NW Florida Natural Springs, if you are looking for a activity away from the beach, one of the better options would be to get out an explore some of the many natural springs that can be found within about an hour’s drive from Campers Inn. We have a few to feature here that are a great way to spend a day seeing the other great things our area has to offer.
Many of the local springs can be accessed by vehicle at one of the many parks at the springs or accessed by canoe or kayak.
Ecofina Creek, Bay County
Ecofina Creek has numerous springs along a popular 7 mile path. The best way to experience this area is to hop in a canoe or kayak, pack a lunch, sunscreen, & beverages, and then spend the day floating from one spring to the next. The best option to paddle Ecofina would be to launch at Ecofina Canoe Livery where you can rent a canoe, kayak, or arrange for the shuttle pick up if you bring your own. Swim and snorkel in crystal clear, sandy bottomed springs. Enjoy lush tropical vegetation, unique honeycomb limestone banks, and six major spring areas which combine to make this Florida’s Most Beautiful Paddling Trail!
Directions: Econfina Creek Canoe Livery LLC, 5641 Porter Pond Rd, Youngstown, FL 32466
Access By Vehicle:
Pitt and Sylvan Springs Recreation Area, Located along State Road 20 in Bay County, this public recreation area recently went through major restoration by Northwest Florida Water Management District. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. There are no lifeguards on duty. No pets allowed except service dogs. There is ADA access to most of the park and an environmentally friendly self-composting rest room facility has been installed as well.
Williford Spring is located in the Econfina Creek Water Management Area between SR 77 and U.S. 231 off of Herman Strickland/Porter Pond Road
Blue Spring located approximately 1.5 miles north of State Road 20 and accessed off Blue Springs Road North in Youngstown, the Blue Spring recreation area on Econfina Creek has several new features. Recently restructured after a devastating Hurricane Michael, the recreation area now consists of an ADA-compliant ramp and stair access to the spring, an overlook deck of the spring vent, and a pedestrian bridge overlooking a separate karst feature. Visitors can also enjoy picnic pavilions, a pedestal grill, fire ring, and portable toilet.
Holmes Creek – Cypress Springs, Washington County
There are several crystal clear springs, including Cypress Springs, which flows at 89 million gallons per day and Becton Springs, which flows at 40 million gallons per day, that feed the creek. There is a smaller spring at the Brunson landing where you can pull in, take a short walk along a wooded trail and find the small spring approximately 35 ft. in diameter.
Bring your snorkeling gear, as a dive into Cypress Springs is one of the highlights of the paddle offering you the opportunity to get up close and personal with a beautiful spring boil.
The creek has many low-hanging branches and submerged tree trunks, which can present a small, but not difficult challenge. For the most part, the gentle curves and a slow current make Holmes Creek an easy paddle through beautiful hardwood swamps.
Cypress Springs Adventures – Kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boards
3324 Highway 277
Vernon, FL. 32462
(850) 535-2004 – map
Holmes Creek Canoe Livery – Kayaks and canoes map
Located at SR 79 North of the Vernon Bridge. 850-210-7001