vortex/morrison

[mrmccoy]

My g/f and I will be camping at vortex nov. 12-15. We are planning to dive vortex thursday then dive morrison on friday and maybe the gulf (PCB) on saturday. more then likely we will do a boat dive in PCB if there is one running.
So will anyone be around on those dates? Is there a way to tell if morrison springs is closed online?

 

[mike_s]

the only time they "close" Morrison is when there is a sewage issue in the water. (bacterial count).

If so, they usually post that on the county website. (and send out an email to people on their Morrison email list for the county. then someone will typically post that here within the hour). Here is their Morrison Springs renovations complete | Welcome to Walton Outdoors and/or Walton County, FL - Home Page - Morrison Springs

However, the park operates every day from about sunrise to sunset. But all they do is close the gates. If the gates aren't open yet, people just park outside the gates and walk in. no big deal.

 

[mrmccoy]

Thanks mike, I posted here because there are a few more people that visit the aera more often. Do they allow camp fires at vortex?

 

[The Kraken]

"Do they allow camp fires at vortex?"

Yep . . . .

the K

 

[jasoninbtr]

Mind if I hijack and ask how the lodging is there? Private baths and showers?

Thanks and sorry McCoy.....we are going in December.

Jason

 

[mrmccoy]

I wouldn't mind knowing about that either. it is alot of stuff to pack to tent camp and dive.


Thanks Kraken!

 

[The Kraken]

There are acommodations, but as I understand it, they're not 5 star by any stretch of the imagination.

And as for the bonfires, one has to supply one's own firewood.

There is a motel available about 7 to 8 miles down the road, just south of the I-10 and 81 junction.

You may want to make some inquiries as to the operational status of Vortex. Currently their web site is down and people haven't been able to make telephone connections.

the K

 

[Tom Smedley]

Unless you just like to camp the lodging in the area is not that expensive. The Ponce De Leon Motel runs about $48 and the lodging at Vortex is variable from around $60 to $150 according to what unit you get. You have to take your own linens when you stay at Vortex including towels. The mattresses are queens.

The lodging at Vortex is suitable for divers. What you need is a place to crash and use the bathroom. That is what you get. Basically a motel room without linen service. However, when you take your own linen you know it is clean.

The Ponce de Leon Motel is half way between Vortex and Morrison and has been renovated over the past few years.

You might also look at renting a canoe from Vortex or from the livery in Vernon and diving Cypress Spring. We can give you details on how to get there if you are interested.

 

[mrmccoy]

Unless you just like to camp the lodging in the area is not that expensive. The Ponce De Leon Motel runs about $48 and the lodging at Vortex is variable from around $60 to $150 according to what unit you get. You have to take your own linens when you stay at Vortex including towels. The mattresses are queens.

The lodging at Vortex is suitable for divers. What you need is a place to crash and use the bathroom. That is what you get. Basically a motel room without linen service. However, when you take your own linen you know it is clean.

The Ponce de Leon Motel is half way between Vortex and Morrison and has been renovated over the past few years.

You might also look at renting a canoe from Vortex or from the livery in Vernon and diving Cypress Spring. We can give you details on how to get there if you are interested.

How far away is cypress springs from vortex? Do you have to transport a canoe to get there?

 

[mike_s]

Mind if I hijack and ask how the lodging is there? Private baths and showers?

I wouldn't mind knowing about that either. it is alot of stuff to pack to tent camp and dive.

You have several different buildings that are "lodging" at Vortex.

The "Grandview Lodge" has the largest rooms. It has I think 2 or 3 bedrooms. It's up on stilts and is at the edge of the basin. The underside of it is used as a pavillion by everyone else, which might bother some.

The Pineview Lodge is two large bunkrooms on the bottom floor with group bathrooms. The top floor hasseveral small rooms that are either 4 bunks or 2 bunks plus a double/queen and include a small bath/shower per room. They charge $64 plus tax for these rooms. Kraken is correct with saying they "aren't 5 star". To say they are a dump is pretty accurate. It's not worth $70 bucks (with tax) to stay in these rooms. (They are not clean, smell, and are in poor condition. Just my opinion, but the last time we stayed there, it was pretty nasty. Most people just camp ).

The "Otter Creek Lodge" is at the far end of the spring run. They are the newest of the "lodge type rooms" I think. Some of them have kitchenettes in them. A little further away than the other rooms, but not too far to walk.

They now have some "primitive log cabins" now on the edge of the campground. I've not stayed in these, but from what another SB member told me they have either bunks, a double/queen and/or a sofa bed. (so ask when you book what type beds it has). They have AC in them, but you have to use the bathroom facilities in the campground area. (from what he told me).

Like Tom said, you have to provide all your own bedding linens, pillows, towels, etc. (but also well noted that he says at least that way you know they are clean).

How far away is cypress springs from vortex? Do you have to transport a canoe to get there?

I'll let someone else answer "how far it is". but you can rent a canoe right there at the put in for Cypress. so no need to transport one. However, Vortex does rent them and allows them to be taken to Cypress also.

Here is a thread on Cypress canoe rentals. has number, info, etc

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/deep-dixie-divers/274488-cypress-canoe-rental-question.html