Satsuma Spring is a historic spring located near the St. Johns River in Putnam County, Florida. It is a low third-magnitude spring with a small circular pool, clear water, and a short spring run that flows toward the river.

The spring is especially notable for its history. Naturalists John and William Bartram visited the area in the 1700s, and the spring remains one of the lesser-known historic spring sites along the St. Johns River corridor.

What to Expect

Satsuma Spring is not a developed public swimming spring. It is a quiet natural spring surrounded by forested land, with a small pool and spring run rather than a large recreational basin.

The water may appear clear, but the spring has natural debris, algae, and vegetation typical of a shaded spring environment. A visible boil may be present on the surface, and the spring run flows through a wooded area before reaching the St. Johns River.

Access

Public access appears limited. Recent conservation activity has protected the spring and surrounding land, but that does not necessarily mean it is open as a public recreation site.

Visitors should not assume walk-in access is available. This is best treated as a conservation and historical spring site unless a public access point is clearly posted.

History and Conservation

Satsuma Spring is one of the springs associated with the Bartram travels in Florida. Its preservation is important because it protects not only the spring itself, but also surrounding natural land connected to the St. Johns River ecosystem.

In recent years, the spring and surrounding acreage were placed under conservation protection, helping preserve an important piece of Putnam County’s natural and historical landscape.

Nearby Springs

• Welaka Spring
• Mud Spring
• Beecher Springs

More Resources

• Florida Waterscapes
• Bartram Trail Society of Florida
• St. Johns River Water Management District
• Putnam Land Conservancy Facebook Post