Welcome to Salt Springs Recreation Area, a true gem nestled within the vast Ocala National Forest in Florida. This natural wonderland offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and rejuvenation of a natural mineral spring, surrounded by lush forests and abundant recreational opportunities. Whether you're seeking a refreshing swim, an adventurous hike, or a peaceful camping experience, Salt Springs Recreation Area has something for everyone.
A Spring of Natural Wonder:
The centerpiece of Salt Springs Recreation Area is its spectacular natural mineral spring, which gives the area its name. The spring's crystal-clear water maintains a refreshing 72-degree temperature year-round, making it the perfect place for a swim any time of year. The unique mineral composition of the water is believed to have therapeutic properties, adding to the allure of this natural wonder.
Diverse Recreational Activities:
Salt Springs Recreation Area offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests, including:
Camping in the Heart of Nature:
Salt Springs Recreation Area boasts the largest campground in the Ocala National Forest, offering a variety of camping options to suit different preferences:
The campground is nicely shaded and well away from the busy day-use area, ensuring a peaceful and relaxing camping experience.
Amenities and Services:
Salt Springs Recreation Area provides a range of amenities and services to enhance your visit, including:
Location and Accessibility:
Salt Springs Recreation Area is located in the heart of the Ocala National Forest, near Fort McCoy, Florida. The recreation area is easily accessible by car, making it a convenient destination for a day trip or a longer vacation.
Why Choose Salt Springs Recreation Area?
Salt Springs Recreation Area offers a unique and unforgettable experience, combining the beauty of a natural spring with a wide range of recreational activities. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a connection with nature, this park has something for everyone. Come and discover the magic of Salt Springs!
Plan Your Visit:
Ready to experience the wonders of Salt Springs Recreation Area? Visit the park's website or contact the visitor center for more information on activities, camping reservations, and current conditions. Come and discover your natural spring oasis!
Onsite services
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Hiking
Barbecue grill
Basketball court
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Credit cards
Debit cards
Good for kids
Good for kids birthday
Kid-friendly hikes
Great campsite! Full hookups and well-maintained. Quiet, respectful campers. Only downside is it's close to the highway, so you can hear road noise. I was at site 42, a little closer to the highway; maybe it's not so bad on the other side. Overall, I found it very peaceful. We camped at Jeanie Springs, and it was a party town; this was a much nicer atmosphere. Quiet and peaceful. The springs were clear, and in the winter, only a couple of swimmers. Pretty water. Lots of fish and blue crabs to see.
My first visit to Salt Springs was underwhelming. The water quality was poor, with the spring overflowing and resulting in dark, murky water. While the staff was generally friendly, there were instances of rudeness. The park’s regulations are extremely strict, requiring adherence to every rule. No generators, even quiet ones, are allowed past 10 PM, making summer visits challenging. The park is plagued by mosquitoes and ticks, so bring repellent. On a positive note, the areas and bathrooms are clean. However, bears and other wildlife require food to be locked away. Salt Spring Park is just average. After visiting, you might not feel compelled to return, as it is not particularly scenic, and the strict rules can be off-putting.
Very friendly staff at the gate. NO CELL SERVICE! Only Verizon kind of works. The springs area was nice. Some sites are close together. Loud truck traffic on the adjacent dirt road day and night. To the worker with the leaf blower at 9 AM outside my RV Friday morning, I wanted to strangle you. Otherwise, a nice place for a short visit.
Terrific park! Beautiful trees and quiet surroundings. Each campsite is fully equipped. Nearby springs for swimming are pristine. Bathrooms are very nice and well-maintained. People are friendly. Sadly, no bike trails. 🫤
My quest is to visit as many springs as I can this summer. Salt Springs was my first stop. Upon entering, we were greeted, which made us feel welcomed. Riding through the lush green forest definitely made you feel like you were in a rainforest. There were picnic areas and a store that had air for tubing, snacks, ice cream, novelties, and restrooms. Once we arrived at the beautiful spring, we could see straight through the water. The water was very cold and refreshing. I will definitely revisit this tranquil ecosystem. 💞