Otter Springs County Park

County Park Florida

Otter Springs is located in northern Florida near the town of Trenton. The park is the site of a second-magnitude spring that flows into the Suwanee River. Although owned by Gilchrist County, the park is leased to a non-profit organization, ForVets, Inc., a 501(c)3 Federal Tax Exempt charitable organization offering a unique environment with programs for severely disabled veterans.

March is a difficult month for wandering around Florida in an RV without reservations, which is our prefered way to... — March is a difficult month for wandering around Florida in an RV without reservations, which is our prefered way to travel. However, we did break down about a week ago and called Otter Springs Park to make a reservation. We had tried several state parks, but all were full. No problem getting a site here. Upon arrival we were assigned to site 30, up near the front of the park.

Greetings from

Otter Springs County Park

March is a difficult month for wandering around Florida in an RV without reservations, which is our prefered way to travel. However, we did break down about a week ago and called Otter Springs Park to make a reservation. We had tried several state parks, but all were full. No problem getting a site here. Upon arrival we were assigned to site 30, up near the front of the park.

Ribbit! The WxToad

Around the campground

Sites pretty much look all alike here. They are quite close together and utilities are shared between each pair of sites. On the pull-through sites that's not a problem for you can pull in either way. For the back-ins, it might be more of an issue for some rigs. That's one reason we carry extra lengths of electric cable and hose. That's site 55 on the left and 28-25 on the right.

Some sites have a nice little fenced area nearby, which might a good place to set up games for the kids. This tent is on site 21.

Down at the far end of the campground sites 1-8 offer a little more sunshine than most sites.

Sites 91-78 on the left, 76-63 on the right.

There is an area designated for tent-camping only. There are several water faucets in the area, but no electric hookups are available.

On site 41 was this tent, complete with air conditioner.

There are two small bathhouses in the campground. They offer free hot showers and were very clean. The only drawback might be the lack of privacy when showering.

Among the amenities at Otter Springs is this enclosed swimming pool.

The big attraction here is Otter Spring, with its constant temperature of 73 degrees and a daily flow of 10 million... — The big attraction here is Otter Spring, with its constant temperature of 73 degrees and a daily flow of 10 million gallons of sparkling pure water. We couldn't tell just where the spring itself was because of flooding from the Suwanee River.

Canoes are available for rent for those would like to explore the spring run down to the Suwanee River.

Or you can bring your own kayak or canoe.

In the middle of the campground are two shuffleboard courts.

Springhouse Lodge, with its wrap-around porch, huge stone fireplace and outside grill, is can be rented for special... — Springhouse Lodge, with its wrap-around porch, huge stone fireplace and outside grill, is can be rented for special events such weddings, business meeting, church retreat or family reunions.

Three cabins, each with air conditioning, fully-equipped kitchen, dinette, bathroom with shower, picnic table and... — Three cabins, each with air conditioning, fully-equipped kitchen, dinette, bathroom with shower, picnic table and front porch, can be rented. Each sleeps 4 people.$65 per night, $390 per week or $1170 per month (one-month maximum).

Down by the spring run is a large cabin on stilts with air conditioning, fully-equipped kitchen, dinette, bathroom... — Down by the spring run is a large cabin on stilts with air conditioning, fully-equipped kitchen, dinette, bathroom with shower, picnic table, and screened porch.$85 per night, $540 per week or $1530 per month (one month maximum)

The Camp Office at the park entrance also has a small store with some basics available.

There is a trail that leads from the spring down to the Suwanee River. We had planned to walk it, but it was impassable due to high water.

Back in the woods are the remains of an older campground that dates from when the county was operating the park. The ForVets, Inc group has plans to redevelop that area with modern cabins.

Nearby campgrounds

Shell Mound County Park Cedar KeyFL · 31 miles away

Stephen Foster State ParkFL · 49 miles away

Ross Prairie State ForestFL · 57 miles away

Silver Springs State ParkFL · 63 miles away

Back on the roadSee all 402 campgrounds