Wander Silver Springs State Park in Ocala, Florida

Grab a seat and kick back for a bit as you cruise through the crystal clear beauty of the largest spring, fish darting and playing in the eelgrass, sunken statues, cultural artifacts like the dugout canoes, and even old movie props from when Tarzan was filmed here. 

The beauty and sheer size of Mammoth Spring, the river’s head spring, will blow your mind! With daily trips running every thirty minutes, grab your tickets and seat aboard one of the many glass-bottom boats for some serious wildlife viewing.

Pro tip: Catch the extended boat tour for bonus storytelling from witty guides who seem to moonlight as comedians. The clarity of the spring water will leave you wondering if someone secretly turned on a pool filter overnight.

Wild Monkeys and Wilder Tales On The Silver River.

You can’t WANDER this Florida State Park without trying to spot our other state mascot- the wild monkeys! Known as the rhesus macaque monkeys (part legend, local lore, and part tourist attraction) that in the late 1930s, a tour boat operator released them on an island in the Silver River. They swam ashore (surprise!) and now roam the park like furry little outlaws.

Don’t feed them (it’s illegal and risky). Not EVEN Little Debbie’s, Ya’ll! You’ll be tempted! But do keep your camera ready! They’re photogenic, acrobatic, and occasionally mischievous. Kind of like the Kardashians of the forest.

A Paddling Paradise: Kayaking, Paddleboarding, and Canoeing the Silver River.

If you plan to visit Florida, and you prefer your adventures to be self-propelled, kayaking, paddleboarding(SUP), or canoeing, then Paddling the Silver River is a must! You’ll blissfully drift past majestic cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, turtles sunning on logs, and maybe even a manatee or two during our cooler months.

Just a short drive to the boat launch from the camping entrance, you’ll find the loading area and rental area. Kayak rentals and kayak tours are available at the park, or you can bring your own. 

The 5-mile paddle from the head springs to Ray Wayside Park is equal parts peaceful and picturesque. You can schedule a ride back ($15/person) or, for adventurous visitors, do the 10-mile out-and-back.

Short on time?! We love to play around in the beautiful springs on the Fort King Paddle Trail, upper part of the Silver River, and springs. Allow about two hours to play and have fun (plus the occasional monkey scream).

Launch fees: $4 per vessel + $2 park admission. Shuttles are available for downstream trips and are a great way to enjoy a full day on the river. Grab our guide here!

Hiking Silver Springs State Park. 

If you’re craving a wild Florida adventure, the hiking trails at Silver Springs State Park deliver big on beauty and biodiversity. Tucked away, this hidden gem offers over 15 miles of trails that wind through longleaf pine forests, shady hammocks, and cypress swamp. The camping and museum entrance has parking areas for access to five trails.

The Swamp Trail (1.9-mile loop) and River Trail (1.3 miles) are must-hikes, offering peaceful boardwalk strolls and views of the crystal-clear Silver River. Keep an eagle eye out for sunning gators, the gopher tortoise, and maybe even wild turkeys.. Whether you’re chasing sunrise solitude or a family-friendly loop like the Creek Trail, these paths let you hike at your own wild pace. It’s classic Old Florida magic, one step at a time.

Listen…this is wild Florida! Watch your step, pack plenty of water, and cover your ENTIRE body in sunscreen and bug spray. The mosquitoes are for real!

Camp Like a Florida Explorer But With Wi-Fi.

Camping in Silver Springs State Park gives you the full Florida experience. One of the best State Parks for camping, choose from RV sites, tent camping, or even cabins that feel more like cozy forest hideaways. Most sites have plenty of vegetation for added privacy.

Each camping pad has a gravel area, fire pit, grills, and picnic tables. Can I just take a minute and gush about the bathrooms?! They are our favorites with tons of private shower space, plenty of light, and spider-free! Firewood and ice can be purchased at the front gate where you check-in.

Nature without roughing it? Yes, please.

Ancient Springs With 550 Million Gallons of “Wow” Per Day.

At the heart of it all is the first-magnitude spring, one of the largest artesian springs in the U.S. It pumps out a mind-blowing 550 million gallons of crystal-clear water each day. It’s not just beautiful; it’s geological magic.

The spring itself is mesmerizing!  You’ll see ancient limestone formations, artifacts, bubbling vents, and schools of fish swimming in slow motion beneath your feet. And yes, this is where the glass-bottom boats work their wizardry.

Old Hollywood in the Jungle: Silver Springs on the Big Screen.

Before Orlando was movie-central, Silver Springs was Hollywood’s go-to jungle. Films like Creature from the Black Lagoon, Tarzan, and even Sea Hunt were shot here.

Walk the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center to get the scoop on the area’s cinematic past and learn more about the Timucuan Indians who lived here centuries before the film crews arrived.

Explore Old Florida In The Pioneer Village.

After you’ve hiked, paddled, and taken a glass-bottom boat tour,  explore life on the Florida frontier. This pioneer village is one of the best! 

The village is an assortment of historic and replica structures typical of the 1800s and includes several cabins, a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, sugar cane mill and syrup kettle, wood-fired pottery kiln, and a replica Seminole Indian camp. Complete with a working garden, this is always a highlight of our trip. 

We love to come wander this cracker village at dusk- no crowds, just whispers of the Florida pioneers drifting in the sunset.

Best Time to Visit Silver Springs State Park (Hint: It’s Always)

Florida’s weather is, well, Florida weather – famously fickle, but Silver Springs State Park shines year-round. Spring and fall offer cooler temps and thinner crowds, but even in summer, the springs’ cool 72°F water provides natural A/C.

Arrive early to beat the crowds (and heat), especially on weekends if you’re planning to paddle. Wildlife is most active in the early mornings and dusk.  Trust us, you’ll want to see the park before the midday sun convinces you to take up and hide indoors. 

SAVE IT FOR LATER

Essential Silver Springs Tips: Florida Family Travel Guide.

• Park Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year
• Admission Fee: $2 per person
• Boat Tours: Additional charge. Book in advance.
• Camping: Reserve early during peak seasons. SITE #36 IS AWESOME!
• Monkeys: Admire from afar; they’re wild and unpredictable
• Paddle Responsibly: Life jackets are required. Pre-fill out launch waivers. Don’t overdo it!
  • Rental Fees: Private Vessels are $4 & include kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards. The park entrance fee is $2. It’s free if you camped at Silver Springs State Park & you will need to present your camping tag. 
  • Silver River Kayak Rentals & HERE.
• Only service dogs are allowed in the park.
• You’ll need to travel a short distance between the parks.

Silver River Paddle Trip: Effective March 25, 2025: The Ross Allen Boardwalk, the Half Mile Creek Trail, and Fort King Paddle Trail at Silver Springs State Park are partially closed until further notice due to boardwalk construction. The Sea Hunt Deck is closed until further notice. 

Everything You Were Too Afraid to Ask About Silver Springs (But Googled Anyway)

What is Silver Springs State Park known for?

Silver Springs State Park is renowned for its crystal-clear springs and iconic glass-bottom boat tours. Visitors flock here to experience the natural beauty of Florida, enjoy wildlife viewing, kayak on the Silver River, and explore scenic hiking trails. It’s one of the oldest and most beloved state parks in Florida.

Can you swim at Silver Springs State Park?

Swimming is not allowed in the main spring at Silver Springs State Park due to conservation efforts. However, nearby parks like Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs offer designated swimming areas.

Is Silver Springs State Park a good day trip from Orlando?

Absolutely. Located just 90 minutes from Orlando, Silver Springs makes for a perfect day trip for nature lovers, families, and photographers looking to explore Florida’s iconic springs.

Can you bring pets to Silver Springs State Park?

Yes, leashed pets are welcome in designated areas such as trails and campgrounds. Pets are not allowed in park buildings or on boat tours.

Silver Springs State Park has two main entrances with different addresses. The main entrance, which provides access to the head springs, glass bottom boats, and other attractions, is located at 5656 East Silver Springs Boulevard, Silver Springs, FL 34488. The camping entrance, which provides access to the campground, Pioneer Cracker Village, and some hiking trails, is located at 1425 NE 58th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34470 

Final Splash: Why Silver Springs State Park is Florida’s Crown Jewel.

Silver Springs State Park is more than a day trip; it’s a dive into Florida’s wild beauty, preserved history, and quirky charm. Whether you’re paddling the Silver River, hiking through sun-dappled trails, or staring through a glass-bottom boat into a world that looks straight out of a fantasy novel, you’ll leave a little more in love with nature (and probably with a full camera roll).

So skip the crowded beaches. This summer (or fall, or literally any time), trade the salty ocean breeze for the serene whisper of spring-fed waters. Your soul, and your social media feed will thank you. HAPPY WANDERING!