Salt Springs Recreation Area, Ocala National Forest
- Ron Cash
- Jun 1, 2021
- 3 min read
The city of Salt Springs is where we live. In the northern part of the Ocala National Forest, Salt Springs Recreation Area is considered one of the national forest's jewels.
The presence of potassium, magnesium and sodium salts give the waters in the spring a slight salinity. Hence the name Salt Springs. When botanist William Bartram paddled up to Salt Springs from the St. Johns River in 1773, he marveled at Salt Springs. We can only imagine what a wild place it may have been then, surrounded by ancient cypresses and oaks.
After returning from his journey along the St. Johns River, Bartram shared the first description of this place in his Travels, his description inspiring the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge as he wrote of the sacred river Alph in Kubla Khan.
From Bartram’s writings, it is thought this spring once bubbled above its basin, as other Florida springs once did.
Water withdrawals through wells affecting the Floridan aquifer have erased the bubbling nature of most springs. But this spring may draw on much deeper sources given its chemical composition.
Hiking
Starting from the edge of the campground, the Bear Swamp Trail is an easy 1.4 mile loop hike showing off the wild heart of the swamp.
Along it are lyonia, pine, and cypress trees of significant size and age. A boardwalk traverses the wettest parts of the swamp.
Bear Swamp Trail Little known except to those who frequent Salt Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest, the Bear Swamp Trail provides a walk into an ancient forest.
For a longer hike, you can tackle a piece of our statewide Florida National Scenic Trail. Campers can walk to the blue-blazed trail that starts from the road to the marina. Or drive out and park at the free trailhead parking.
Follow the blue blazes from that trailhead out along SR 19 and across it south of the CR 314 junction. This 2.9-mile connector trail is a scenic out-and-back hike in itself. Leashed dogs are welcome.
It reaches a junction with the Florida Trail leading south to Hopkins Prairie and north to Kerr Island and the 88 Store.
Florida Trail, Salt Springs to Kerr Island10.4 miles. Crossing a patchwork of scrub ridges and longleaf pine islands, the Florida Trail makes its way southwest of Salt Springs around Lake Kerr to The 88 Store Florida Trail, Hopkins Prairie to Salt Springs9.6 miles. Sweeping along the shoreline of one of the largest prairies in the Ocala National Forest, this section of the Florida Trail lingers on prairie panoramas
Paddling
Paddling Salt Springs Run is possible from both this recreation area and the marina accessed by a separate road in Salt Springs. Rentals are available at the marina, where there is also a $10 fee for parking.
Salt Springs Run is quite broad with marshy edges, and meanders for a little more than four miles to the St. Johns River.
Rental kayaks at the marina
It is very popular with boaters, with many often congregating just outside the swimming area ropes by the spring.
Boaters can put in at the same launches – one at the recreation area, the other at the marina – as paddlers do. The unimproved launch inside Salt Springs Recreation Area is down a road that starts near the tent campground.
Camping
The campground lies north of the entrance station of Salt Springs Recreation Area, so turn left if you’re headed there.
There are 54 tent campsites with no hookups, located close to the Bear Swamp Trail and the back road down to the launch. These cost $23 per night.
Sites with electric and water are more optimized for trailers and RVs. There are 106 of these sites around a long loop. These run $34 per night and include use of the dump station.
Bears frequent this campground. Raccoons are known to steal food and belongings. A hook is provided at each campsite for hanging items out of reach but won’t be much help against bears.
Food should never be left unattended and anything with a scent should be stored in your vehicle.
Explore More!
Salt Springs is one of four major springs in the Ocala National Forest. Learn more about what you can see and do in the O
The Salt Springs Visitor Center is tucked into a shopping center at the corner of SR 316 and SR 19 in Salt Springs, adjacent to the Encore RV resort.
Stop in for detailed information about recreation in the forest, including maps, brochures, and friendly individuals who can help you with trip planning. We also offer guidebooks and field guides for sale.
Policies and fees are subject to change. For more information on the Ocala National Forest pet policy please call the Lake George District Ranger Office at 352-625-2520.
US Forest Service Link:
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