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Salt Springs Recreation Area is one the recreational jewels of the Ocala National Forest, with a spectacular natural mineral spring that gives the area its name. Plenty of outdoor activities keep campers and day-use visitors busy, including swimming in the springs, fishing, snorkeling, hiking and boating. Salt Springs is located between the St. Johns and Ocklawaha Rivers, 35 miles east of Ocala, Florida. The national forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River, and protects the world's largest, contiguous sand pine scrub forest. Recreation The natural springs, nearby Lake George and many surrounding rivers and streams provide ample opportunity for water recreation. Anglers can try a good fishing spot on Salt Springs Run, downstream of the swimming area, boat ramp and marina. Boat rentals are nearby. For those who wish to explore on land, the facility has basketball courts and a horseshoe pit. Hikers have easy access to the Bear Swamp Trail and a segment of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail. Facilities Salt Springs is the largest campground in the Ocala National Forest and the only one with full hookups for RVs. The facility offers spacious campsites for RVs and trailers, as well as a designated tent-only area, which is a short walk from the parking area. Sites are nicely shaded and well away from the busy day-use area. The recreation area and campground are located in the community of Salt Springs, which has a gas station, grocery store, several restaurants, bait and tackle shops, a post office, laundromat and visitor center. Natural Features The semi-tropical region gives the campground a mixture of pines and palms, with lush greenery and warm temperatures. Within the recreation area, a natural spring rises from cracks deep within the earth. The presence of potassium, magnesium and sodium salts give the waters a slight salinity - hence the name Salt Springs. Nearby Attractions Salt Springs is very close to Lake George, a great fishing destination. ADA Access: N
Salt Springs is located 35 miles east of Ocala (I-75), 60 miles west of Daytona Beach (I-95) and 95 miles north of Orlando, Florida.
From I-75 to Ocala: Drive east on State Route 40 for about 12 miles, then turn north on County Road 314 and proceed for 18 miles. Turn north on State Highway 19 and drive for about 0.5 mile to the recreation area entrance on the right.
From I-95 east of Ormond Beach: Take SR 40 west about 40 miles to Highway 19. Turn north on Highway 19 and go about 16 miles to Salt Springs. Continue 0.5 miles to the recreation entrance on the right.
Sites are nicely shaded and well away from the busy day-use area. Reservations for the campground may be made by phone at 1-877-444-6777 or online at Recreation.gov.
Nice springs for swimming, kayaking, with manatees in the winter. Plenty of jumping fish and wildlife. Good camping but guard against insects depending on the season.
Second time around so I'm adding a few additional notes. Thanks to Bob for the great check in experience! I've added a kayak to my camping equipment, unfortunately Salt Springs doesn't have a kayak launch site on premises. I did find and hike the one trail; which is a great Florida Birding trail titled "Bear Swamp Trail". It's a loop that takes a hiker on a 1.5 mile journey through various environments. The swamp section has an elevated walkway and overall the trail didn't seem to used a great deal. While I didn't encounter many birds I did see some interesting wildlife. I've added pictures to highlight those forest creatures. During our three day visit a hawk came by our campsite each day. That was very special and another reason to return. I would recommend Salt Springs to anyone looking for an amazing adventure!
This is an interesting camping experience! The grounds are very open and well manicured. All sites have water, electric, and sewer hookups. However, due to the location of the hookups you might need an extension for you sewer line or compromise the travel trailer position. The springs are amazing! Easy entry for swimming or snorkeling highlights this unique setting. The staff and camp hosts are very knowledgeable and friendly.
Had such a relaxing fun time. The residents are so friendly and welcoming. The New Years Eve bash was a lot of fun. Wish our cabin had an outside fire pit but everything else was perfect. Cabin was super cute and clean.
