Silver Glen Springs Florida: Complete Visitor Guide
Hours, entrance fees, summer vehicle reservations, swimming, snorkeling, paddling and camping nearby at the Ocala National Forest's clear, 72-degree spring.
By Darrin DeTorres, Only In Ocala. Updated October 9, 2026. Fees, hours and rules checked against the USDA Forest Service, Recreation.gov and the site's operator, Naventure.
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Is Silver Glen Springs worth visiting?
Yes. Silver Glen Springs in Ocala National Forest offers crystal-clear, 72-degree water that is ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and paddling, along with a sandy beach, picnic areas, and camping nearby. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, because the park often fills to capacity and stops admitting visitors until space opens.
What is Silver Glen Springs?
Silver Glen Springs is a first-magnitude spring on the eastern edge of the Ocala National Forest, on the western shore of Lake George off State Road 19. The spring releases about 65 million gallons of water a day from two vents, and its run flows east about three-quarters of a mile into Lake George, the second-largest lake in Florida after Lake Okeechobee. The seven-acre recreation area is a day-use site for swimming, snorkeling, paddling, picnicking and short hikes.
The site is also an important archaeological site and, in the Forest Service's words, a sacred space for Native Americans: the large fenced mounds behind the swim area are shell middens, and visitors are asked to keep off them. It sits in the Ocala National Forest with the forest's other swimming springs, Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs and Salt Springs. For more ideas, see our top Ocala attractions.
Is Silver Glen Springs a state park?
No. Silver Glen Springs is not a state park. Searches for "Silver Glen Springs State Park" lead here, but it is Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area, a USDA Forest Service site in the Ocala National Forest's Lake George Ranger District. The concessionaire Naventure runs it day to day under a Forest Service special use permit, so Florida State Parks passes are not accepted. For a real state park nearby, see Silver Springs State Park in Ocala, a different spring.
How much does Silver Glen Springs cost, and what are the hours?
Silver Glen Springs opens daily at 8:00 a.m. Closing time follows the length of the day and is posted at the site; summer hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $14.50 per person plus tax, paid at the gate, and children 5 and under are free. The 95-space parking lot regularly fills on summer weekends and holidays, and on days without reservations entry is first come, first served until the lot is full.
Hours
Opens 8:00 a.m. daily
Closing time varies with daylight and is posted on site (summer: 6 p.m.)
Entry Fee
$14.50 per person + tax
Children 5 and under free. Annual day-use pass $80 + tax, sold on site.
Address
5271 FL-19, Salt Springs, FL 32134
Phone (352) 685-2799
Summer Weekend Vehicle Reservations
In 2026, a vehicle reservation was required on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from May 23 through September 7 (Memorial Day through Labor Day). It costs $20 per vehicle, is booked through ReserveOcala.com on Recreation.gov, opens 14 days ahead at 10 a.m. Eastern, and is in addition to the per-person entry fee. Annual pass holders still need one. A reservation guarantees entry for the day; RVs and boat or kayak trailers are not allowed with it. Cancellations made at least 48 hours ahead are refunded minus a $2 fee. Expect a similar schedule next summer, and check ReserveOcala.com for the dates.
Can you swim and snorkel at Silver Glen Springs?
Yes. Swimming and snorkeling in the spring basin are the main reasons people come. The water holds about 72°F all year, and the shallow, sandy-bottomed swim area suits families. Stay inside the marked swimming boundaries, stay out of the spring boils, and leave the SCUBA gear at home: diving is not permitted.
Swimming & Snorkeling
Bring a mask and snorkel to see the white sand bottom and the fish in the basin. The water stays at about 72 degrees, so it feels cool in summer and mild in winter; like every spring in the state, it is not one of the hot water springs in Florida people search for, because Florida has none. See the Ocala National Forest swimming guide for other spots.
Kayaking & Canoeing
A launching deck for kayaks and canoes sits at the recreation area, and paddlers can follow the spring run toward Lake George. Boats must stay out of the swimming area. The Forest Service lists kayak and canoe rentals on site; call ahead to confirm. See our Ocala kayaking guide.
Picnicking & Trails
The site has 58 picnic tables and 30 pedestal grills, changing areas near the parking lot, portable toilets, bear-proof storage, and a general store with snacks, drinks and drinking water. The 0.75-mile round-trip Spring Boils Trail leads to Jody's Spring, and the 3-mile round-trip Lake George Trail follows the lakeshore. More walks are in our Ocala National Forest hiking guide.
Wildlife & Manatees
The spring is designated critical habitat for manatees, and Recreation.gov calls it a seasonal sanctuary because of its steady water temperature, though the St. Johns River Water Management District notes heavy human use has limited how much manatees use it. For more reliable viewing, see our manatee guide.
Can you camp at Silver Glen Springs?
No. Silver Glen Springs is day-use only, and overnight camping is not permitted. To make a weekend of it, stay at another Ocala National Forest campground and drive in for the day; Salt Springs Recreation Area, north on SR 19, and Juniper Springs, on SR 40, both have campgrounds. Our Ocala National Forest camping guide covers the forest's campgrounds, and the Ocala camping guide lists more.
When is the best time to visit Silver Glen Springs?
Weekdays and Early Mornings
The Forest Service says the site reaches capacity on weekends and may close to new arrivals. Come at the 8 a.m. opening, pick a weekday, or book a vehicle reservation on summer weekends and holidays.
Fall, Winter and Spring
Outside the summer reservation season there are fewer visitors, and the 72-degree water feels mild on a cool day. Closing times are earlier when days are shorter.
Silver Glen Springs Rules and Safety
- No pets anywhere in the recreation area.
- No glass, alcohol or personal grills. Use the pedestal grills provided.
- Stay inside the marked swimming boundaries and out of the spring boils. Snorkeling is allowed; SCUBA diving is not.
- Boats and paddlecraft stay out of the swimming area.
- Keep off the shell middens, the large mounds behind the fences.
- Bears frequent the area, and raccoons and crows take food and shiny objects left on picnic tables. Keep food packed away or in the bear-proof storage.
- Bring swimwear, towels, snorkel gear, sunscreen and a cooler. On reservation days, bring your reservation and a valid ID.
Rules are set by the Forest Service and its concessionaire and can change. Confirm current rules with Naventure at (352) 685-2799.
How to Get to Silver Glen Springs from Ocala
Driving Directions (about 39 miles, roughly an hour from downtown Ocala)
- From Ocala, take SR 40 east through the Ocala National Forest to its intersection with SR 19 (about 31 miles from downtown).
- Turn left (north) onto SR 19.
- Drive about 6 miles north to the entrance on the right, at 5271 FL-19, Salt Springs, FL 32134.
Open Silver Glen Springs in Google Maps or see our Ocala National Forest map.
Cell service is limited in the forest, so load directions before leaving Ocala. Parking is limited to the 95-space lot, and the area closes to new arrivals when it is full.
Nearby Springs and a Day in the Forest
If Silver Glen is full, the Forest Service's other swimming springs are a short drive away. Our guide to springs in the Ocala National Forest compares them.
Silver Glen Springs FAQ
Is Silver Glen Springs open today?→
Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area opens daily at 8:00 a.m. The closing time depends on the length of the day and is posted at the site; summer hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The area closes to new visitors when the parking lot is full, which is common on busy weekends. Call (352) 685-2799 before driving out.
How much does it cost to visit Silver Glen Springs?→
Day-use admission is $14.50 per person plus tax, paid at the gate. Children 5 and under are free. An annual day-use pass is sold on site for $80 plus tax; the Forest Service lists it for Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Clearwater Lake and Wildcat Lake. Fees can change, so confirm with the operator, Naventure.
Do I need a reservation for Silver Glen Springs?→
Only on summer weekends and holidays. In 2026 a vehicle reservation was required on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from May 23 through September 7. It costs $20 per vehicle, is booked through ReserveOcala.com (on Recreation.gov), opens 14 days ahead, and does not include the per-person entry fee. Annual pass holders still need one. On other days entry is first come, first served until the lot is full.
Is Silver Glen Springs a state park?→
No. People often search for Silver Glen Springs State Park, but Silver Glen Springs is a USDA Forest Service recreation area in the Ocala National Forest, not a Florida state park. It is run day to day by the concessionaire Naventure under a Forest Service permit, so Florida State Parks passes do not apply.
Can you swim and snorkel at Silver Glen Springs?→
Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are the main draws, and the spring stays about 72 degrees year-round. Stay inside the marked swimming boundaries and out of the spring boils. SCUBA diving is not permitted, and boats must stay out of the swimming area.
Can you kayak at Silver Glen Springs?→
Yes. The recreation area has a launching deck for kayaks and canoes, and the spring run flows about three-quarters of a mile to Lake George. The Forest Service lists kayak and canoe rentals on site; call (352) 685-2799 to confirm rentals before you go.
Can you camp at Silver Glen Springs?→
No. Silver Glen Springs is a day-use area with no overnight camping. The nearest options are other Ocala National Forest campgrounds, such as Salt Springs and Juniper Springs. See the Ocala National Forest camping guide for details.
Are pets allowed at Silver Glen Springs?→
No. Pets are not permitted anywhere in the recreation area. Glass, alcohol and personal grills are also not allowed. Bears frequent the area, and raccoons and crows are known to steal food and shiny objects left on picnic tables, so keep food secured.
How far is Silver Glen Springs from Ocala?→
About 39 miles from downtown Ocala, roughly an hour by car. Take SR 40 east through the Ocala National Forest to SR 19, turn left (north), and drive about 6 miles to the entrance at 5271 FL-19, Salt Springs, FL 32134. Cell service is limited in the forest, so load directions before you leave.
Silver Glen Springs: guía para visitantes
Silver Glen Springs es un manantial de aguas cristalinas en el Bosque Nacional Ocala, en 5271 FL-19, Salt Springs, FL 32134, a unas 39 millas del centro de Ocala. No es un parque estatal: es un área recreativa del Servicio Forestal de EE. UU., operada por Naventure. Abre todos los días a las 8:00 a.m. y el horario de cierre varía según la temporada. La entrada cuesta $14.50 por persona más impuestos, y los niños de 5 años o menos entran gratis. En verano, los sábados, domingos y días festivos se requiere una reservación de vehículo de $20 en ReserveOcala.com. Se puede nadar, hacer snorkel y remar; no se permiten mascotas ni acampar.