Silver Springs State Park – near Ocala, Florida

Located just east of Ocala, Florida in Silver Springs, this unique destination features one of the largest springs in the United States. Explore the underwater world at Silver Springs State Park via a glass-bottom boat.

This Central Florida state park is open every day of the year from 8 am to sundown. There is a vehicle fee to enter the park.

Glass Bottom Boat at Silver Springs State Park — Silver Springs State Park, Silver Springs, FL. Photo by: Darryl Kenyon

Beautiful gardens with lush greenery sit on all sides of the primary spring at Silver Springs State Park. There are also several historical buildings and structures reminiscent of the olden days of the park. Visitors used to arrive here by steamshort from the North.

Every year the park hosts Springfest, which is an event honoring the restoration of all Florida’s natural springs.

Activities

Man and woman paddle in a canoe at Silver Springs State Park — Canoeing at Silver Springs State Park. Photo by: Darryl Kenyon

Bicycling — There are some paved trails and many more miles of dirt trails suitable for mountain biking. Trails are dedicated mountain bike and equestrian trails, which can be used for hiking as well.

Birding — Dozens of migrating species and local birds are found here. Look for everything from wild turkeys and hairy woodpeckers to wood ducks and songbirds.

Boat Tours — Be sure to take a ride on one of the famous glass-bottom boats inside the park. Glass Bottom Boat Tours depart daily on the Silver River. Passengers will get a special look at the wildlife and underwater plants, as well as manmade artifacts.

Boating — Canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding are terrific ways to explore this state park. Navigate the 5-mile Silver River through the Florida wilderness. You cannot launch a motor boat within the park, however, you can do so downstream at Ray Wayside County Park.

Canoes on the boat ramp at Silver Springs State Park in Florida — The boat ramp at Silver Springs State Park. Photo by: Darryl Kenyon

Camping — There are 59 campsites spread across 2 campground loops. Both RVs and tents can be accommodated in these spacious sites. Max vehicle length if 50 feet. Sites have 50 amp electric and water hookups, plus a picnic table, fire ring, and BBQ grill. A dump station is available, and firewood can be purchased at the park. There is also a group camping area. Laundry and a playground is provided too.

Cabins — Vacation cabins can be rented at the park year-round, accommodating up to 6 overnight guests. They come with central cooling and heating, a screened porch, kitchenware, a dining area, 2 bedrooms, one bathroom, a refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher, and a gas fireplace (operating October 1 to April 1). Pets are not permitted in the cabins, only at campsites.

Geo-Seeking — Geocaching is provided within the park.

Hiking — Many trails navigate around Silver Springs State Park, some of which access the sandhills. Some of the popular trails include:

Creek Trail — 3/4-mile loop
Spring Connector Trail — 2.3 miles one-way
Sandhill Trail — 1.7 mile loop
Sinkhole Trail — 2.2 mile loop
Old Field Loop – 0.8 mile loop
Swamp Trail — 1.9 mile loop
River Trail — 1.3-mile loop

Trees line a grassy field by the water at Silver Springs State Park — Enjoy the natural setting at Silver Springs State Park. Photo by: Buddha Dog

Horseback Riding — Shares the mountain bike trails. The entrance is found on State Road 40, 1.3 miles east of the park’s primary entrance.

Picnicking — Charcoal grills are provided near the picnic area. Alcohol is not allowed within the park.

Silver River Museum — Open on weekends from 10 am to 4 pm, the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center is situated within the park, off County Road 35 (Baseline Road).

Spring Hill Café — Open every day from 10:30 am to 6 pm.