Salt Springs Recreation Area
Salt Springs Recreation Area is one the recreational jewels of the Ocala National Forest, with a spectacular natural mineral spring that gives the area its name. Plenty of outdoor activities keep campers and day-use visitors busy, including swimming in the springs, fishing, snorkeling, hiking and boating. In the early 1900s, many people came to the spring, believing it had medicinal healing powers. Today's visitors will find Salt Springs gushes forth 52 million gallon of water daily at a constant 74° Fahrenheit.
Boating
An unimproved boat launch is located at the end of the campground closest to Salt Springs Run. It is directly across the run from the Salt Springs Marina. Follow the signs.
Camping
The campground is the largest in the Ocala National Forest and the only one with full hookups for RVs. The facility offers spacious campsites for RVs and trailers, as well as a designated tent-only area, which is a short walk from the parking area. Sites are nicely shaded and well away from the busy day-use area. Reservations for the campground may be made by phone at 1-877-444-6777 or online at Recreation.gov.
Fishing
Salt Springs Run is a relaxing place to fish, with small coves along the cypress-lined shoreline.
Hiking
The Salt Springs Trail is a pleasant loop of less than two miles through an intricate web of habitats surrounding the Big Scrub of the Ocala National Forest. While the trail includes some sharp climbs and a long boardwalk, it's a good walk for families with a big payoff at the end - an observation deck for birdwatching.
Nature Watching
The Salt Springs Trail is an excellent place to familiarize yourself with the common native trees and shrubs of the Big Scrub, including sand live oak, Chapman oak, myrtle oak, southern magnolia and saw palmetto. Interpretive information at the kiosk and along the trail aids in your understanding of the flora of this unique landscape
Swimming
Swimmers enjoy the clear waters of Salt Springs Run nearest its source at Salt Springs. A cluster of boats just past the floats marks the recreation area, with families frolicking in the shallows.
