Salt Springs Recreation Area
The Salt Springs Recreation Area is one the recreational jewels of the Ocala National Forest, with a spectacular natural mineral spring giving 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. In the early 1900s, many people came to the spring, believing it had medicinal healing powers. Today's visitors will find Salt Springs gushes forth 52 million gallon of water daily at a constant 74° Fahrenheit.
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Boating
- An unimproved boat launch is located at the end of the campground closest to Salt Springs Run. It is directly across the run from the Salt Springs Marina. Follow the signs.
Camping
- The campground is the largest 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. Reservations for the campground may be made by phone at 1-877-444-6777 or online at Recreation.gov.
Fishing
- Salt Springs Run is a relaxing place to fish, with small coves along the cypress-lined shoreline.
Hiking
- The Salt Springs Trail is a pleasant loop of less than two miles through an intricate web of habitats surrounding the Big Scrub of the Ocala National Forest. While the trail includes some sharp climbs and a long boardwalk, it's a good walk for families with a big payoff at the end - an observation deck for birdwatching.
Nature Watching
- The Salt Springs Trail is an excellent place to familiarize yourself with the common native trees and shrubs of the Big Scrub, including sand live oak, Chapman oak, myrtle oak, southern magnolia and saw palmetto. Interpretive information at the kiosk and along the trail aids in your understanding of the flora of this unique landscape
Swimming
- Swimmers enjoy the clear waters of Salt Springs Run nearest its source at Salt Springs. A cluster of boats just past the floats marks the recreation area, with families frolicking in the shallows.
This site is operated by American Land & Leisure.
General Information
Amenities
- Bathhouse
- Boat ramp: An unimproved boat launch is located at the end of the campground closest to Salt Springs Run. It is directly across the run from the Salt Springs Marina. Follow the signs.
- Canoe rentals: Available at the Salt Springs Marina on a first come, first served basis. Personal flotation devices and paddles are provided with all rentals.
- Drinking water
- Flush toilets
- Interpretive site
- Parking
- Standard electric campsites: 106 sites in the campground
- Tent-only primitive campsites: 54 sites in the campground
Licenses and Passes
Boating
Boating in the National Forests in Florida is regulated by the state of Florida. Please visit our boating web page before you grab your personal floatation device and head out onto the water.
Fishing
- Florida requires a state license for all fishing activities. Visit our fishing web page before you grab your gear.
Operational hours vary by season. Please call (877) 444-6777 for current business hours details.
- Camping: The maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period.
- Pets are not allowed into the Day Use area: Forest Order #08-05-05-02-13-0207; 36 CFR261.58(s).
Please visit the Recreation.gov website for the most updated list of campground fees and American Land & Leisure for day-use fees.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
