and the boardwalk. When I think of Florida I don’t think of bears... alligators yes, bears not so much. 😂
This is one of the hidden gems in Florida!
We've visited Alexander Springs twice to go snorkeling, but we've never camped there. However, we do plan to camp there in Spring 2020. Thanks for the review!
TY for watching and enjoy your camping trip there next year!
We love boardwalk hikes! Awesome footage thanks for sharing :)
Yes it was great, we love that style of trail in florida for sure!
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. My husband and I are looking into this place to camp in December. :)
So great! Have a great time!
I plan on going Friday on the 15th of October. It looks nice. I am getting tent from bass pro this week and I did get one of those grills that you can put over the fire not thinking that they already had some. Oh well, it is bigger to put my cast iron on there and make multiple dishes I guess and I can take it home.
It will be great! Enjoy your time!
I really loved your video I like that you tell us where the park is located and your favorite campsite thumbs up for you thank you
TY so much!
@@CampTravelExplore are any of your favorites safe fro alligators?
Thank you so much for posting this!
very informative video thank you!!!
Thanks Luka! Have you seen our New "Top 10 Springs in Florida" video yet? You can check out where Alexander finished on the list and please leave us a comment on it and tell us what you thought of it! You can check it out right here..th-cam.com/video/xenBkPpv87Q/w-d-xo.html
Thank you I just booked it for my son's Boy Scout troop next month.
Oh thats so great! Let us know how you enjoyed it! Happy Camping!
Is using the kayak paddle upside down a thing? Nice video. Well done as usual!
I know, My B lol, TY for the feedback!
We’re headed there this September! Cannot wait!!!!!
That is a great stop, you will love it!!
Very informative but yet concise. Great job. Headed there to dive this weekend.
That's so great! Let us know what you think of it!!
@@CampTravelExplore I definitely will. 🤗 I will send you think link to our video once I post it.
@@CampTravelExplore it was a beautiful morning at Alexander Springs today. Not crowded at all. We were able to work on some drills in the basin. It is a great place to bring the family 😊
That's so great!!
Nice to learn what is in Florida... we've only been to Miami and the airport! Someday...
It's beautiful, come on down!
@@CampTravelExplore Maybe someday we will make it back.... long way from California!
helpful video, thanks! we are going there end of this month & you helped me with some of the questions I had!
Oh I am so glad it helped! I didn't know how great the kayaking was, but I really enjoyed Alexander!!
Beautiful! I would love to visit florida and explore! Great channel! Glad i found you!
TY so much for your kind feedback!
Beautiful!!!
I want to move to Florida so much.
The springs here in Florida are amazing!
Just up the street is Juniper Springs check that out!
Yes we have a Juniper Review on the channel, TY for your feedback!
All the years that we take down there I never dreamed there were so many different Springs to go to. You'll just never know how much I appreciate your Channel. And you know I'm no spring chicken but I had no idea there were bears in Florida. I always think alligators and those sneaky snakes but I never think about no bear. I have a notebook along side of me as I watch your videos I'm documenting all these amazing places to see. Thank you again for sharing this awesome information and the videos are really great because you cover everything. Going back to the Devil's Den I noticed that in the next video I watched you said you needed to be a certified diver. I am a certified diver but I was wondering does Ryan take down un certified divers to the devils den like to just see if they would like scuba diving. I can't give up on my daughter I try to convince her not force but just convince her that that's a whole nother World underneath that water. Thanks a lot safe travels.
We will have some new springs videos coming out in the next two months as well! Glad you are enjoying them!
@@CampTravelExplore Awesome!! We can't wait. Thank you!
I am a new subscriber and love your videos. I do have one suggestion...it would be very helpful to know if the various camp sites allow tent camping or if its just RVs. I appreciated that you mentioned this park does not have water or electric. Beautiful job and thank you for sharing your travels with us!!
Great suggestions, I will incorporate the tent camping more!! TY so much!
Charles - Based on what I understood camping is available for tents and camping trailers. I wish he had included the rates especially since there’s no electric and water access. I realize we can go online to obtain such but if one’s creating a TH-cam video then it’s most helpful to provide overall stats.
Thank you for the review. My wife and I are just getting into camping and have a small TT. The heat at night would be a concern without power. How did you find that to deal with?
We haven't found that to be an issue yet, now we haven't gone in Jan or Feb, the coldest months of the year in Fl. They also make some nice portable units that you could look into, but I think you would be fine if you are not camping the two coldest months! TY for your comment, it is appreciated!
@@CampTravelExplore I actually was referring to not having AC at night. The "heat" of the summer (or now the Fall) is just oppressive .
They allow generator use up until 10:00 at night. That with some battery powered fans was enough for us. If you don't have a generator, maybe late July to early August would be tougher, but i will say, We were very pleasantly surprised at the nice shade the sites had (lots of trees) and it made a big difference, doable in our humble opinion.
Beautiful photo s thx for sharing
Thank You so much!
This is an amazing review! Alexander is my all time favorite spring. It’s so big and beautiful. It’s a paradise. I imagine the Indians, before the white man came , thanked their spirits every minute, every day for such a glorious place to live.
Ty for your insight and kind feedback!
Go here it is spectacular!!!
How were the sites next to site 40? if we wanted three site next to each other would you recommend 39-40-41
Another great video! This site is now on my winter bucket list. No experience with bear cabinets -- do you need a padlock or does the contraption secure itself?
I personally would keep everything in my RV!
@@CampTravelExplore - Upon reviewing several comments I’ve noticed you’ve not directly answered people’s questions. 🤷🏻♀️ Maybe take a moment to review and be more precise when we leave a comment.
Gorgeous!
Thanks!
what's it like in mid October? bugs , heat, swimming ? I don't need power or water in my small conversion van. Any good nearby boondocking options? drive in difficult at night?
October would be cooler at night which is a plus. The sites are really shaded though so I think you would be fine! The water is always 72 degrees! I think October and November would be prime months there! Night driving is a bit tough I guess but just gps your way in and you'll be fine!
Awesome review. We are planning on going soon. Is there any other primitive sites that you would recommend?
None come to mind other than the one we mentioned. Maybe the site to either side of it since that area was nice. Ty for the kind feedback!
The site says 22 miles of bicycle single track ?! Would love to see THAT covered
Hey Joy did you get to check out our Brand New "Top 10 Springs in Florida" episode yet? Leave us some comments on it when you do, TY. Here is the episode..th-cam.com/video/xenBkPpv87Q/w-d-xo.html
How is it at night if you can’t use the generator past 10pm? We usually sleep with the AC on in the camper. I’m a south east FL native and it doesn’t cool down at night. Was it miserable ?
Battery powered fans help! I wouldn't try it in late July/September if I could help it :)
Does anyone know if the campsites are assigned or do u pick on a first come basis
Im almost certain you had to reserve them by site online now.
Another amazing video!!! What kind of rig do you travel in??
TY so much! We have a small 30ft class A, also still do a little tent camping.
Hi, thanks for sharing! Are there any alligators in the spring? Or has there ever been?
Gators typically are never in the spring head areas any spring we have been too! Safe for swimming!
To further add, yes Gators rarely frequent any head spring but periodically they do but as mentioned, very very rare. Being reptiles and therefore cold blooded, the spring water cools there metoblism down drastically where they can not focus their natural behaviors such as feeding on fish and small mammals as much so they require more basking times when they do. Longer periods of time in spring water puts them in short brumation periods ( a reptile version of hybrination) in which they sit motionless many times on the bottom of the springs where smaller Gators usually try to find a way out to escape the colder water of the springs while basking frequently untill they do.
As with any Florida reptile, Gators are normally defensive animals unless where people feed them often. If you give Florida reptiles a way out, they normally prefer to flee unlike reptiles in other countries which some or offensive and not defensive. I worked with reptiles including with crocs, caimans and alligators for many years in zoos and other places and I still work with a dozen of them today (mainly very rare albino turtles that produce eggs for me yearly , some large lizards like rare monitors and bearded dragons, leopard geckos and I have 5 rare snakes today still) even being retired early so I have a ton of experience with them hand in hand.
Yes gators are there. They have one that hangs around near that they even gave a name. Last time I swam there it was swimming too and no one seemed to care.
The entire area has been warned to have alligators, wild bore and big foot. Oh and MONKEYS that are dangerous.
It does not matter where you are in Florida or temps of water... Alligators are EVERYWHERE but most are captured immediately and hauled off. That's why there are cages closing in most ponds etc.
@@johnholbrook6042 - 😱 🐊, that’s what mostly causes me alarm in Florida and I’ve lived here 20 years. 🚌
did you need reservation for campground? primitive camping I mean
On the primitive camping i am not sure, check out the Ocala National Forest website to be sure!
Any snakes or alligators to worry about?
Thank you
Your welcome and appreciate you leaving us a comment
very nice tour of this park, however, no water/electric at the sites..oh well
I know, boy if they did , this would be one of the top ones Ive seen! Worth a day trip though sometime!
lovely ❤️💕😍
Alexander had so much more than we expected, the kayaking is terrific there!
Nice!!
Thanks McMillan Express!
No power or water? That is no good. Is that for all of Ocala National forest? I just received the application to apply for my disability pass called the "Access Pass" to apply for National Park discounts similar to what the State Park benefits but with no power & water seems very discouraging since I do not have a generator just yet.
Juniper Springs is the same way in Ocala National Forest. A generator is the way to go unless camping in the cooler months!
@@CampTravelExplore ...... Not good. It looks like a generator is in focus as well. I loved working in the Ocala national forest when I went through the forestry academy in my young adult life but the group I was in actually camped in there with tents during the few 5 or 6 week time frames. Our schooling was more our less at at a location that was between Orlando and Titusville on highway 50 called Christmas Florida with the odd trips such as Ocala National forest and the Ocala National fire academy (the only co ed fire academy of it's time). But over the years living in England for many years then returning, my tolerance to the Florida heat simply does not exist any longer for long periods of time more than 4 to 5 hours maximum.
Is this place better than. Kelly springs?
Kelly Park is my fav, but this one is a close second to it!!
The trail has been closed for a few years .
Is kayaking one way or round trip?
Out and back is how I did it!
What is the alligator situation on the river
Gators always seem to be much further up river where its warmer, thats been the case at every spring I have visited. Get out and enjoy the springs, don't worry about gators :)
@@CampTravelExplore yeah. I have been to weeki wachee a bunch and last time we went towards a dead end brackish area and there was a small one on the bank. Very random.
Just discovered your channel and it is great.
oh great, hope you subscribe, you will enjoy the content i believe!
Do they allow dogs?
I don't think so , but I would check their website to be sure.
Is fishing allowed? I thought Alligators are in all fresh water.
Gators don't really hang out in the head spring area at all, yes I believe you can fish along the river areas, just check on specific locals for that!
I’m here from the alligator attack news . 😢
No gators?
There's no gators in Florida lol. They stay away from the swimming areas at springs from our observations!! Get out there and enjoy them!
I’d luv to 🛶 down the springs but I’m
so afraid an 🐊 will capsize a kayak
or canoe.
Hi Linda, I have never had a gator bother us at any spring we have been to in Florida and we have filmed fifteen springs now. They really stay away from the spring head and swimming areas from our experience and as far as kayaking goes, staying in the middle of the river usually keeps a nice distance from any we have seen as they tend to lay on the river banks. Hope this info helps and you get out there and take them in! :)
The trail is closed forever not likely to reopen. It has fallen apart
Nooooo, thats too bad!
@@CampTravelExplore talked to a worker there 2 days ago. They want to rebuild it but the moneys not there. I guess someone fell through and got hurt so that was the end of it
That is too bad!! Thanks for the update on it!!
How much is it? Money
Its been three years since we were there, so I would check their website
I was there today and I was carrying big rock for war don’t ask and was I was sink
be nice to have prices first
Hope you will check out our Brand New "Top 10 Springs" episode here..th-cam.com/video/xenBkPpv87Q/w-d-xo.html
I see my family
oh wow, that so great
Site 65 was horrible.
Thats too bad, we thought site 40 was nice.
@@CampTravelExplore I also had 40, and it was nice.