Salt Springs Recreation Area

SALT SPRINGS RECREATION AREA

Overview

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. Salt Springs is located between the St. Johns and Ocklawaha Rivers, 35 miles east of Ocala, Florida.

The national forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River, and protects the world's largest, contiguous sand pine scrub forest.

Facilities

Salt Springs is the largest campground 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.

The recreation area and campground are located in the community of Salt Springs, which has a gas station, grocery store, several restaurants, bait and tackle shops, a post office, laundromat and visitor center.

Natural Features

The semi-tropical region gives the campground a mixture of pines and palms, with lush greenery and warm temperatures. Within the recreation area, a natural spring rises from cracks deep within the earth. The presence of potassium, magnesium and sodium salts give the waters a slight salinity - hence the name Salt Springs.

Recreation

The natural springs, nearby Lake George and many surrounding rivers and streams provide ample opportunity for water recreation. Anglers can try a good fishing spot on Salt Springs Run, downstream of the swimming area, boat ramp and marina. Boat rentals are nearby.

For those who wish to explore on land, the facility has basketball courts and a horseshoe pit. Hikers have easy access to the Bear Swamp Trail and a segment of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail.

Nearby Attractions

Salt Springs is very close to Lake George, a great fishing destination.

Important Notices

Two vehicles are included in the site fee. However, only 1 vehicle is allowed to park on the site spur unless it completely fits on the asphalt/parking pad. The other vehicle must park in overflow parking. Boats are considered a vehicle and will count towards one of your vehicles if you bring one. An extra vehicle charge will be applied towards boats and vheicles over the allowed 2.
Be sure to reserve a site that will accommodate your equipment. The site you reserve is your site. You may not move to another site.
Stays are only allowed for 14 days in any 30 day period.
Personal golf cars are not allowed in the Ocala National Forest; if you bring one, it must remain on its trailer
Call 352-685-2048 for the gate combination before closing, if you're going to be late. If you forget to call, there is call button on the keypad at the gate. Push that button and wait for an attendant to arrive to let you in.
This campground has first-come, first-served sites. To learn if there is availability, call the campground. It is often at 100% occupied on the hookup sites.
Pets are not allowed into the Day Use area Forest Order #08-05-05-02-13-0207; 36 CFR261.58(s)
Maximum 2 vehicles allowed per site; a fee will be charged for extra vehicles
There is no cell phone coverage or internet service at Salt Springs
Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
Discount passes must be entered at the time of booking for single sites only, all request for refunds will need to be requested online, no onsite refunds will be given.
Click here for more information about Ocala National Forest
Campground gate will be open according to this schedule.
Summer Hours (4/15 - 10/14) Daily 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Winter Hours (10/15 - 3/31) Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday - Thursday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Notifications and Alerts

Update: Beginning January 1st, 2026. https://www.naventure.com/destinations will be operating Salt Springs Recreation Area. Please direct all future questions concerning next year to them. Thank you so much for your patience.

Available Activities

Swimming Site - Swimming Site
Hiking - Hiking
Fishing - Fishing
Camping - Camping
Boating - Boating
Canoeing - Canoeing

Directions

Salt Springs is located 35 miles east of Ocala (I-75), 60 miles west of Daytona Beach (I-95) and 95 miles north of Orlando, Florida. <br /><br /> From I-75 to Ocala: Drive east on State Route 40 for about 12 miles, then turn north on County Road 314 and proceed for 18 miles. Turn north on State Highway 19 and drive for about 0.5 mile to the recreation area entrance on the right. <br /><br /> From I-95 east of Ormond Beach: Take SR 40 west about 40 miles to Highway 19. Turn north on Highway 19 and go about 16 miles to Salt Springs. Continue 0.5 miles to the recreation entrance on the right.

Contact Information

Phone: 352-685-2048

13851 Hwy 19N
Ft. McCoy, FL 32134

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

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