Silver Springs State Park Camping
Camp alongside one of Florida's most iconic natural springs. Fifty-nine campsites, 10 cabins, trails from the campground, and the glass bottom boats and Silver River a trail away — just east of Ocala.
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What camping is available at Silver Springs State Park?
Silver Springs State Park has 59 tent and RV sites with water and 30- or 50-amp electric in two loops (some also have sewer), 10 two-bedroom cabins that sleep six, and a primitive group camp for organized groups. Campsites were $24 a night and cabins $110 on Oct. 21, 2026, plus tax and fees, booked through Florida State Parks up to 11 months ahead for Florida residents and 10 months for everyone else.
Silver Springs Camping Options Compared
| Type | Sites | Hookups & facilities | Best for | Nightly rate | Check-in / out | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tent & RV sites | 59 sites in two loops | Water, 30- and 50-amp electric; some sites have sewer; dump station | Tents and RVs up to 50 ft | $24/night + tax, $6.70 reservation fee, $7 nightly utility fee (no utility fee for tents) | In 3 p.m., out 1 p.m. | Leashed pets allowed |
| Cabins | 10 cabins (sleep up to 6) | Kitchen, bath, heat and air, electric fireplace; linens and towels provided | Families without camping gear; 2-night minimum | $110/night + tax, $6.70 reservation fee, $7 nightly utility fee | In 4 p.m., out 11 a.m. | No pets in cabins or cabin area |
| Primitive group camp | 1 group area by the Silver River | None; non-potable water and portable toilets, no showers | Organized groups, youth groups first | $5 per adult, $1 per youth per night + tax | Out 1 p.m. | Allowed under the park pet policy |
Source: Florida State Parks Silver Springs hours and fees and experiences and amenities pages, checked Oct. 21, 2026. Campsite fees include park admission, and Florida State Parks says the $7 utility fee covers water, electricity and sewer. Florida residents 65 and older, and some others, get 50% off base campsite fees (not cabins, the group camp or the utility fee).
What a Stay at Silver Springs Costs
The nightly rate is only part of the bill. These totals add the nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee (charged once per reservation, not per night) and, for RV sites and cabins, the $7 nightly utility fee to the base rate, using the fees Florida State Parks listed on Oct. 21, 2026. Tent campers pay no utility fee, and the primitive group camp has no reservation fee. Sales tax is extra; park admission is included for campers.
| Stay | How it adds up | Total before tax |
|---|---|---|
| Tent site, 2 nights | 2 x $24 + $6.70 reservation fee | $54.70 |
| RV site, 2 nights | 2 x $24 + 2 x $7 utility fee + $6.70 | $68.70 |
| RV site, 2 nights, Florida resident 65+ | 2 x $12 (half the base fee) + 2 x $7 utility fee + $6.70 | $44.70 |
| Cabin, 2 nights (the minimum) | 2 x $110 + 2 x $7 utility fee + $6.70 | $240.70 |
| Group camp, 1 night, 2 adults and 10 youths | 2 x $5 + 10 x $1 (no reservation fee for primitive sites) | $20.00 |
Our arithmetic from the Florida State Parks Silver Springs hours and fees page and statewide reservation information. The senior discount halves the base campsite fee only; the utility fee and reservation fee stay the same.
How to Reserve a Campsite at Silver Springs State Park
- 1Pick your dates. Florida residents can book campsites and cabins up to 11 months ahead and non-residents up to 10 months ahead. New dates open daily at 8 a.m. Eastern, and sites freed by cancellations go back on sale right away.
- 2Book a campsite or cabin at reserve.floridastateparks.org or by calling (800) 326-3521 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern). Pay in full when you book, including the nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee.
- 3Book the primitive group camp by calling the ranger station at (352) 236-7148, ext. 4. It is not in the online system.
- 4Arrive at the camping entrance, 1425 NE 58th Avenue, not the main entrance on SR 40. Campsite check-in is 3 p.m. and check-out is 1 p.m.; cabin check-in is 4 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m.
- 5If plans change, a date or site change costs $10 and can be made up to the day before arrival. To cancel, go online or call (800) 326-3521. The $6.70 reservation fee is nonrefundable, and each cancellation costs $17.75; cancelling on the day of arrival also costs the first night. The fees are waived if you cancel within 24 hours of booking and call to request it.
Source: Florida State Parks reservation information, checked Oct. 21, 2026. During busy periods the longest stay is 14 nights. Sites and cabins that are not reserved can be rented to walk-ins, first come, first served.
Campground Overview
Silver Springs State Park's campground sits within one of Florida's most treasured natural areas, just east of Ocala. Important: the park has two separate entrances. The main entrance (where the glass bottom boats launch) is at 5656 E Silver Springs Boulevard, but the campground is reached through the camping entrance at 1425 NE 58th Avenue — part of the former Silver River State Park, which was joined to the head spring under the Silver Springs name in 2013. The Silver Trail connects the two inside the park. The park is best known for its clear springs and the famous glass bottom boat tours, which date from the late 1870s. For campers, it offers a rare combination — a well-equipped campground with easy access to world-class spring-fed paddling, wildlife viewing, and miles of hiking and biking trails.
The campground features 59 sites spread across two loops, for tents and RVs up to 50 feet. It suits both tent campers and RV travelers who need water and electric at the site; only some sites add a sewer hookup, so ask for one when you book if you need it. Beyond standard sites, the park also offers 10 cabins for visitors who prefer a roof overhead and a primitive group camping area near the river for organized groups (youth groups first).
Located just east of downtown Ocala and within easy reach of the Ocala National Forest, Silver Springs makes an excellent base camp for exploring Marion County's outdoor attractions.
Campsite Types
Tent & RV Sites
59 generously sized sites across two campground loops. Each site includes water and 30- and 50-amp electric, a fire ring, grill, and picnic table. RVs up to 50 feet accommodated. $24 a night plus tax and fees (Oct. 21, 2026).
Some sites have sewer; a dump station is available in the park.
Cabin Rentals
Ten two-bedroom, one-bath cabins sleep up to 6 people. Each has a full kitchen, a fireplace, heat and air, and a screened porch. Two-night minimum stay; $110/night plus tax, the $6.70 reservation fee and the $7 utility fee (Oct. 21, 2026). Beds are one queen and two twins, so bring extra bedding for a group of six. Cabin No. 6 is fully accessible.
Note: No pets, Wi-Fi or TV in the cabins.
Group Primitive Camping
A primitive camping area near the Silver River is for organized groups only, with youth groups given priority. It has picnic tables, a group fire ring, a paddle-craft launch, non-potable water and portable toilets, but no showers.
$5 per adult and $1 per youth a night, plus tax. Quiet hours 10:30 p.m. to 8 a.m.; check-out 1 p.m. Book through the ranger station: (352) 236-7148, ext. 4 (the park's fees page lists (352) 236-7149).
Fees & Reservations
Camping fees at Silver Springs State Park are set by Florida State Parks and may change. On October 21, 2026, campsites were $24 per night plus tax, plus a $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee (no utility fee for tents). Cabins were $110/night plus tax, the $6.70 reservation fee and the $7 utility fee, with a two-night minimum. Florida residents 65 and older and some others get half off base campsite fees (not cabins).
We recommend contacting the park or checking the official reservation system for current rates.
How to Reserve
- Online: Visit reserve.floridastateparks.org
- By Phone: Call (800) 326-3521
- Pro Tip: Weekend and holiday spots fill fast — book early, especially October through April
Campground Amenities
Water & Electric Hookups
30-amp and 50-amp electric service with water at every site. Some sites have sewer; dump station available.
Fire Rings & Grills
Every campsite includes a fire ring and grill for cooking.
Two Bathhouses
Two bathhouses with hot showers serve the campground loops and are open only to registered campers. Sites 20 and 53 are fully accessible, with paved pads and sidewalks to both bathhouses.
Laundry
Laundry facilities are available in the campground for registered campers. Bring your own quarters; change is limited at the park.
Dump Station
A separate dump station for RV holding tanks is located in the park.
Picnic Tables
Every campsite has a picnic table. Picnic pavilions and a playground are near the camping entrance.
What's Nearby
The camping entrance at 1425 NE 58th Avenue is 5.9 miles (about 15 minutes) from the Ocala downtown square by Google Maps. One of the biggest advantages of camping at Silver Springs is the variety of activities in the park. Trails, the museum and the pioneer village are at the camping entrance, and the Silver Trail leads to the main entrance with the boats and rentals.
Glass Bottom Boat Tours
The park's signature attraction, at the main entrance. Peer through clear spring water at fish, turtles and Mammoth Spring, as visitors have since the late 1870s. The 30-minute tour was $17 for adults on October 21, 2026, per Florida State Parks and the concessionaire, Cape Leisure.
Glass Bottom Boat Guide →Kayaking the Silver River
Paddle the 5-mile Silver River through some of Florida's most stunning scenery. Rentals are at the main entrance; campers with their own boat can use the free camping-entrance launch (0.6-mile carry, float plan required). Watch for turtles, birds, the famous wild monkeys and, occasionally in winter, manatees.
Kayaking Guide →Silver Springs Monkeys
Wild rhesus monkeys have lived along the Silver River since the 1930s (about 190 in fall 2015, per UF/IFAS). A paddle on the river gives the best chance to spot them; never feed them.
Silver Springs Monkeys →Hiking & Biking Trails
The Mesic, Sandhill, Flatwoods and River loops start at the camping entrance. The park also has 4.5 miles of dedicated mountain bike trail. The 1-mile River Loop runs from the museum to a Silver River overlook.
Silver Springs Park Guide →Best Time to Camp at Silver Springs
October through April is the sweet spot, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. Winter also gives you the best (still small) chance of seeing one of the occasional manatees that visit the Silver River.
Summer camping (June through August) is possible but comes with heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms. If you camp in summer, plan outdoor activities for early morning, consider a kayak trip on the spring-fed Silver River (the park has no designated swimming area, so swimming is not allowed), and bring plenty of insect repellent.
Weekends and holidays throughout the year fill up quickly. If flexibility allows, mid-week camping offers a quieter experience and easier reservation availability.
Tips for First-Time Campers
Book Early
Prime weekends (especially in cooler months) fill fast. Book at reserve.floridastateparks.org as early as you can.
Arrive Before Sunset
Campsite check-in is 3 p.m. (cabins 4 p.m.). If you will arrive after sunset, call the park before 5 p.m. for the gate combination.
Firewood
Firewood is sold at the ranger station. Collecting wood in the park is not allowed, and fires go in the fire ring only.
Kayak Early
Rentals open at 8 a.m. at the main entrance. An early start beats the weekend crowds at the launch and afternoon storms, and you may spot the Silver Springs monkeys.
Store Food Securely
Keep food away from wildlife: in your vehicle or a hard-sided container, never in your tent. Clean up all scraps before bed.
Check for Fire Bans
Fire restrictions can be in effect during dry seasons. Check with the park ranger station when you arrive before lighting your campfire.
Camping at Silver Springs: Common Questions
Are pets allowed at the Silver Springs State Park campground?
Yes. Well-behaved pets are allowed in the campground, the picnic area and on the hiking trails, on a hand-held leash no longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed in the cabins or anywhere in the cabin area. Service animals are welcome in all public areas.
What are check-in and check-out times?
Florida State Parks sets campsite check-in at 3 p.m. and check-out at 1 p.m., and cabin check-in at 4 p.m. and check-out at 11 a.m. Quiet hours are 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. If you will arrive after sunset, call the park before 5 p.m. for the gate combination.
Can you drink alcohol at Silver Springs State Park?
No. The Silver Springs State Park amenities page says alcoholic beverages are not permitted inside the park, and that includes the campground and cabins. (Statewide, Florida State Parks allows alcohol only in designated areas, and Silver Springs has none.)
Are campfires allowed?
Yes, in the fire ring at each campsite and the group fire ring only. Firewood is sold at the ranger station, and collecting wood in the park is not allowed. Fireworks are banned in all Florida state parks, and burn bans can apply in dry spells.
How many people can stay on one campsite?
Florida State Parks limits a campsite to eight people or one immediate family, and to two vehicles per site; children under 6 do not count toward the eight. Campers under 18 must have a responsible adult on site for the whole stay.
Is there Wi-Fi, and can campers get mail?
The cabins have no Wi-Fi, TV or phone. Wi-Fi from the Friends of Silver Springs State Park is available at the ranger station. Florida State Parks asks that packages for campers be mailed to the camping entrance address, 1425 NE 58th Ave., Ocala, FL 34470, where the ranger station is.
What bedding comes with a Silver Springs cabin?
Each cabin has one queen mattress and two twin mattresses, with linens and towels; guests make their own beds. A cabin sleeps up to six, so bring an air mattress or cots for the extra people. Food and toiletries are not provided.
Sources: Florida State Parks park rules, reservation information, and the Silver Springs amenities and entrances pages, checked Oct. 21, 2026.
How We Checked This Guide
Every rate, site count, hookup and rule on this page comes from the Florida State Parks website (the Silver Springs fees, amenities and entrances pages, plus the statewide reservation information and park rules), checked on Oct. 21, 2026. The sample totals are our own arithmetic from those fees. The drive from the Ocala downtown square to the camping entrance is 5.9 miles, about 15 minutes, by Google Maps. Fees change, so confirm in the reservation system before you book.
AI tools helped gather the official pages and draft the text. An editor checked each fact against the sources named above. Questions or corrections? Contact our team or read our editorial guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many campsites does Silver Springs State Park have?
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Does Silver Springs State Park have full hookups?
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How do I make a camping reservation at Silver Springs?
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Are pets allowed at the Silver Springs campground?
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What is the best time of year to camp at Silver Springs?
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Can I kayak the Silver River from the campground?
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Acampar en Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park, en Ocala (Condado de Marion), tiene 59 sitios para carpas y casas rodantes con agua y electricidad de 30 y 50 amperios, algunos con desagüe, y 10 cabañas de dos habitaciones para hasta seis personas. El 21 de octubre de 2026 los sitios costaban $24 por noche y las cabañas $110 por noche (mínimo dos noches), más impuestos, una tarifa de reservación de $6.70 y una tarifa de servicios de $7 por noche (las carpas no la pagan). El campamento está en la entrada de campamento, 1425 NE 58th Ave., Ocala, FL 34470, no en la entrada principal de los botes con fondo de cristal. Se reserva en reserve.floridastateparks.org o al 800-326-3521; la entrada a los sitios es a las 3 p.m. y la salida a la 1 p.m. Se permiten mascotas con correa en el campamento, pero no en las cabañas.