Silver Springs State Park – Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip
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Discover nearly 5,000 scenic areas at Silver Springs State Park. One of the state’s most iconic nature destinations, it encompasses not only the springs, but the entire 5-mile Silver River and surrounding sandhill forest. Experience must-do adventures with Glass Bottom Boat Tours, miles of hiking trails, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, campgrounds, wildlife sightings, museum and environmental center, and so much more. This park is pet-friendly in select locations, so bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
Read on to learn more about this outdoor paradise:
- Experiences
- Park Entrances, Hours & Fees
- Food & Drink
- Camping, RV & Places to Stay
- Pet Policy
- Map Widget (google maps, directions)
Experiences
Glass Bottom Boat Tours
Experience the beauty of Silver Springs State Park with a world-famous Glass Bottom Boat tour! Glide over crystal-clear waters and marvel at the underwater wonders and lively marine life below. These daily tours offer an unforgettable experience for families and nature lovers eager to explore one of America’s largest springs. Ready for a splash of excitement? Come aboard and see what lies beneath!
Canoe Kayak Launch
Launch your canoe or kayak at Silver Springs State Park for a prime paddling adventure! The main canoe and kayak launch is conveniently located near the headsprings area, providing direct access to the pristine Silver River. There’s a $4 launch fee in addition to the park admission fee. The launch operates from 8 a.m. until one hour before sundown, and overnight parking is available with a completed float plan at the ranger station. For an additional option, the camping and museum entrance also offers a launch site with a 0.6-mile portage on the river trail. Please note hours and fees may change. For latest hours and fees, please visit Florida State Parks.
Horseback Riding
Saddle up for a wild ride! Gallop through enchanting trails that weave through forests and alongside the serene Silver River. Whether you’re an experienced equestrian or a curious beginner, the park’s designated horse trails promise an exhilarating journey through Florida’s natural wonders. The Equestrian Trail is conveniently located near the main entrance, maps are available at the trailhead near the pay station. The trails open at 8 a.m. and close one hour before sunset. Non-potable water is available for horses by hand pump but you must bring your own buckets.
Don’t have your own horse? No problem! Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides offers fantastic horseback riding adventures for groups or individuals (ages 6 and up) at the nearby Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Enjoy a guided ride through beautiful trails and experience nature like never before.
Hiking Trails
Escape the city and immerse yourself in nature on foot! Begin your adventure at the main entrance, where a stroll through the gardens leads you to the Creek Trail, a delightful 3/4-mile loop tucked behind the large pavilion. For a longer trek, try the Spring Connector Trail. This 2.3-mile (one-way) blue-blazed path connects you to southern trails, offering flexibility for a shorter out-and-back or a scenic detour on the Sandhill Trail.
For even more hiking options, head to the camping and museum entrance, where five diverse trails await. Park near the ranger station to access the Sandhill Trail, a 1.7-mile yellow-blazed loop winding through longleaf pine uplands. Near the Silver River Museum, you’ll find the red-blazed 2.2-mile Sinkhole Trail and the 0.8-mile green-blazed Old Field Loop. These upland trails start at the Sinkhole Trail archway left of the museum.
Don’t miss the orange-blazed Swamp Trail and the dark blue-blazed River Trail, both starting at the River Trails archway right of the museum. The Swamp Trail features a boardwalk through wetlands, while the River Trail offers scenic views along an old limerock road. Both provide stunning overlooks of the Silver River. Map of the park trails.
Silver River Museum and Environmental Center
Explore the natural and cultural history of Florida at the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center, offering captivating exhibits on local wildlife, Native American artifacts, and the area’s rich geological past. Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding of Florida’s diverse ecosystems and heritage.
A new museum wing houses the special exhibit from the Florida Museum of Natural History, “Dugout Canoes: Paddling through the Americas.” Museum hours and fees.
Wildlife Viewing & Birding
Home to over 4,000 acres of natural habitat, spot different species of mammals, reptiles and birds. The upland area includes frequent sightings of armadillos, deer, turkey, fox, Sherman fox squirrel and gopher tortoises. Less frequently seen are coyotes, bobcats and the Florida black bear.
Spot alligators, turtles and many species of fish on the river. While the Silver Springs is home to limpinks and other water and woodland birds. Pick up a wildlife listing at the ranger station.
Mountain Biking & Bicycling
Silver Springs State Park offers 4.5 miles of dedicated off-road bicycling trails for fat tire bicycles. Mountain bikes can also access an additional 10 miles of hiking trails. Stay on marked paths to avoid getting lost, as unmarked service roads and fire breaks intersect the trails.
Other trail riding opportunities are available at the nearby Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.
Park Entrances, Hours & Fees
Hours & Fees
Typically, the park is open 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year, with special hours for various activities. Current hours and fees.
The Main Entrance
5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488
Experience “Real Florida” at the Silver River headspring with a scenic viewing deck and paved river trails. Explore ornamental gardens and enjoy a leisurely stroll. Grab a bite at the restaurant overlooking the spring. For aquatic adventures, hop on a glass-bottom boat tour or rent a canoe or kayak from the concessionaire. Bring your own paddleboard, canoe or kayak for a $4 launch fee at the headspring launch ramp. There is no land access from the water along the river and in the headspring area except at the canoe and kayak launch ramp.
The Camping Entrance
1425 NE 58th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34470
Visitors can paddle down the crystal-clear river (free launch, with a half-mile hike to the ramp), hike or bike nature trails, and observe diverse birds and wildlife. Picnic areas offer three pavilions with grills and a nearby playground. Overnight options include a 59-site campground and 10 cabins. This entrance is home to the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center.
The Equestrian Entrance
2 miles east on SR 40 from the Main Entrance
Enjoy horseback on the Equestrian Trail, opens at 8 a.m. and closes one hour before sunset. Take in the scenic surroundings of this amazing wetlands habitat. For guided horseback rides without your own horse, contact visitor service provider Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides.
Food & Drink
Spring Side Restaurant
The Spring Side Café is conveniently located in the park, right next to the entrance to Glass Bottom Boat Tours. Take in the beautiful views of the head spring from the restaurant. Offering casual dining including burgers, select vegan options and a full bar.
The Mojo Grill (Silver Springs Location)
Located just 1.5 miles from the main park entrance. Enjoy this vibrant, music-themed eatery featuring Mexican-American pub grub, including vegetarian options.
Sonny’s BBQ
Taste delicious BBQ with smoked-meat platters, sandwiches & traditional sides. Located just six minutes to the main park entrance.
Where to Stay
Camping & RV
Experience nature’s tranquility at Silver Springs State Park with its pristine camping grounds. Whether you’re pitching a tent or rolling in with your RV, you’ll find all the comforts you need – think electric hookups, convenient restrooms, shower stations, and laundry. It’s the ultimate getaway for adventurers and nature buffs alike, offering a perfect blend of excitement and serenity in Florida’s breathtaking wilderness.
Choose from 59 spacious sites across two loops ideal for large camping units up to 50 feet long. Each site includes water and electric hook-ups with upgraded 50-amp service, along with amenities like a fire ring, barbecue grill, and picnic table.
For added convenience, a separate dump station is available for holding tanks, and firewood can be purchased at the ranger station. Pets are welcome following the park’s Pet Policy. Sites 20 and 53 feature full accessibility with paved sidewalks leading to bathhouses for easy access.
Map of the park’s campgrounds.
For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks’ reservations website or call 800-326-3521.
Cabins at Silver Springs
Nestled among shady oaks and pine trees, Silver Springs’ vacation cabins accommodate up to six people. Each cabin features a full dining area, two bedrooms, one bath, and comes equipped with a stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and gas fireplace (Oct. 1 to April 1). Enjoy a large screened porch with picnic tables and rockers, and amenities such as dishes, cookware, silverware, linen, and towels.
Outside, relax around a campfire ring with seating and grill. Food and personal items are not provided, and guests are responsible for making their own beds.
Cabin No. 6, a fully accessible option, features a wheelchair-friendly ramp to the front porch and campfire ring.
Guests are encouraged to unplug and disconnect. There are no telephones, Wi-Fi, or TVs in the cabins. However, Wi-Fi is available at the ranger station. Please note, pets are not permitted in the cabins. There is a two night stay minimum.
For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks’ reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Silver Springs
Conveniently located less than a mile to the main state park entrance and to the nearby historic downtown Ocala. Enjoy breakfast, pool, fitness center, and Wi-Fi. Bookings.
Sun Plaza MotelAlso, located less than a mile to the main park entrance. Has a pool, an outdoor grill and garden. Wi-Fi included. Bookings.
Pet Policy
Well-behaved pets are welcome at the Silver Springs campground, picnic area, and hiking trails. Owners must keep pets leashed at all times and clean up after them.
Pets, however, are not allowed on the glass-bottom boats or inside any buildings, including cabins, the museum, the education center, restrooms, and the restaurant.
Service animals are permitted in all areas of the park.
