Getting from Ocala to Silver Springs
Silver Springs State Park's main entrance is about 6 miles east of downtown Ocala, roughly 10 minutes on SR 40 (Silver Springs Boulevard).
Route
SR 40 east
Hours
8 a.m.-sundown
Admission
$2/person or $8/car
Related news: City of Ocala seeks public input on a proposed 6.2-mile Downtown Ocala Trail to Silver Springs State Park.
How far is Silver Springs from Ocala?
The Silver Springs State Park main entrance at 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd. is about 5.7 miles from downtown Ocala, roughly 10 minutes east on SR 40, according to Google Maps (checked Oct. 15, 2026). The camping entrance on NE 58th Avenue is a few minutes farther.
| Route to the main entrance | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| SR 40 East (Silver Springs Boulevard) | About 5.7 miles | About 10 min |
| NE 14th Street (SR 492), then SR 40 East | About 6.2 miles | About 11 min |
Silver Springs State Park
Main entrance (boats, rentals): 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs, FL 34488
Camping entrance (campground, cabins, trails, museum): 1425 NE 58th Ave., Ocala, FL 34470
Park Hours
8:00 AM - Sundown
Open 365 days a year
Admission Prices
Vehicle (2-8 people): $8; single occupant $5
Pedestrian/Bicycle/Extra passenger: $2
Florida State Parks fees, October 9, 2026. The concessionaire says the main entrance charges $2 per person; check at the gate.
Exact Driving Directions
From Downtown Ocala
Head East on SR 40
From downtown Ocala, take SR 40 (Silver Springs Boulevard) heading east
Stay on SR 40
The main entrance is on SR 40 at 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., with the glass-bottom boats and kayak rentals.
For camping: turn right (south) on NE 58th Ave
For the campground, cabins, most trails and the museum, turn south on NE 58th Ave. (CR 35 / Baseline Road) to the camping entrance at 1425 NE 58th Ave. The Silver Trail connects the two entrances inside the park.
From I-75
Take Exit 352
Get off I-75 at exit 352 (SR 40) toward Ocala
Head East on SR 40
Turn east on SR 40 (Silver Springs Boulevard)
Follow to Park Entrance
Continue east on SR 40 through downtown Ocala to the main entrance at 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
Why Silver Springs is Special
World-Class Springs
One of America's largest springs and the source of the Silver River, with more than 30 springs documented in the upper river
Crystal-Clear Water
Famously clear water, best seen from the glass-bottom boats (a tradition since the late 1870s) or a kayak; swimming is not permitted
Filming Location
A filming location for Tarzan movies, "Creature from the Black Lagoon" and the TV series "Sea Hunt"
Top Activities at Silver Springs
Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
Experience the underwater wonders without getting wet. View fish, turtles, Mammoth Spring and other feeder springs through glass-bottomed boats. On October 9, 2026, the 30-minute tour cost $17 for adults and $15 for seniors 55+ and kids 3-12.
- 30-minute tours every 15-20 minutes
- Reservations recommended
- Separate fees apply
Kayaking & Paddling
Explore the Silver River at your own pace by kayak, canoe or paddleboard. The short route is the 1.1-mile Fort King paddling trail; the long one is 5 miles downriver to Ray Wayside Park, with a shuttle back.
- Rentals at the main entrance, first come, first served
- Two-hour guided paddle offered
- Launch your own boat for $4
Hiking & Nature Trails
Explore the park on foot or by mountain bike. Most trailheads are at the camping entrance, with loops through pine forest, oak hammock and longleaf pine uplands, and wildlife including deer, wild turkeys and gopher tortoises.
- Well-marked trails
- Boardwalk on the Silver Trail
- Wildlife viewing areas
Silver River Museum (No Swimming)
Swimming is not permitted at Silver Springs. At the camping entrance, the Silver River Museum (run by Marion County Public Schools) covers the area's geology, fossils, archaeology and history, next to a pioneer village of 19th-century Cracker buildings.
- Saturdays, Sundays and some holidays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- $2 admission, under 6 free
- No swimming anywhere in the park
Wildlife Viewing
Experience Florida's natural ecosystem. Spot alligators, turtles, fish, deer, wild rhesus monkeys and a large population of limpkins; manatees turn up occasionally, mostly in winter. The park is on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
- Never feed the monkeys
- Bring binoculars & camera
- Narrated boat tours
Picnicking & Photography
Enjoy the natural beauty at your leisure. Coolers and picnics are welcome (no alcohol), with picnic pavilions at the camping entrance. Photographers will find endless opportunities to capture water scenes and wildlife.
- Picnic pavilions
- Scenic viewpoints
- Excellent lighting
Best Time to Visit
Seasonal Guide
October - April
Milder temperatures for the trails, and winter gives you the best (still small) chance of a manatee. Fewer crowds midweek.
May - September
Hot and humid, with biting insects on the trails. The boats and rentals run every day of the year; weekends and holidays are the busiest.
Pro Tips for Your Visit
- Arrive Early: Get there at opening (8 AM) to avoid crowds, especially at the kayak launch on weekends
- Bring Essentials: Sunscreen, water, insect repellent, and snacks are recommended
- Plan Your Activities: Book glass-bottom boat tours in advance; they often sell out
- Wear Appropriate Clothes: Quick-dry clothing and water shoes recommended
Parking & Facilities
Parking Information
- Admission: $2 per person at the main entrance per the concessionaire; $8 per vehicle at the camping entrance
- Two Lots: Parking at the main entrance (SR 40) and the camping entrance (NE 58th Ave.)
- Hours: Park operates 8 AM - Sundown daily
- Peak Season: Arrive early for convenient parking during weekends and holidays
On-Site Facilities
- Restrooms available
- Picnic pavilions and a playground at the camping entrance
- Spring Side Café at the main entrance (10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.)
- Kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals
- Gift shop in the Lundy Town Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Silver Springs from Ocala, Florida?
Silver Springs State Park's main entrance is about 5.7 miles east of downtown Ocala, roughly 10 minutes on State Road 40 (Silver Springs Boulevard), according to Google Maps. The main entrance, with the glass-bottom boats and kayak rentals, is at 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs, FL 34488. The camping entrance, for the campground, cabins, most trails and the Silver River Museum, is at 1425 NE 58th Ave., Ocala, FL 34470.
What is the best route from Ocala to Silver Springs?
The most direct route is to head east on SR 40 (Silver Springs Boulevard) from downtown Ocala. This scenic drive takes you straight to the park entrance. If coming from I-75, take exit 352 and head east on SR 40 through downtown. The main entrance is on SR 40 itself; for the camping entrance, turn south on NE 58th Avenue (County Road 35 / Baseline Road).
How much does it cost to visit Silver Springs State Park?
On October 9, 2026, Florida State Parks listed $8 per vehicle (2 to 8 people), $5 for a single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle, and $2 per pedestrian, bicyclist or extra passenger. The park concessionaire says the main entrance on SR 40 charges $2 per person (children 5 and under free) and that the $8 vehicle fee applies at the camping and equestrian entrances, so check at the gate. Admission paid at one entrance covers the others that day. Glass-bottom boat tours ($17 for adults for the 30-minute tour) and kayak rentals cost extra.
What is the best time to visit Silver Springs?
Silver Springs is open 8 a.m. to sundown every day of the year. Cooler months are more comfortable on the trails, while summer brings heat and biting insects. Weekends and holidays are the busiest, and the main kayak launch gets crowded then, so arrive early or visit on a weekday.
What are the main activities at Silver Springs State Park?
Popular activities include glass-bottom boat tours to see fish and springs, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding on the Silver River, hiking and mountain biking, wildlife viewing (turtles, alligators, birds, wild monkeys and, occasionally in winter, manatees), camping, picnicking, and the weekend Silver River Museum. Swimming is not permitted at Silver Springs.
Why is Silver Springs special and famous?
Silver Springs is one of America's largest springs and the source of the Silver River; more than 30 springs have been documented in the upper river. Glass-bottom boats have run here since the late 1870s, and the springs were a filming location for Tarzan movies, Creature from the Black Lagoon and the TV series Sea Hunt.
Is there parking available at Silver Springs?
Yes. There is parking at the main entrance on SR 40, where the concessionaire says you pay $2 per person at the ticket booth, and at the camping entrance on NE 58th Avenue, where the $8 vehicle fee applies. The park is open 8 a.m. to sundown. On weekends and holidays, arrive early.
Do I need reservations for activities at Silver Springs?
Glass-bottom boat reservations are recommended: the concessionaire says tours often sell out, and asks you to arrive 30 minutes before departure (boats and rentals: 352-261-5840). Kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals are first come, first served from 8 a.m. Campsites and cabins are reserved through reserve.floridastateparks.org or 800-326-3521.
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