Salt Springs Ocala
Experience crystal-clear natural springs, excellent fishing, boating, and camping in the heart of the Ocala National Forest. Salt Springs Run offers year-round recreation with pristine waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports.
Salt Springs Recreation Area at 13851 SR 19, Salt Springs, FL 32134 is a USFS recreation area in the Ocala National Forest about 35 miles east of Ocala. It is centered on a rare BRACKISH mineral spring (slightly saline due to ancient seawater in the aquifer, NOT a freshwater spring like Juniper or Alexander), maintains a constant 72°F, and discharges into Salt Springs Run, which flows 4.5 miles to Lake George. The recreation area has the largest campground in the Ocala National Forest (160 total sites — 106 full-hookup RV sites at $65/night plus 54 tent sites at $31/night) and is the only ONF campground with full RV hookups. Day-use admission is $12 per person. Winter brings manatees. Phone (352) 685-2048.
Where is Salt Springs Located?
Salt Springs Recreation Area is at 13851 SR 19, Salt Springs, FL 32134 — in the Ocala National Forest, about 35 miles east of downtown Ocala. Take SR 40 east from Ocala and turn north on SR 19; the recreation area is on the right. The spring discharges into Salt Springs Run, which flows 4.5 miles to Lake George (Florida's second-largest lake) — NOT directly to the St. Johns River. The brackish mineral water attracts swimmers, paddlers, anglers, and (in winter) manatees. The campground is the largest in the Ocala National Forest with 160 sites.
Location
Ocala National Forest
Water Temperature
Constant 72 degrees
Access
Year-round, open daily
What Can You Do at Salt Springs?
Salt Springs offers diverse recreation opportunities for families, water sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
The crystal-clear spring water with constant 72-degree temperature is perfect for swimming year-round. Sandy beaches and designated swimming areas provide safe access. Snorkeling in the spring offers excellent visibility to observe fish and aquatic life. The spring's clarity makes it one of Florida's best swimming destinations.
Salt Springs Run supports an unusual mix of species due to its brackish chemistry: blue crabs, striped mullet, and other coastal species alongside freshwater largemouth bass and bluegill. The run flows to Lake George (not directly to the St. Johns), so anglers heading downstream into the lake can target additional species. A valid Florida freshwater fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older.
The on-site marina rents kayaks for the 4.5-mile paddle down Salt Springs Run to Lake George: $16 for 2 hours, $24 for 4 hours, or $38 for a full day. The run passes through a subtropical corridor of cypress, cabbage palm, and live oak. Winter paddlers frequently spot manatees in the lower portion of the run seeking the warm spring water as thermal refuge.
Salt Springs is the LARGEST campground in the Ocala National Forest with 160 total sites, and the ONLY ONF campground with full-hookup RV sites. 106 RV sites with water, electric, and sewer at $65/night. 54 tent-only sites at $31/night. Hot showers, flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings. Reservations: 1-877-444-6777 or recreation.gov.
How to Plan Your Salt Springs Visit
Getting There
From downtown Ocala, take SR 40 east for about 25 miles into the Ocala National Forest, then turn north on SR 19. The recreation area is on the right at 13851 SR 19, Salt Springs, FL 32134 — about 35 miles total from Ocala. NOT via Highway 27.
Operating Hours
Day-use generally 8 AM to 8 PM (subject to seasonal variation). Camping year-round with 24-hour gate access for registered campers. Confirm current hours at (352) 685-2048.
Day-Use Admission
$12 per person plus tax. Includes swimming and beach access. Kayak rentals at the marina are an additional fee: $16/2hr, $24/4hr, $38/day.
Camping Rates
Tent sites: $31/night (54 sites). Full-hookup RV sites: $65/night (106 sites with water, electric, sewer — the only full-hookup sites in the ONF). Reserve at 1-877-444-6777 or recreation.gov.
What Are the Salt Springs Hours and Boat Ramp Details?
Salt Springs Recreation Area operates daily, generally 8 AM to 8 PM (subject to seasonal variation — confirm at (352) 685-2048 before traveling). Registered campers receive 24-hour gate access. Peak season is winter (October–April) when snowbirds settle in for extended RV stays — reserve early.
The on-site marina is the launch point for the 4.5-mile Salt Springs Run paddle to Lake George. Kayak rentals: $16/2hr, $24/4hr, $38/day. Day-use fee $12/person plus tax includes spring swimming access. The run passes through subtropical hardwood corridor and is a winter manatee hotspot.
Salt Springs Location & Fort McCoy Area
Salt Springs Recreation Area is located within the Ocala National Forest approximately 35 miles southeast of downtown Ocala, near the Fort McCoy area of Marion County. This remote location within the forest creates an authentic natural setting ideal for escaping city noise and experiencing pristine wilderness. Fort McCoy, Florida serves as the nearest small community, with historic significance dating back to early American settlement in central Florida.
What is the Best Time to Visit Salt Springs?
Peak Season: Comfortable temperatures make this the most popular time. The 72-degree spring water feels refreshingly cool. Excellent fishing conditions. Camping and waterfront accommodations require advance reservations.
Spring Season: Warming temperatures perfect for water activities. Spring migratory birds attract birdwatchers. Still excellent fishing. Fewer crowds than winter. Moderate crowding on weekends.
Hot Season: Very hot and humid outdoor conditions. Cool 72-degree spring water provides relief. Afternoon thunderstorms common. Fewer tourists. Not recommended for camping due to heat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salt Springs
What is Salt Springs near Ocala?
Salt Springs Recreation Area is a USFS recreation area in the Ocala National Forest at 13851 SR 19, Salt Springs, FL 32134 — about 35 miles east of Ocala on SR 19. Salt Springs is unusual in that its water is slightly saline (brackish) because ancient seawater trapped in the Floridan Aquifer mixes with the freshwater rising through the limestone. The spring discharges into Salt Springs Run, which flows 4.5 miles to Lake George (the second-largest lake in Florida — NOT directly to the St. Johns River). The water maintains a constant 72°F. The recreation area includes a swimming area, marina with kayak rentals, the largest campground in the Ocala National Forest, and hiking trails.
How much does it cost to visit Salt Springs?
Day-use admission is $12 per person plus tax. Camping is $31/night for tent sites and $65/night for full-hookup RV sites. Kayak rentals from the marina are $16 for 2 hours, $24 for 4 hours, or $38 for a full day. Recreation.gov handles camp reservations (1-877-444-6777).
What activities are at Salt Springs?
Swimming in the brackish mineral spring (72°F year-round), kayaking the 4.5-mile Salt Springs Run to Lake George, fishing for largemouth bass and bluegill plus brackish species like blue crabs and mullet (NOT saltwater game fish — Salt Springs is brackish, not salty), boating from the on-site marina, hiking on the 1.4-mile Bear Swamp Trail and 1.9-mile Salt Springs Observation Trail, and camping. Winter months bring West Indian manatees seeking thermal refuge in the warm spring water.
What is the best time to visit Salt Springs?
October through April offers the most comfortable weather. Winter (November–March) is the best time to spot manatees in the spring run. Summer is hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms, but the 72°F spring water provides relief. The campground is busy year-round, particularly in winter when snowbirds settle in for extended stays.
Does Salt Springs have camping facilities?
Yes — Salt Springs is the LARGEST campground in the Ocala National Forest with 160 total sites, and it is the ONLY ONF campground with full-hookup RV sites. There are 106 full-hookup RV sites (water, electric, sewer) at $65/night and 54 tent sites at $31/night. Amenities include hot showers, flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to the spring and marina. Reservations: 1-877-444-6777 or recreation.gov.
Can you see manatees at Salt Springs?
Yes, particularly during winter months from November through March. West Indian manatees travel up Salt Springs Run from Lake George seeking the warm 72°F spring water. Sightings are not guaranteed, but winter paddlers frequently spot manatees in the lower portion of the run. A valid Florida freshwater fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older; no fishing license is required for swimming or kayaking.
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About This Guide
OnlyInOcala provides locally-researched information about Salt Springs and recreation areas in Marion County. All facility information, fees, and hours reflect current conditions from the U.S. Forest Service. We maintain deep roots in the Ocala community with expertise in outdoor recreation and natural attractions. Contact the Salt Springs recreation office directly for current information and reservations.
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