Florida Springs Near Ocala

Crystal-clear natural springs within an hour of Ocala for swimming, kayaking, tubing, and exploring

7 Springs Within 50 Minutes
72°F Year-Round

Ocala: Florida's Springs Capital

Ocala is surrounded by more natural springs than almost any city in Florida. Seven major springs are within 50 minutes of downtown Ocala, including Silver Springs (15 min), Rainbow Springs (35 min), and three springs inside the Ocala National Forest. Water temperatures hold steady at 72°F year-round, making springs a year-round destination.

Springs Near Ocala

No Swimming$2/person

Silver Springs State Park

World-famous first-magnitude spring with glass bottom boat tours operating since 1878. Crystal-clear water reveals fish, turtles, and underwater springs.

Glass Bottom BoatsKayakingWildlife ViewingHikingMuseum
15 minutes
8 miles east
Swimming Allowed$2/person

Rainbow Springs State Park

Beautiful spring-fed swimming area with man-made waterfalls, botanical gardens, and the Rainbow River tubing experience.

SwimmingTubingKayakingWaterfallsGardens
35 minutes
20 miles SW
Swimming Allowed$5-10

K.P. Hole (Rainbow River)

Scenic launch point on the Rainbow River with swimming area. Turquoise water, 72°F year-round.

SwimmingKayakingTubingSnorkeling
40 minutes
22 miles SW
No Swimming$5.50/person (Juniper Springs area)

Fern Hammock Springs

Stunning second-magnitude spring surrounded by fern gardens in the Ocala National Forest. Viewable from an elevated boardwalk.

Boardwalk ViewingPhotographyNature TrailNearby Paddling
45 minutes
30 miles east
Swimming Allowed$5.50/person

Juniper Springs

Pristine spring in the Ocala National Forest featuring a famous 7-mile canoe run through subtropical forest. Swimming area at the main spring.

SwimmingCanoe RunHikingCamping
45 minutes
30 miles east
Swimming Allowed$6/person

Alexander Springs

Large first-magnitude spring with a spacious swimming area perfect for families. Crystal-clear water and sandy bottom.

SwimmingSnorkelingKayakingHikingCamping
50 minutes
35 miles east
Swimming Allowed$5.50/person

Salt Springs

Warm mineral spring (74°F) flowing into Lake George. Popular for swimming, with unique mineral content giving the water a slightly brackish character.

SwimmingFishingBoatingCamping
45 minutes
30 miles NE

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Florida springs near Ocala?

The best springs near Ocala include Silver Springs State Park (15 minutes, famous glass bottom boats), Rainbow Springs State Park (35 minutes, swimming and tubing), Juniper Springs (45 minutes, pristine canoe run), Alexander Springs (50 minutes, swimming and snorkeling), and Salt Springs (45 minutes, warm mineral springs). Each offers a unique experience from kayaking to swimming to wildlife viewing.

Can you swim in the springs near Ocala?

Yes, several springs near Ocala offer designated swimming areas. Rainbow Springs State Park has a popular swimming area with a sand beach. Alexander Springs has a large swimming area perfect for families. Salt Springs offers a warm mineral spring swimming hole. Silver Springs does not allow swimming but offers incredible glass bottom boat tours and kayaking. Always check current rules before visiting as regulations can change.

What is the water temperature at Florida springs?

Florida springs maintain a remarkably consistent temperature of approximately 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit (20-22 Celsius) year-round. This means they feel refreshingly cool in summer and surprisingly warm in winter compared to outside air temperatures. Rainbow Springs is approximately 72°F, Silver Springs is 72°F, and Juniper Springs is 72°F.

Where is Fern Hammock Springs?

Fern Hammock Springs is located within the Juniper Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest, approximately 45 minutes east of downtown Ocala via State Road 40. This stunning second-magnitude spring features crystal-clear blue water surrounded by lush fern gardens and can be viewed from a boardwalk. While swimming is not permitted at Fern Hammock Springs, nearby Juniper Springs offers full swimming and paddling access.

Are the springs near Ocala free to visit?

Most springs near Ocala charge a small entrance fee. Silver Springs State Park charges $2 per person. Rainbow Springs State Park charges $2 per person. Juniper Springs Recreation Area in Ocala National Forest charges $5.50 per person. Alexander Springs charges $6 per person. K.P. Hole on the Rainbow River charges $5-10. These fees support maintenance and conservation of these natural treasures.

Can you kayak at the springs near Ocala?

Kayaking is one of the most popular activities at springs near Ocala. Silver Springs offers a spectacular kayak trail on the Silver River where you can see fish, turtles, and sometimes manatees through crystal-clear water. Rainbow River is perfect for leisurely paddling. The Juniper Springs canoe run is a famous 7-mile paddle through pristine forest. Kayak and canoe rentals are available at most locations.

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Spring information verified by the Only In Ocala team who visit these springs regularly. Distances from downtown Ocala. Updated February 2026. Fees and rules subject to change.