Alexander Springs Camping Area — Hotel in Eustis

First let me say that the springs of alexander springs is absolutely beautiful. A true reminder of old florida. However, as a seasoned camper who has tent camped all across this country, I felt the management of this campground by american land and leisure as some of the worst I've seen Anywhere...and that was surprising as last year I ranked the neighbor, Juniper Springs as one of the best. As a camper you are not allowed to have golf carts, which is fine however the campground hosts seem to be allowed to as they buzz up and down, back and fourth all afternoon....engaging In harrassment to anyone breaking rules. I watched them with a neighbor who had a service dog. This dog was so well behaved that it didnt move as they drove up -however the owner was not holding a leash and therefore breaking the rules. He tried to explain that some of the duties the dog performs doesnt allow a leash but they simply argued him. There are more signs with the word "no" on them then signs that say "welcome". Rules everywhere. I was alone -making a weekend of the hiking nearby. I was quiet and to myself -but the hosts made sure to come "check me out" with a ton of questions and assurance. I felt more like a annoyance on THEIR property then as a guest....That didnt really bother me as they were "nice enough" -but when I woke at 2am to hear neighbors all across the campgrounds doing the weekend warrior thing, I couldnt help but wonder where the hosts were for real rule enforcement. The campsite was dirty with beer cans in the bushes and a soggy firepit. The showers were muddy and walking around I noticed a fair share of garbage that seemed to simply be overlooked and passed up due to their use of golf carts. Even the host site was a mess. Theres rumors American land and leisure may be granted additional campgrounds in the ocala NF...let's hope not. Let's hope they learn just how to manage the ones they have for now. My suggestion -if you are looking for a true camping experience, find a campground elsewhere and go there...

What a gorgeous spring. Perfect for kayaking or canoing down the crystal clear river. The water has a very slow current which makes for easy paddling in either direction. There are 2 staired entrances for swimming. The water is pretty shallow(2-3 feet by stairs) and finally starts tapering off about 20 feet further out from the stairs.. The spring itself is a depth of a good 20-30 feet. *Never dive alone. Expect to see wildlife such as herons, ibis, cormorants and cranes as well as osprey. There are a venue of black vultures that hang out in the trees. They don't bother anyone and keep away from people, but don't seem threatened by them either. In the water you'll see various kinds of fish like sunfish, bass, shiners and bream. You'll be bound to see turtles like the red eared slider, yellow bellied slider and the painted turtle. There are gators present. The only one we saw was a small alligator. The property is beautiful to hike through and maintained well. Kept very clean. The bathroom and showers down by the spring are very clean as well. Plenty of picnic tables available. I would imagine in the summer you'd want to get there quite early. Camping sites and bathrooms VERY clean. FYI, no electricity hook ups at individual sites. Shared water spigots. There is a place to wash dishes near the restrooms. It has extremely hot water. Unfortunately the sites seem to be placed very, very close to eachother.... depending on your site, you may have some privacy with trees... other sites not so much. There are bear safe metal storage bins to place coolers in at night if needed. Enjoy yourself and make...

I am from Utah. Flew into Myrtle Beach to pick up a Surfside city Ford Taurus station wagon I'd won on government auction. Stayed mainly at State Parks driving South along the Atlantic coastline crossing Florida then up the gulf coast on my way home. Stayed very many beautiful natural places on this 3 week road trip. Alexander Springs was one of my favorites!!! There was a large swarm of bees that gave me no trouble behind my campsite. An albino squirrel that would dance for and chatter to me on my short paved walk from camp to the spring as well as shy little lizards and bold raccoons. Rented a kayak and leisurely watched fish spawn, saw and heard alligator mating calls, saw many turtles and birds and had a manatee swim alongside. A shirtless Bow-fisher perched on one knee in a flame painted canoe passed me a huge fish which I later cooked over the campground grill. Best tasting fish ever!!! Was there end of Feb 2018. Walked the raised boardwalk path looking down upon a giant snake with her seven babies on top of her. At the end of the path heard and saw hundreds of big black birds in the trees on each side of the stream that feeds into the river. My overnight stay was a phenomenal natural experience and one of the highlights of a 4000 mile car...