Morrison Springs

We literally just left the springs. Our first time there and I think we stayed in the water 10 minutes. The parking lot was littered with trash. The restrooms were out of order. ALL of the trash cans were overflowing with garbage. The beach area is small and crowded. The smell of urine was thick in the air. Food and flies were all over the sand. The water had an oily brown film all over the top. We paddled out a way to see if it would disappear but it was the same farther out. The floating dock was broke as well. We are locals from Panama City and we’re looking for some relief from the crowds and heat. We will never return to these springs again.

It's FREE!!!! Great place to kayak through cypress trees and gorgeous place to swim. We go there at least once a month and drive and hour and a half to do so. Worth it! You're not allowed to run motors over the spring. Yes there are lots of people but everyone is courteous and friendly. Parking is only a problem if you don't know how to park because we've never had an issue. Yes you may have to walk a bit, but so what, it's gorgeous!! The water is crystal clear when there hasn't been flooding. Then it is a golden murky color. Not from filth but from nature. It clears up eventually back to blue and teal water. It's ICE COLD. Bring your families, floaties, BBQ grill And enjoy the day in a wonderful place God made for us to enjoy. And again .ITS FREE!!!

Loved it but too cold to get in although, many braved the freezing water. The water is transparent and the surrounding trees huge and amazing. Picnic areas and a couple of metal sits inside the spring.

After our Gulf dive was canceled, we decided to dive this spring. Good choice. Water was pretty clear. There were a couple of certification classes going on so the bottom was kicked up a bit. Cave entrance was clear (80'+) and was a fun to explore. Little ones enjoyed the small beach area while we were underwater. Plenty of parking and places to gear up. No park fees.

Another Pristine Natural area Destroyed by Special Interests. Morrison springs once a Natural Little known Cyprus Gin Clear water spring. The state of Florida in its Innate Wisdom has "Improved the area with Acres of Pavement and Boardwalks. The result is an eyesore and Massive OVERCROWDING! The result of the OVERCROWDING is Feces Bacteria in the Water, and a host of bad behaved people jumping from trees on the heads of others. The spring is now vastly over developed and crowded beyond description. A nearby boat launch allows boaters to motor above the heads of divers and across the dive flags. Parking is Plentiful BUT.. The late comers just park in the road blocking the legal parkers. The Place is HIDIOUS! Leave it to the People that know better than everyone else to turn a Nice Natural spring into a garbage strung bacteria laden sewage hole. I wonder what next beautiful spot Florida will Target to DESTROY?

I have been Scuba Diving Morrison Springs since the early 70's. The site was underdeveloped and a nice quiet place to spend the day. The County has now added THOUSANDS of Square yards of Concrete Massive boardwalks, and worse to the area. Now the Springs due to Poor Planning is Overdeveloped and much over crowded.! The Health Department is warning of Water Quality Problems from the Overcrowding, (Raw Human Feces) in the waters. There is suppose to be designated parking places, but the late comers instead of parking in proper places simply park in the front road blocking in everyone else. Local Law Enforcement needs to take an interest in the People that are drinking alcohol and misbehaving. As with every Park Project another rustic Pristine Place has been ruined by structures and overusage. Anyone that claims this area has been improved has not visited it in the past. Not all the changes are bad. The Park does need Law Enforcement, perhaps more rigid Enforcement. Some Parking places were needed, perhaps restroom facilities, and a small Pavillion, but NEVER did this Natrual area need the Massive amount or Renovations. The Swimming area is simply too small for the Hundreds of People that are using the area.

First off, I am biased for the springs in Florida as I've been swimming in these all my life.

That said; you won't find a better value in water sports--it's free. When heavy rains come, the Choctawhatchee River will back up into the springs and muddy it when the river in-flows; this happens from time to time and really ruins the springs for swimming.

The rest of the time, you won't find a more beautiful place to swim, snorkel or SCUBA dive. Walton County improved the springs with parking spaces, boardwalks and rest rooms. These facilities are nice but it does take away from the natural look of the spring that we locals had become accustomed to over the years.

If you are in the area, pack your swimsuit, you can swim practically year round if catch a nice warm day in the winterthe water is 68-72 degrees and you might find someone swimming or taking a SCUBA class in January.

As I said..I'm biased because I have enjoyed the springs for years and this is where I got my SCUBA ticket; but you ought to come check it out. The price is certainly right and you will find a lot of friendly folks enjoying the water with you.

Took family there. Nice park but there was a health advisory not to swim in the Spring due to high bacterial count. Plus the water was not clear but tea color to brown. Went to Pounce De Leon and Pitt Springs the water there was crystal clear

I have a passion for Florida Springs. Morrison Spring is one of the best. I try to dive Morrison 2 - 3 times a year, and I live over four hours away. The County did improve access to the spring several years back by adding restrooms, a pavilion, boardwalks and parking. These improvements protect and preserve the spring’s ecology and are well maintained. If you’re looking for a great dive or spending a day with the family, you can't beat this spring. It's big, it’s beautiful, and it's free!
There are only two things other than bad weather that will disappoint you visiting Morrison Spring.
(1) The spring run flows to the Choctawhatchee River a short distance away. The Choctawhatchee River is tannic in color, and if it is at, or near flood stage, the dark waters back up into the spring basin. Although, the water is crystal clear 1 - 2 feet below the surface.
The State operates a website that monitors river heights in the area. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/fl Check it out before you drive any distance.
(2) If possible, visit on a weekday. Morrison Spring is popular, especially in the summer and is always crowded on Saturday and Sunday. In the cooler months on the weekends you may have 30 – 40 divers or more and their equipment to contend with. Weekday, Weekday, Weekday!
In my opinion, the negative reviews are unfounded and without merit. The only thing I can think of is some people want to reduce the number of visitors to the spring, in any case, Morrison Spring IS a place of natural beauty, both above and below the surface.

Beautiful place on a hot day..
THE PROS: The water was crystal clear today and refreshingly cold. About 70 degrees! Check the website, I'm told this changes depending on the amount of rain. Brand new docks, bathrooms and pavillion. Security on site for those rowdy people. A rope swing for those who dare and floating dock in the middle for the teenagers to get rocking!

THE CONS: Parking to unload is a bit of a pain. Not well laid out to get in and out. It was in my opinion to crowded for my taste. The beach area is small and not conducive to foot traffic. It's a perfect location for scuba diving, or so I'm told since I don't scuba.

In my opinion, I won't go back unless I take some scuba lessons. It was amazing to see such clear water and it was a refreshing swim, but not my cup of tea.