Florida Springs Near Ocala

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

6 Springs Within About an Hour
72-74°F Year-Round
The closest spring to Ocala is Silver Springs State Park, about 20 minutes (6.3 miles east), famous for its Silver Springs glass bottom boat tours; entry is $8 per vehicle and swimming is not allowed. Rainbow Springs State Park (about 45 minutes) offers swimming and tubing for $5 per vehicle with a reservation. The Ocala National Forest springs charge $14.50 per person plus tax, and the swimming springs hold at 72 to 74°F all year.

Ocala: Florida's Springs Capital

Six springs on this page are within about an hour of downtown Ocala, including Silver Springs (about 20 min), Rainbow Springs (about 45 min) and four springs inside the Ocala National Forest. The swimming springs hold steady at 72 to 74°F year-round, making them a year-round destination. Florida has no true hot water springs; the spring water simply feels warm in winter and cool in summer. For a side-by-side table of fees, managing agencies and swimming rules, see our guide to the springs in Ocala, Florida compared.

What Are the Best Springs Near Ocala?

No Swimming$8/vehicle

Silver Springs State Park

One of America's largest springs, at the head of the Silver River at 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Glass bottom boat tours ($17 adults for 30 minutes) show the springs and the underwater life below the surface. Open 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year.

Glass Bottom BoatsKayakingWildlife ViewingHikingMuseum
About 20 minutes
6.3 miles east
Swimming Allowed$5/vehicle + reservation

Rainbow Springs State Park

First-magnitude spring at the head of the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, with a swimming area averaging 72°F and 10 to 18 feet deep, gardens and three human-made waterfalls. Tubing runs April through September from a separate entrance.

SwimmingTubingKayakingWaterfallsGardens
About 45 minutes
22 miles SW
No Swimming$14.50/person + tax (Juniper Springs area)

Fern Hammock Springs

Look-only spring inside Juniper Springs Recreation Area that, with Juniper Springs, feeds Juniper Creek. The Juniper Springs boardwalk area is closed for renovations as of October 2026; ask at the gatehouse about access.

Spring ViewingPhotographyNearby Paddling
About 40 minutes
27.5 miles east
Swimming Allowed$14.50/person + tax

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
About 40 minutes
27.5 miles east
Swimming Allowed$14.50/person + tax

Alexander Springs

First-magnitude spring at 49525 County Road 445, Altoona, with a gently sloped swimming beach and 72°F water, according to the Forest Service. It is the only place in the Ocala National Forest where scuba diving is permitted.

SwimmingSnorkelingScubaKayakingCamping
About 1 hour
43.6 miles east
Swimming Allowed$14.50/person + tax

Salt Springs

A U.S. Forest Service recreation area, not a state park, around a slightly salty 74°F mineral spring whose run flows southeast about 4 miles to Lake George. Designated swimming area, a marina with canoe rentals and the forest's only full-hookup campground.

SwimmingBoatingCamping
About 45 minutes
29.8 miles NE

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Florida springs near Ocala?

The best springs near Ocala include Silver Springs State Park (about 20 minutes, famous glass bottom boats), Rainbow Springs State Park (about 45 minutes, swimming and tubing), Juniper Springs (about 40 minutes, the 7-mile Juniper Run), Alexander Springs (about 1 hour, swimming and scuba diving), and Salt Springs (about 45 minutes, a slightly salty mineral spring). Drive times are Google Maps estimates from Ocala Downtown Square. 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 swimming area at the headsprings that averages 10 to 18 feet deep, with no lifeguard. Alexander Springs has a gently sloped swimming beach, according to the Forest Service. Salt Springs, a U.S. Forest Service recreation area, has a designated swimming area in a slightly salty 74-degree mineral spring. 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?

The swimming springs near Ocala hold steady at 72 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so they feel cool in summer and mild in winter. Florida State Parks says Rainbow Springs averages 72°F. The Forest Service lists Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs at 72°F, Silver Glen Springs at 72 to 73°F and Salt Springs at 74°F. Florida State Parks does not publish a temperature for Silver Springs, where swimming is not allowed.

Where is Fern Hammock Springs?

Fern Hammock Springs is located within the Juniper Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest, about 27.5 miles and 40 minutes east of downtown Ocala via State Road 40, according to Google Maps. It is reached on foot from inside the recreation area, so the Juniper Springs day-use fee applies. The Forest Service says the Juniper Springs boardwalk area is closed for renovations as of October 2026, so ask at the gatehouse at (352) 625-3147 whether Fern Hammock can be reached before you go. The Forest Service does not allow wading in the springs or runs; swimming is in the designated Juniper Springs swimming area.

Are the springs near Ocala free to visit?

No, the major springs near Ocala charge entry. Silver Springs State Park charges $8 per vehicle of two to eight people, and Rainbow Springs State Park charges $5 per vehicle and requires a day-use reservation, according to Florida State Parks. Pedestrians and cyclists pay $2 at either park. Juniper, Alexander, Salt and Silver Glen springs in the Ocala National Forest charge $14.50 per person plus tax, with children 5 and under free, according to the concessionaire Naventure.

Can you kayak at the springs near Ocala?

Kayaking is one of the most popular activities at springs near Ocala. Silver Springs State Park rents kayaks, canoes and paddleboards on the Silver River through Paddling Adventures, including a five-mile trip to Ray Wayside with a return shuttle. Rainbow Springs State Park has daily canoe and kayak rentals inside the park. The Forest Service describes Juniper Run as a 7-mile canoe run, and Naventure says it is a challenging, technical paddle not recommended for beginners. Alexander Springs and the Salt Springs marina also rent canoes.

Related Guides

Fees, hours and rules checked October 21, 2026 against Florida State Parks, the U.S. Forest Service and the concessionaire Naventure. Drive distances and times are Google Maps estimates from Ocala Downtown Square. Fees and rules change, so check the official page before you go. AI tools helped gather the sources and draft this page; each fact was checked against those sources before publishing.