De León Springs State Park
De León Springs State Park is a beautiful and well-maintained park offering a variety of activities and amenities. Visitors can enjoy a large swim area, boat tours, kayaking, hiking trails, picnic spots with tables and barbecue grills, and a playground suitable for kids. The park is wheelchair accessible and features shaded areas with large trees. There is a restaurant on site known for its pancakes and a pleasant natural setting ideal for families and pets, with dogs allowed. Parking is available, though it can fill up early during busy times.
Reviews
Best springs to go to. They have a swim area that is cut off from the other part of the water. They have other activities such as kayaking, boat tours, and water cycling. There is a big spring head that is pretty deep, lots of people jumping off the edge into the hole. There is a restaurant that offers breakfast/lunch. The food is alright, the pancakes are the best. Only NULL a car to get in, cheaper than the springs out in Ocala. There are also multiple spots to fish from.
I love this park. Huge trees provide nice cool shades. The water is very clear, but cold. You cannot swim for too long due to the cold temperature of water. But it does give you a good benefit for skin. Perfect for people who loves nature and healthy lifestyle.
We went on a weekday so it wasn’t crowded. It was a nice, well cared for park. Nice trails. I paid the entry fee online, so we were able to just show the purchase on my phone and drive right in.
We went later in the day, so we had no trouble getting in. If you’re going in the summer, though, get there early before parking fills up. The swimming area is big and I love that they have e changing areas separate from the restrooms. I still haven’t had a chance to visit the pancake house. That is planned, though, for later this year. Aside from swimming, they also have picnic pavilions, boat tours, and the restaurant.
Absolutely beautiful place! Been on the Boat tour several times and its amazing!!!! HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE boat tour! (RECOMMEND booking the earlier tours & weekdays are less crowded)the captains are so friendly, entertaining & knowledgeable; not 2 mention the scenery! Sugar Mill Pancake House was so YUMMY! AWESOME wait staff! Beautiful swimming area (BUT GET THERE EARLY on weekends)
If you have never been its a GREAT place to go 4 the day