Deer Spring
Gilchrist County
  • Summary of Features
    • Scale - 3rd magnitude
    • Scenery - fair-good
    • How Pristine? - land cleared around spring, road near spring, exotics in water, posts around spring
    • Swimming - no
    • Protection - good
    • Crowds - small
    • Access - excellent
    • Facilities - excellent
    • Safety - very good
    • Scuba - no
    • Cost - $10
    Directions
    Part of the Ginnie Springs complex. From High Springs, drive south on U.S. 27/41 about 1 mile. Turn west (right) onto State Road 340 (Poe Springs Road) and drive about 6.5 miles and then turn right onto graded road at sign for Ginnie Springs. Follow another mile to the entrance. Deer Spring is the most downstream (westerly) spring in the complex.

    For maps, latitude/longitude data, driving directions, satellite imagery, and topographic representations as well as weather conditions at this spring, go to Greg Johnson's informative "Florida Springs Database" web site at the following address:  http://www.ThisWaytothe.Net/springs/floridasprings.htm#Florida

    Spring Description
    The spring forms an oval pool, perhaps 60 by 30 feet, and is 2-5 feet deep. The fringes of the pool are choked with vegetation, but the water is clear over the center area and the vent, where a mild slick and limestones are visible. The vent is in the back end of the pool and appears to be 5-6 feet deep. The spring forms a shallow and narrow run about 200 feet to the Santa Fe River.

    Use/Access

  • The spring has not been developed for recreation like the other springs. At the same time, it is not cleared of exotic vegetation and so has little attraction.
  • The spring is part of the Ginnie Springs complex, the most popular freshwater diving location in the world.  The private park area has a camp store, swimming, tubing, diving, camping, picnic facilities, bathrooms, and other amenities.
  • A dirt road passes next to the spring, and it may also be reached by pathway.
    • Personal Impressions
    Worth a look and that’s about it; Deer does not have the visual or recreational appeal of the other springs in the Ginnie Springs complex.

    Nearby Springs

  • Poe Springs, Darby Spring, Hornsby Spring, ALA112791, ALA930971, Lily Springs, Pickard Springs, COL101971, Rum Island Springs, Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Johnson Spring, Ginnie Springs group, Sawdust Spring, COL1012972, COL1012971, GIL1012973, Myrtle's Fissure, GIL1012971, GIL1012972, 47 Boatramp Spring (or GIL1012974)
    • Other Nearby Natural Features
  • Ichetucknee Springs State Park
  • O’Leno State Park
  • San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
  • Devil’s Millhopper State Geologic Site
  • River Rise State Preserve
  • Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
    • Contact Information
    Ginnie Springs Outdoors, LLC
    7300 NE Ginnie Springs Road
    High Springs, FL 32643
    386-454-7188