Our Parks on the Santa Fe River

Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures operates inside two of the most beautiful parks on the Santa Fe River.

Each location offers a unique experience — from crystal-clear swimming springs to scenic paddling Adventures.

Choose your starting point and begin your journey.

A split picture of sapphire blue water and emerald green water: Gilchrist Blue Springs and Poe Springs

R.B.K. Gilchirst Blue Springs State Park

Poe Springs Park

R.B.K. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

Underwater view of very clear blue water, at the bottom is lush vegetation and the top is reflecting that scene. A kayak paddle is dipping into the water and you can just make out the edge of a kayak.

Nose of a kayak paddling through a crystal clear waterway surrounded by lush forest

An old picture (possible from the 1970's) of people swimming in clear very blue water. Others are enjoying the beach. A long boardwalk can be seen in the distance.

R.B.K. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is scheduled for a phased reopening starting October 1st, 2026

Day use traffic will not be open during phase 1, but camping will be.
Campers will have full access to the park at this time.
Those wishing to visit for the day can still paddle in from the river and enjoy the spring and park.

We at AOA offer the Blue Springs Hopper so that you can technically end your day at the park and get shuttled back to Poe Springs Park when the day is done.

For exclusive offers to our State Park Campers visit our Camper’s Corner

For paddle trips that allow you to visit Gilchrist Blue Springs during phase 1 or more information click Explore below

Explore Gilchrist Blue Springs

A massive cypress tree with many cypress knees around it, a woman stands in front of the tree for scale

A water surface view of a happy couple paddling a clear kayak in clear blue water

Poe Springs Park

People swimming and floating on lounging rafts in an emerald colored, clear fresh water spring

Outside view of a walk-up restaurant with blue shade cloths, called the Low & Slow Almost Bar and Grill

People kayaking in an emerald colored, clear spring called Poe

• Crystal-clear, emerald colored swimming spring

• Sandy beach & shaded picnic areas

• Paddle trip launch location (Including the 8 Springs in 8 Miles®)

• Shuttle Services

• Sandy Volleyball Courts

• Rentable Pavilions with guaranteed entry

• Rentable Venue, Clubhouse. With temperature controlled interior, private restrooms, an attached covered exterior pavilion, and guaranteed entry.

• Mocktails and Slow Smoked BBQ sold at the Low & Slow Almost Bar and Grill, provided by Super Tasty BBQ Co. CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

• Kayak, Paddle Board, and Canoe rentals — Home base for all paddle trips

Explore Poe Springs

Poe Springs Swimming is Closed Until Further Notice

The park itself is still open and all springs on the Santa Fe other than Poe is clear and still flowing.

All River Adventures are Still Available

A large covered pavilion with picnic tables and a centered fireplace

Interior view of a rentable venue, green carpet and lots of windows. Through the windows you can see a large covered patio and private restrooms.

Two Park Power

Tandem and Single Kayaks being paddled by a range of different people on the Santa Fe River with lush trees in the background

Not Sure Where To Begin?

Our unique locations allow for paddlers to experience more springs in a single trip than anywhere else, while also allowing for one of a kind beach day at these two very different springs on the Santa Fe River.

Launching from Poe Springs gives you access to iconic destinations like Rum Island, Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, Ginnie Springs, and beyond. Not only that but Poe Springs Park also gives you that secluded beach vibe with spring-side mocktails and tube float relaxation. Let’s not forget the venue rentals. The Clubhouse and Pavilions come with guaranteed park access even if the park has reached capacity.

Visiting us at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park allows for the campers and day users to have that in park experience that Florida State Parks are known for. Family friendly and pristine hiking trails make this nature conserving park a must see. Especially that sapphire blue water that makes it famous.

Most guests choose: 8 Springs in 8 Miles®

Book Your 8 in 8 Adventure