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221

Florida State Parks

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Florida
Central Region
Silver Springs State Park
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SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK
SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK
1425 NE 58th Avenue
Ocala, Florida   34470

Phone: 352-236-7148
Reservations: 352-236-7148
This park has more than 10 distinct natural communities, dozens of springs, and miles of beautiful trails.

The park is home to a pioneer cracker village and the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center. The center is operated by the Marion County School District in cooperation with the park and is open to the public on weekends and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00. p.m. Admission to the Museum is $2.00 per person. Children under 6 are free. For more information please visit Silver River Museum

Visitors can canoe down the crystal clear river, hike or bike along one of the nature trails, or just sit and watch for the wide variety of birds and wildlife.

The picnic area features three pavilions with grills that may be rented for group outings and a playground for the youngsters.

For overnight stays, the park has a full facility campground and 10 luxury cabins.

Located east of Ocala, one mile south of State Road 40 on State Road 35.
Nature of the Area
Almost 5,000 acres of varying habitats provide a wonderful home for many different species of mammals, reptiles and birds. Frequent sightings include armadillos, deer, turkey, fox, Sherman Fox Squirrel and gopher tortoises. Less frequently seen are coyote, bobcats and Florida Black Bear. Bird life is plentiful! Silver River is the home to a significant population of Limpkins, and many other water and woodland birds. Wildlife listing available at the park.
History of the Area
The Silver River has a rich and colorful history from Paleo-Indians 12,000 years ago, to European contact 500 years ago, to the early 1800's when it first became a tourist attraction and shipping center.

History as a Florida State Park is not quite as extensive! The land was purchased by the State of Florida in 1985 and management went to Dept of Recreation and Parks in 1987. Also in 1987, through the wide spread help of grantors and community supporters, the Marion County School District opened the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center on park property. Marion County school children in grades four and seven are required to participate in an environmental education program at the Center.

Silver River State Park opened to the public in 1987, but there was nothing here other than the Education Center. When Park Manager Robert LaMont arrived in 1996 he had one Park Ranger and one OPS employee. There were no roads, ranger station or camping - the "park" was almost 5,000 acres of just plain land, albeit beautiful Central Florida ecology.

The main park entryway off State Road 35 (Baseline) was completed in 1999 and that was the beginning of several years of growing!The Ranger Station and campground were completed in 2000 and work was begun on the first 6 cabins, which opened in 2001. By this time, the Park staff had grown to a Park Manager, Assistant Park Manager, 5 rangers, 1 Admin. Assist, and several OPS employees.

The last four cabins were completed in 2002 while work was begun on the picnic area and playground. In 2003 the picnic area was completed and the canoe/kayak launch was opened in 2004. The years 2005 and 2006 were a big sigh of relief as we "relaxed" in our construction efforts and watched our visitation numbers skyrocket.

Currently we are in the process of getting a Visitor Service Provider in the park to provide a shuttle service to the canoe/kayak launch and rentals. We are also in the planning stage for equine trails on the north side of the park. From 1985 to today, even with all the recreational development, our prime concern has been to use the land gently and responsibly to insure the resource is here for the enjoyment of generations to come.
Passes
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseHiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
Fort King & Sharpes Ferry Camping Areas Come and enjoy our 59 site campground. All our sites are very spacious and can easily handle any size camping unit you may have. As well as being very spacious, each site offers water and electric hook-ups with 30 amp service and 6 sites with 50 amp service. All sites have fire rings, a barbecue grill and a picnic table. Also available is a separate dump station for holding tanks. Firewood is available at the Ranger Station.

RV Camping

59 spacious campsites nestled in a lightly wooded area offer electricity and water. Each campsite is level, easily accessible and large enough to accommodate large RV's. Some sites available with 50 amp service. Picnic tables, grills and campfire rings are in all sites.

Youth Camping

The Youth Group camping area is in a lovely setting amid tall pines. This is primitive camping only - no shower facilities, electricity or potable water. There are self mulching toilets (better than port-a-potties), picnic tables and fire rings at each of the sites. For organized groups only, reservations can be made by calling the park at 352-236-7148.
Cabins
Silver River offers ten luxurious cabins that will sleep a maximum of six people each. Each cabin has a full dining area, two bedrooms, one bath, stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, gas fireplace, heating and air-conditioning, screened porch, dishes, pots & pans, silverware, linen, towels, picnic tables and rockers on the porch. All you need is food and your personal items. Beginning July 2008 we will still be providing linens but guests will be required to make their own beds.
Boating
Visitors can enjoy a variety of boating options. The park offers glass-bottom boat tours where one can view underwater wildlife and artifacts without getting wet. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular activities, with rentals available on-site for those who don't have their own equipment. Paddling along the Silver River allows visitors to experience Florida's natural beauty up close while providing opportunities for bird watching or spotting other local fauna like alligators or turtles.

Fishing
Enjoy fishing in the crystal-clear waters, home to largemouth bass and catfish. You can fish from a boat or shoreline. Bluegills are also common here. The park offers kayak rentals for those who prefer offshore angling adventures.

Canoeing
The Silver River is one of the most beautiful and peaceful rivers you will ever paddle. With two launching points, it is up to you how much of a work out you will get from your ride. The most popular launching point is from Rays Wayside Boat Basin at the western foot of the Ocklawaha bridge on State highway 40. The other option is to launch from the end of our River Trail. This does require you to carry your vessel .6 miles from the parking lot to the river. We have canoe rentals available from the park. You will pick up your paddles and life vests at the Ranger Station, drive down to the River Trail, walk .6 mile to the launching area where you can pick up your canoe. Rentals are per hour on a first come first served basis. Pets are not permitted in the canoes.


Location
Silver Springs State Park is located near Belleview, Dunnellon and Ocala
Nearby Parks

Day Use Area
Restrooms and shower facilities are conveniently located in both of the campground loops. There is also a public restroom at the picnic area.

Near the picnic area is a delightful playground for the youngsters featuring a swingset, slides and monkey bars. The ground surface is a unique rubber mat that provides a safe surface in case of "spills".
Horse Area
We are in the process of creating equine trails with a picnic/overnight area. These trails will be on the north side of the park, and will eventually connect with the Marjorie Harris Carr Greenway. We'll keep you posted!
Picnicking
The picnic area offers three open air picnic pavilions with grills, overhead fans, picnic tables, electricity and water. A playground for the youngsters is also in this area. The pavilions may be reserved by calling the park.
Trails
Silver River has almost 15 miles of biking and hiking trails meandering through a variety of different habitats. From wetland and swamp, to oak hammock and pine forest - the trails offer a glimpse of the wide variety of ecosystems that Central Florida offers.
Bicycling
Off-road biking is permitted on all 15 miles of trails. When biking, please be considerate of the foot traffic that shares these trails.
Nature Programs
Kiosks at most trail heads provide informative exhibits including prescribed burning, the Florida Black Bear and migratory birds.
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting over 140 species including herons, egrets and bald eagles. Guided bird walks are available. The park also features a variety of habitats such as hardwood forests, pine flatwoods and river swamps which attract different types of birds throughout the year. Birding checklists are provided to help identify various species.

Things To Do in the Area
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Horseback Riding
We offer trail rides to singles, couples, or groups. All rides are guided to assure safety for rider and horse. There are trails through the Florida Horse Park and into the Cross Florida Greenway Trail system. Most trails are shaded and quite scenic.
12.2 miles from park*

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
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Area Campgrounds
The Springs RV Resort
2950 Northeast 52nd Court
Silver Springs, FL
352-236-5250
HOLIDAY TRAV-L- PARK
4001 West Silver Springs Boulevard
Ocala, FL
352-622-5330
Suburban MH & RV Park
3530 South Pine Avenue
Ocala, FL
352-351-3803
TallTimbers RV Park
14575 Northeast 21st Street
Silver Springs, FL
352-625-2783
Lake Bryant MH & RV Park
5000 Southeast 183rd Avenue Road
Ocklawaha, FL
352-625-1991
Lake Waldena Resort
13582 Florida 40
Silver Springs, FL
352-625-2851
Arrowhead Campsites & Mobile Home Park
1720 Northwest 38 Avenue
Ocala, FL
352-622-5627
Ben's Hitching Post Campground
2440 Northeast 115th Avenue
Silver Springs, FL
800-382-1169
Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost & Resort
15260 Northeast 152nd Place
Fort McCoy, FL
352-236-4606
Silver Oaks Campground
North US Highway 441
Belleview, FL
352-245-7353
Silver Springs RV Park
3151 Northeast 56th Avenue
Silver Springs, FL
352-236-3700
Southern Sun RV & Mobile Home Park
11665 Southeast 69th Circle
Belleview, FL
352-289-3178
Cliftwood MHC & RV Resort
7101 West Anthony Road
Ocala, FL
352-368-3887
Robin's Nest RV Park
13400 Northeast 1st Street Road
Silver Springs, FL
352-299-0645
Oak Tree Village Apartments & Campground
4039 Northwest Blitchton Road
Ocala, FL
352-629-1569
Golden Pond Village
3233 Southeast 110th Street
Ocala, FL
352-245-2334
Ocala Sun RV Resort
2559 Southwest Highway 484
Ocala, FL
352-307-1100
Wild Frontier RV Resort LLC
3101 Northwest 16th Avenue
Ocala, FL
352-629-3540
Whispering Pines RV Park
1700 Northeast 115th Avenue
Silver Springs, FL
352-625-1295
Wilderness RV Resort
2771 Northeast 102nd Avenue Road
Silver Springs, FL
352-625-1122
Southern Sun RV & Mobile Home Park
11665 Southeast 69th Circle
Belleview, FL
352-289-3178
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Train House - New Smyrna Beach, FL
Cottages and Cabins
Like something out of a fairytale, a long time ago someone put two steam passenger train cars from 1892 and created something magical, a house This magical home is one of a kind and an experience you dont want to miss.
68.4 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
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Pets
Well behaved pets are welcome in the campground, picnic area and on the trails. Owners are expected to clean up after their pets and leashes are required at all times. Pets are not permitted in the restrooms, museum or cabins. The only exception is service animals.

Directions
Silver River State Park is located east of Ocala, 1 mile south of S.R. 40 on S.R. 35. From Interstate 75, take exit 352 onto SR 40 east, about 9 miles to SR 35. From Interstate 95 take exit 268 to Route 40 west, about 60 miles to SR 35.

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Florida
221

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