3 Days Truck Camping to Florida's Beautiful Springs

A little overland type truck camping and a desire to explore is all it took to make this adventure happen. WIthout much of a plan, I loaded up and hit some of the top springs that I have yet to see down in Central Florida and they did not disappoint!
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[@TripSmith]

What spring did I miss that I need to be sure to hit next time?

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

Trip Smith we should meet up I can show you some cool places

[@jamesireland9188]

Trip you say you tape your mouth? Was wondering why

[@brockcunningham3309]

Definitely try royal again, just call the county and ask if it’s blacked out. Totally worth it.

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

You should do a video at Fort Pickens at Pensacola Beach

[@realityoverland3180]

King's landing

[@MFCC2015]

Wow, what a beautiful spring! Thanks for taking us with you!

[@lrparrish227]

I really enjoy seeing all the places I will never get to go. Thanks so much for sharing!!

[@kennethhardin3790]

That's so awesome that you ran into Kevin!!! Really enjoyed your video Trip, thanks so much for taking us along.

[@TripSmith]

Yea that was pretty cool..... Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching as always

[@MrClayG74]

Loved the visuals of this one. Great video as always. Extra bonus when you’re in my neck of the woods.

[@TripSmith]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it! Great neck of the woods!

[@OverlandFlorida]

I like your editing during this video and the footage under water was so clear! Truck camping is fun and simple. I like to take the boat on the Silver River so I can also explore the Oklawaha River. It was nice to finally get to meet you and chat, even if we got eaten alive by noseeums.

[@TripSmith]

Hey thanks man! I did enjoy the trip and I appreciate your suggestions. Looks like I need to check out the Silver River by boat next time..... Another good suggestion!

[@RadReelingFishing]

I saw those scuba tanks and thought Jiggin was going to be there, ha ha...Awesome video!

[@TripSmith]

Ha, if he was it would only be for a few min ;P

[@filomenaregan1537]

Beautiful Florida springs,awesome crystal clear water. Thanks for the vids. I have been going to DeLeon Springs in DeLand .

[@franiannarone8196]

Good to see you back, the Springs are beautiful!

[@ummcheese7]

Summer plans is a go. Thank you Trip. Awesome video as always.

[@robertparker3580]

welcome back Trip!!!!!!!!!!

[@TripSmith]

Yea buddy!!!!

[@kn6123]

Definitely glad to see another camping and springs vid, Trip! Better than TV while I'm eating my pizza rolls. 😊

[@TripSmith]

Heck yea! Glad you enjoyed it!!!!

[@tristanreske9082]

Ain’t nothin better than a new trip smith vid!! Stoked for summer!

[@TripSmith]

Heck yea Tristan! Make some plans and execute on them my man.

[@joerockme7485]

Good to see ya again T S . SEE ya on the next . ENJOY !

[@TripSmith]

Good to give ya something to enjoy. Cya soon I hope!

[@nickolas9375]

Great video Trip. You were basically in my playground when you were in Ocala NF. Hopkins Prairie is beautiful at night for star gazing. Thanks for the videos!

[@MSmith-sixfiddle]

You were only a couple miles from our home at Alexander. Next time you are down this way, hope to maybe run into you. There are lots of awesome free camping places. Really enjoyed your photography and your editing on this one.

[@Captain_Clark_CDoryAdventures]

Trip we have missed you buddy! Spring is among us. When can we expect a new Dory video from ya? Best wishes and God bless. 🐟🐟🐟

[@TripSmith]

Dory video coming up next! Headed down to Crystal River FL soon!

[@Captain_Clark_CDoryAdventures]

@@TripSmith can't wait brother!

[@MrJoshuahendrickson]

You almost made it to my neck of the woods, near Blue Springs on the St. John's river, fed by a few springs.... the river is perfect for C-Dory Adventures

[@TripSmith]

Hey awesome! Yes it is....

[@DadDaughter-outdoor-Adventures]

Seeing this video just now for the first time thanks for sharing brotha , I’m right between all them springs!! We live close or Middle proximity to royal, Ichetucknee,Santa Fe Suwannee River springs we in the heart lol… Enjoyed watching . Trip dipping o.g on our stomping grounds..lol…😂( epic content thank u bro)

[@MySUPRunnethOver]

Paddleboarding some FL Springs is definitely a bucket list item!!! Enjoyed and inspired. Thanks for sharing.

[@TripSmith]

Heck yea! Hope you get plenty of springs to enjoy. Thanks for watching 👍

[@philipedwards8762]

Enjoyed the video of your journey to my home state. Hope you bring protection with you.

[@TripSmith]

Glad to hear that Philip. Copy that sir ;)

[@cowone7146]

Another good one Trip

[@TripSmith]

Thanks Cow!!!! Great tongue!

[@shaneeikenberry7435]

Went to the wrong spot in Hernando County, you should've checked out Linda Pederson. You can kayak/hike back to a huge open spring and it's pretty secluded.

[@TripSmith]

Aw man.... I need to check that out!

[@naturalone32333]

Welcome back! Great video. Wakulla is usually a lot clearer, we must have had a bunch of rain just a few days before you got there.

[@TripSmith]

Thanks! Oh, well that's good to know. I wish it would have been clear and no boundaries and I would have been there alllll day!

[@philipedwards8762]

@@TripSmith, have to be careful swimming outside the boundaries at Wakulla Springs. A young man was killed by an alligator when he was snorkeling outside of them back in the 1980s.

[@JohnnyAnderson1]

Cant wait to do a trip like this with my son!

[@TripSmith]

Heck yea Johnny! Hope yall can make it happen. Thanks for supporting the channel and checking out the video early my man!

[@mmcleod111]

Not sure if you hit them, but I’ve found Fanning Springs and Manatee Springs to be some of Florida’s best. And they are both on the beautiful Lower Suwannee River. Great, special place

[@TripSmith]

I didn't.... But I need to!

[@rivertimeable]

good to see ya TRIP...

[@TripSmith]

Good to be Out There!

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

Overland Florida's everywhere

[@TripSmith]

Yep

[@swiftfishin5680]

Return of the King

[@TripSmith]

Hey Hey!!!!

[@cruising_oz]

Definitely would love to see more footage of the boats you got to look through.!

[@TripSmith]

Noted! Thanks for the input!

[@mattlong7399]

Great to see a new adventure!

[@TripSmith]

Glad you were able to watch!

[@bobbysmith7528]

Awesome came to my backyard in weeki. Love the content

[@Floridaman458]

How’d you miss rainbow springs?!?!? Longest spring in the world, 7 miles of crystal clear water. There’s a campground also. I live right there if you need a ride back up to the top of the river after floating down

[@TripSmith]

Lol I donno.... That just means I'll have to go back and I'm ok with that!

[@taythorn]

I need to build that bed for dads truck. He wants a spot to put his shoes on and I like the paddle board cubby. Pretty slick!

[@TripSmith]

There ya go! Its simple but works pretty well 👍

[@Trouble361]

Use to have a giant cypress tree at Royal that you could swing out of. Alot of raw coral arrowheads around that place as well.

[@TripSmith]

Dang, I love a rope swing! I will go back ;)

[@bryan81584]

i have to admit, that was a pretty cool intro. lol, nice job.

[@TripSmith]

Ha! Thankya thankya!

[@jaredskaar7961]

Brother! Been missing the uploads. Glad to see it today.

[@TripSmith]

Yea, I've been MIA here on the Tube. My appologies!

[@AllThingsOutdoors]

How good is it sleeping in the back of your truck. Its such a versatile and easy way to explore and gives you so many options for camping. Did the same setup in my truck and its now my favourite way to camp.

[@TripSmith]

Oh yea, it's pretty nice.... Looking forward to more of it!

[@FloridaCrimeNetwork]

It was very nice meeting you! We hit the river at the right time. It’s going to be really crowded from here on out until fall. We’ll have to camp near a spring soon!

[@TripSmith]

Yea for sure we did, great to meet the two of yall as well. RockaDock: Sept 25 - Oct 1 if you can make it happen ;) Great spot to bring the River Hawk!

[@madalin934]

You've changed your editing style for this one. Loved it, great job!! Trip siiiip 😂😂

[@TripSmith]

Maybe a touch! Glad o you enjoyed it!

[@TripSmith]

Would you mind sharing what editing changes you noticed and liked? I'd be interested to hear your interpretation of it.

[@madalin934]

​@@TripSmith First thing was the actual beginning with the alarm ringing and the text with the typewriter sound. Had to stop for a second, thought I'd pressed play on a movie. Was expecting the usual "heeey everybody, Trip Smith here with some sardines ":))) Nothing wrong with that btw. But this new intro style definitely had a hook to it. Also the little clips where you get out of the truck, go to brush your teeth etc give a feel of anticipation like ohh something's about to happen, helps build up the atmosphere. The whole getting to the camp sites, the whole coins malarkey was funny and a little behind the scenes sneak peek, loved those bits. Feels like you've used more "youtuber explorer" style of music for the diving sequences. Thought it would suit you but it worked well 👍Just to forget to include some country music, you got great taste. As long as YT doesn't demonetize you for it. These are the main things that I've noticed, probably got them all wrong :))) But I've enjoyed it and I love following your progress and evolution. PS: 100k subscribers this year? Hell yeah!!

[@JennieStelly-kb5jo]

Hi Trip. Where can we watch your additional footage of the Tomcat. We are hoping to get one in a few years. Thx. Keep up the great content .

[@TripSmith]

Hey Jennie! I don't have it edited yet but will in a couple of weeks. I'm about to be out of town all next week so I'll get on it when I get back hopefully. That's so exciting yall are hoping to get one, I truly wish the best on your dream!

[@jq2911]

Very nice adventure, Trip. The Ocala ayre also has the Florida Trail that you were next to at Hopkins Prairie and Alexander Springs. I'll be there this weekend on my own hammocking adventure. If you're looking for another spot for another adventure, look up Devil's Den near Gainesville. It's for Scuba and Snorkeling only. Floridahanger.

[@TripSmith]

Thanks J Q! Oh wait, Floridahanger!!! What's up!!!!! I thought about Devils Den but I think you can't go any deeper than 8' or something silly like that so I didn't go....

[@jq2911]

@@TripSmith what's up, buddy. I'm just here enjoying life thru your adventures. A dory would be awesome to have. Really like those trips. When I went to Devil's Den last year, I dove down as deep as I could go. About hit the bottom. No one was there to stop me and who could resist such depths?

[@averageeverydayfishermansh4501]

Great video. We have missed you. I was wondering if the youtube gods got you or something. Looking forward to more adventures. As a wise someone always tells us, Get Out There. LOL! --Brent

[@TripSmith]

Thanks Average! Nah, I was just MIA for a but. Dang right Brent!!!! Thanks for the great comment bud.

[@DeanSchumacher]

I think the poop may be the racoons they eat the palmetto berries and crap them out I camped there about 15yrs ago my father and I use to hunt there a lot of bears in Ocala nice place the springs are nice in Florida I'm in Jacksonville so not to far from a lot of springs thanks for sharing buddy

[@TripSmith]

Really? That's interesting.... Could be.... Hey thanks for watching and taking the time to comment Dean!

[@TruuGemini]

wow this is amazing, i wish california had springs like these!!!!

[@TripSmith]

It is amazing that's for sure!

[@realityoverland3180]

That is cool I watch both of your channels

[@TripSmith]

Nice!

[@MinxFox]

At 8:50 in the video, how are you filming yourself? Do you still have your camera on the pole or do you have an underwater grip tripod? I’ve been wanting to get underwater shots like that. Yeah I went to Wakulla once and it was too stormy so they said no swimming. When I saw you have to stay in the designated swim area I decided it wasn’t worth going back. I’d rather go to Morrison, Vortex, and Merritt’s Mill Pond for good spring swimming.

[@TripSmith]

That's an underwater monopod with a flat tripod on the bottom. I've been using that style for adventures for years now and absolutely love the style. Been using Smatree for probably 4 years now or more. Here is one model I've used and been through 3 of them - amzn.to/427T9rq Another is the more beefy model that I'm currently using (Stick - amzn.to/3ONmIM0) (Base - amzn.to/3qkPbOJ) I most definitely like the beefier setup.

[@MinxFox]

@@TripSmith Hey man thanks a bunch! I have a good stick and it does have an area at the bottom where I can screw in things. I will definately have to get that base I didn't even realize I could turn it into a tripod! Also, thanks for your videos on Merritt's Mill Pond - they inspired me to go out there and I've been twice so far. It's an awesome place. If you ever see a blue/green mermaid there it just might be me! Someone that works there asked if my friend and I would do mermaid apperance events at the spring and we are hoping to hear back from him about that. So I might be going there a lot more.

[@TripSmith]

@@MinxFox You're very welcome. That base is better than others as it's built stronger and also it is wider when expanded so that helps it stay balanced underwater easier. Hey very cool! I love that place.... That would be cool to see ya out there, I've never swam with mermaids before!!!!

[@shelleymurphy1966]

Can’t wait to check out the springs in Florida! 13:00

[@TripSmith]

Heck yea Shelly!

[@ReWyldOutdoors]

Great video Trip! Unfortunately, Florida has really made it difficult to find nice places to camp! Looks like you still had a great time anyway!

[@TripSmith]

Yea it's not easy..... Great time for sure!

[@bubbag3176]

Great content Trip!

[@TripSmith]

Hey thankya Bubba!!!! Much appreciated brother....

[@Adventuremanz]

Holy crap he's alive! Was starting to get worried.

[@TripSmith]

Ha! Glad to know I was missed ;)

[@boatingsibbingandwandering3262]

Welcome back Trip where have you been dude

[@TripSmith]

Oh I've been around. Doing various things and preparing to do other various things. All of which pretty much better equip me for adventures!

[@perfectweather]

Great video, thanks 👍

[@TripSmith]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BigTunaTunes]

I haven’t seen all your videos but if you were at istachatta spring did you go to Poe springs? It’s lovely and is crystal clear with more green just Cause of fresh growth underneath. Also Gilchrist Blue springs is right there off the same main road and that is dark blue Chrystal clear water at the head

[@TripSmith]

I don't think I went to Poe, but I guess I should have!

[@robbroche2303]

I live here in crystal river. Would love to see you fish in your cabin cruiser! I have a similar boat myself.

[@dhunterwetahook3995]

Some great footage

[@TripSmith]

Thankya sir!

[@sector7676]

More boating and kayak videos please! 😁

[@dduff4013]

Hey Trip, I have the same year black fin as you! How is your deck padding holding up?

[@KHtally]

Heck man I'm in Tallahassee just down the road from there. Wakulla Springs is just down the road. Used to be the best spring in Florida but the gray water spray fields in Leon County ruined that for everyone. Now it's a hot mess.

[@TripSmith]

That sux about Wakulla being ruined.... I bet it was amazing.

[@KHtally]

@@TripSmith Yeah it used to be crystal clear even when it was rainy and mullet everywhere and especially under the docks were huge bream. You need to visit the Wacissa River. One of the last clean rivers in Florida.

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

I've been to a whole bunch of different Springs all around Florida

[@TripSmith]

Awesome! Good ones to explore!

[@Rayburn_bassin]

I miss it when you are eating avocados and protein milk ❤ love you brother great videos

[@TripSmith]

I need to grab a few avocados for the next trip!!!! Glad you enjoy them!

[@robcordts1976]

Great video and nice new truck. If you got a new boat would it be C Dory 25 or tomcat?

[@TripSmith]

Thanks Rob! Oh boy, that's a good question.... Money not being an object, the Tomcat would be my choice. However, before I made that move I'd want to see them both side-by-side and go through them both to compare. Their sizes are pretty similar but the Tomcat is a good bit heavier which means it needs more power and consumes more fuel. I'd also be interested to drive them both in some chop.

[@whatsnext8696]

Hey bud. Listen I'm a northern boy originally. Like Maine lol. Any way been down here almost 8 years, I just got into kayaking and alway been a outdoors person, but paddling with gators worrie me a Lil bit.im used to bears and big cats, but any suggestions to get use to the gator company I may inquire on my trips.. love your vids, you definitely inspired me to buy the best I could afford and been out almost everyday so far..

[@TripSmith]

Well, most places in my videos, the gators aren't bad. If it's a place where people frequently get in the water, don't worry about it to much. Just don't swim where it's obviously not a smart place to do so lol

[@whatsnext8696]

@Trip Smith definitely careful, the creeks I roam around never see people, I sure the edgy feeling will fade with time. Be safe looking forward to another adventure from you.

[@Gsnowbder]

Missed ya bruh!!

[@TripSmith]

Missed you too!

[@mattyb1704]

Trip! Where is the C-Dory and where are you???? Thought we were going to see more videos!!??

[@TripSmith]

I'm around and the C-Dory is ready to get her bottom wet! Headed to Crystal River, Florida with her soon!

[@heath2sr248]

Those camera shots are killer

[@TripSmith]

Glad you liked them!

[@p__1322]

what watch do u use bro? u take that thing everywhere hahaha

[@TripSmith]

That one in this video is the Huawea GT Runner. Great watch, but they don't make it anymore and it was never supported well in the US. But, it probably was my favorite smart watch as the battery life was awesome and answering calls on it were loud and clear. These days though, I've given up on smart watches. I'm most often wearing my Islander Port Jefferson Skin Diver or when I may be doing some work on my boat, vehicle or building something I'm wearing my cheaper Timex Expedition field watch. Both of these I put on different nylon bands to fit my style/feel. Islander Port Jefferson Skin Diver (longislandwatch.com/islander-port-jefferson-skin-diver-automatic-watch-with-sun-faded-orange-dial-isl-178/) Timex Expedition - amzn.to/3W4LR8l

[@88888gerald]

how cold is that water? and it looks great...

[@TripSmith]

Down there, I think most springs are about 72F. Just a bit chilly for me but manageable for 20 minutes or so.

[@tragikk03]

for that cow tongue - I'm pretty sure you can boil it to loosen up the skin and make it much easier to remove before cooking the meat.. Check out Steven Rinella from Meateater, I have his cookbook and he raves about how much he likes cow tongue and deer/elk/moose tongues

[@TripSmith]

Nice tip! I'll have to check that guy out, thanks for the suggestion!

[@bert5660]

What kind of roll up mattress is that? Looking for something for my 2013 4Runner.

[@TripSmith]

I can't remember the name.... But it's not worth telling you anyhow as it's to firm.... Id say get on Amazon and read some reviews

[@russellreade4938]

You Should Paddle board down Ichutucknee Springs or Kayak it.

[@TripSmith]

Yea that might be a good trip to add to the list! Thanks!

[@roaddog1m]

Yo homie, I been watching your vids for years! Recently moved from South Dakota to North Georgia but realized that I haven't been seeing much out of you. Everything good?

[@TripSmith]

Hey welcome to the southeast! Ah, I've been around, just working on changing a few things up I guess

[@roaddog1m]

@Trip Smith Good to see you back! I just bought 35 acres in TN only 10 minutes away from the Buffalo river and 20 minutes away from the Tennessee River. Pretty excited!

[@TripSmith]

@@roaddog1m Very nice! I heard that river is really nice....

[@bmwdutch22]

Wakulla springs looked terrible. Tanic water mix?

[@TripSmith]

I donno really. Someone said something in the last couple of years messed it up. Like farming or well drilling or something....

[@pawsnazzy01]

Gosh I thought the Bermuda Triangle had gotten ahold of you, it's been a while. Those Tomcat's 255's are nice but at $99,500 for a 16 year old and $194,000 for a new one I think I'll pass. Glad you are back, don't be a stranger

[@TripSmith]

Nah, it ain't got me yet! They are pricey boats, no doubt....

[@andrewtferlito2994]

bout time !!

[@TripSmith]

Yea really!

[@chrisp.5755]

Man you eat some odd things 😂 love the content tho!

[@TripSmith]

Haha! All part of the adventure!

[@JD-iu3vi]

Did you used to play the character Alfalfa on little rascals?

[@TripSmith]

Lol I wish!

[@raddadchad]

What is the name of the place where you saw the manatees?

[@TripSmith]

That was Weeki Wachee

[@whoogoesthere]

How much did they want for the boat?

[@TripSmith]

I didn't ask.... But over 200k.....

[@johnhansen7838]

Who is this trip smith you speak of where has he been

[@TripSmith]

Haha.... I've been around.... Glad you missed me!

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

I hate to say it guys the horn honking means trip Smith is famous

[@TripSmith]

Lol, He wasn't honking at me, I just wave when I hear a horn blow ;)

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

@@TripSmith roger that come back to Florida panhandle any time soon you should check out fort Pickens

[@remyllebeau77]

Make a truck camping improvements video!

[@TripSmith]

Great suggestion! Thanks Remy!

[@jaeljade3609]

You're always eating something gross lol. Wish I had you life except for the food ha ha. You little C-Dory is something I could live on quite easily.

[@Chase_01]

Exactly why four door trucks suck for truck camping because the bed is like 5’10”

[@centaursailing]

Great video! Florida sucks for camping lived here 50 years. We used to just get in the car and be able to camp without reservations and for cheap. Not anymore. After driving to Alaska and back last summer learned what camping should really be like. Lots of free public lands in most states except the east. I bought and converted a small Ford Transit Connect van and basically can't camp anywhere nearby for a two or three day getaway. Forget the keys. $100 a night to camp. No way to camp in state parks down there. Book a year in advance or forget it. Heading back to Alaska this summer. I really want that Cdory! That boat is awesome! Always love your adventures Trip!

[@TripSmith]

Thankya!!! Yea FL is tough.... The CDory is a dream!!! Thanks for the great comment!

[@michaeljenkins4895]

Yea Florida only the best state parks and the most,

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

I'll stay away from Weeki Wachee Springs I went there one day and tried swimming down the river and they called five-game Wardens on me and threatened me with arrest for swimming

[@TripSmith]

Well, you aren't supposed to swim through the park I think..... But they were being extreme lol

[@charlesshort4287]

Why would you use a picnic table to cut raw meat on,! That is not very safe for the next person!

[@cheeseblog]

It looks like you have plenty a room why don’t you bring a real pillow from home?

[@TripSmith]

I donno.... Good question I need to ask myself.