What to bringcome prepared for your adventure
A packing checklist for a day at the spring, a weekend at the campsite, a dive, a trail ride and everything in between.
Use this checklist before you pack
Whether you’re coming for the day, camping for the weekend, staying in one of our accommodations, diving beneath the spring or hitting the trails, bringing the right gear can make your visit even better.
Don’t forget: the spring stays around 68°F year-round. If you’re sensitive to cold water, consider bringing a rash guard, wetsuit or other appropriate thermal protection.
Swimming & day visits
Day at the spring
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Water shoes or comfortable footwear
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Refillable water bottle
- Change of clothes
- Waterproof phone case
- Personal flotation device, if desired and permitted
- Beach bag
- Cash or credit/debit card
Florida weather essentials
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Lightweight clothing
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Bug spray
- Extra towels
- Extra clothes
- Refillable water bottle
- Portable fan or cooling towel
Family essentials
- Extra swimsuits
- Extra towels
- Water shoes
- Sunscreen
- Sun hats
- Life jackets / PFDs for your children
- Refillable water bottles
- Snacks
- Waterproof phone case
- Dry clothes
- Favorite outdoor games
- Small first-aid kit
Essentials for your campsite
Camping essentials
- Tent or RV
- Sleeping bags / bedding
- Pillows
- Camping chairs
- Outdoor table
- Flashlights or lanterns
- Extension cords
- Surge protector
- Outdoor-rated power cords
- Drinking water
- Food and snacks
- Cooler
- Cooking equipment
- Plates, cups and utensils
- Trash bags
- Personal toiletries
- Towels
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- First-aid supplies
RV campers
- Fresh-water hose
- Sewer hose
- Electrical adapters
- Surge protector
- Leveling equipment
- Wheel chocks
- Outdoor rug
- Camp chairs
- Extension cords
Lodging guests
- Personal toiletries
- Towels
- Swimsuits
- Water shoes
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Food and snacks
- Drinks
- Coffee and preferred coffee supplies
- Entertainment for downtime
- Outdoor chairs
Campfire & outdoor items
- Firewood purchased or approved for use on the property
- Fire starters
- Matches / lighter
- Roasting sticks
- Campfire cooking equipment
Please check your reservation confirmation for the specific amenities included with your accommodation. Always follow current fire restrictions and Vortex Spring Adventures fire regulations, and never leave a fire unattended.
Gear for the activity you came for
Divers
- Diving certification card
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Fins
- Regulator
- BCD
- Exposure protection appropriate for the water temperature
- Weights / weight system
- Dive computer
- Logbook, if desired
- Dry bag
- Change of clothes
- Towel
ATV / SXS trail riders
- ATV, UTV or SXS
- Appropriate safety equipment
- Helmet, where required
- Eye protection
- Closed-toe shoes or boots
- Appropriate clothing
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- First-aid kit
- Recovery equipment for your vehicle
- Tow strap / recovery gear
- Tire repair equipment
- Phone or communication device
- Vehicle registration / documentation, when applicable
Horseback riders
- Horse
- Proper tack
- Saddle and bridle
- Saddle pad
- Halter and lead rope
- Water and feed
- Grooming supplies
- Manure bags / tools where required
- First-aid supplies for horse and rider
- Appropriate riding clothing
- Riding boots
- Helmet
- Fly spray
- Identification and health documentation when applicable
Divers are responsible for bringing appropriate equipment and meeting all applicable certification and safety requirements — check with the dive shop before your visit, or email dive@vortexspring.com. Only approved vehicles and riders may access designated trails, and horses must remain in designated equestrian areas. Always check current trail conditions and operating hours before riding.
Leave these at home
For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, certain items are prohibited or restricted on the property.
Prohibited or restricted
- Illegal drugs
- Weapons or prohibited items
- Fireworks
- Unauthorized fires
- Items prohibited by posted park rules
- Outside alcohol where prohibited
- Large coolers where prohibited
- Personal Bluetooth speakers where prohibited
- Any item that creates an unreasonable safety hazard
Before you leave home
- Reservation confirmation
- Valid identification, when required
- Payment method
- Admission / ticket information
- Activity waivers, if required
- Required certifications for applicable activities
- Phone and charger
- Medications and personal necessities
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Everything you need for your planned activities
Additional restrictions may apply to specific accommodations, activities, events and recreational areas. Always review our current park rules before your visit.
Bring your sense of adventure
Bring your sense of adventure.
And bring a little extra room in your camera roll — because you’re going to make some memories.
See you at the spring.
Book your site, grab a day pass, and start packing.