Alexander Springs Recreation Area is located in the Ocala National Forest near the beautiful, turquoise waters of Alexander Springs. With forested scenery and abundant water, the recreation area offers camping, swimming, canoeing, scuba diving (for certified divers), hiking, birding and wildlife viewing. The Ocala National Forest, located in north central Florida, spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River, and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. Timed 1-Day Personal Vehicle Reservation tickets will be required on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays between and including Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Amenities include a walk-in store with snacks, beverages, and souvenirs, bathrooms with showers and changing stalls, picnic tables, grills, bear-proof storage, a swimming area, and two reservable pavilions and a canoe/kayak/SUP launch area.