Silver Glen Springs (not to be confused with Salt Springs further north), all but hidden in the depths of the Ocala National Forest, is both a popular day-use recreation area and an important archaeological site, a hidden gem among the numerous cool, clearwater natural springs found throughout the state. Boaters, kayakers and snorkelers like to head there to relax and meet the manatees and local wildlife, to picnic with friends, and to appreciate the wilder side of Florida.
What To Expect
Silver Glen Springs is a beautifully clear, 200-foot wide pool surrounded by lush semi-tropical greenery, walls and fences. The pool is open at one end and flows into Lake George 0.5 miles away. It is fed by two strong springs which bubble up at the top end of the pool, as well as numerous hot pockets which flow up from the sand – and such pockets can also be found along the length of the stream which enters at the southwest corner. While the sand-rock and eelgrass bottom tends to be 5 – 7 feet down, there are a number of limestone openings which drop to a depth of around 20 feet, and in the southern end is the “Natural Well” shaft, which drops 40 feet into the earth. There is an underwater cave system at Silver Glen Springs which has been mapped by divers, though guests are not permitted to dive or scuba dive – snorkels only! If you adventure underwater, expect to see hundreds of fish playing among their human guests.
| Address | 5271 FL-19, Salt Springs, Florida |
| Location | 0.5 west of Lake George in the Ocala National Forest, Florida |
| Open | 8am to 7pm. Times can vary depending on the season. |
| Clothing | Required |
| Road Access | Easy. All vehicles |
| Water Temperature | 72°F |
| Admission | $12 (parking $15) |
Like most springs in Florida, there is no wrong time of year to visit, although it will naturally be quieter in winter. November through March are also the best times to see the famed manatees as they head to Florida’s warmer spring waters.
OPEN: 8am – 7pm (last entrance 5pm) – check before you go as there may be seasonal changes. The site is operated by Adventure Ocala. Always check for wildfire and other warnings before you go.
What Can I Do There?
The first and most obvious activity here is swimming- and there are changing areas available for you, though be aware that the water is a chilly 72-73°F, so a nice fluffy towel to wrap up in after is the recommendation of the day! Bring along a snorkel, a GoPro (or waterproof case for your phone), and enjoy. NOTE: diving and scuba diving are NOT allowed. Make sure you respect your surroundings and stay within the marked boundaries of the swimming area so as to prevent damage to sensitive underwater habitats.
Rent a canoe, paddleboard or kayak (or bring your own), and explore the Silver Glen Run to Lake George. NOTE: you’ll not be allowed into the spring swimming area for safety reasons. When you pause that paddling for breath, be sure to stay away from the middens (large mounds behind fences which you’ll see along the way) – these are important archeological sites and are sacred to the Native Americans.
Take your boat. Launch for free from Shell Harbor Park & Boat Launch, the marina near Silver Glen Springs or Astor Boat Ramp in Lake George and the St John’s River.
Take a walk around the interpretive trails. The 3-mile round-trip Lake George Trail takes you through the cool woods, while the easy 0.75-mile Spring Boils Trail, which takes you to Jody’s Spring under a canopy of palms, is just as enjoyable for the bubbling hot pockets in the sand. Keep your eyes open for turtles, alligators and snakes.
Get picnicking and grilling at your choice of 58 picnic tables and 30 pedestal grills. NOTE: A novelty for some, pests for others, you should not be surprised to see people-friendly crows, vultures and racoons flocking to pick up your food from the ground (or even your plate)! ALSO NOTE: weekends and holidays will see you vying for space, so get there early, and consider taking along your own beach chairs and table if you’re with a group. You cannot bring in your own grill or alcohol – they WILL check your coolers.
The biggest tip we’ve got is GET THERE EARLY – early, because parking is limited (and once the lot is full, you have to wait on the “one out, one in” principle, which can take hours); early, because the sand-bottom pool becomes murkier as the day wears on and the swimmers and snorkelers kick up the sandy bottom; early, because the on-site port-o-potties also become “murky” with use throughout the day (and there is no running water, but for hands there is a sanitizer dispenser on a post outside); early, because there are limited picnic spots and grills if you want to cook up lunch for your family and friends.
Admission
Prices are subject to change without notice.
| Day Pass | $12/person (+tax)* |
| Annual Pass | $75/person (+tax)* |
On payment at the gate, all guests will receive wristbands – these must stay on until you leave. Download the Recreation.gov app before visiting, so you can use Scan & Pay to pay the admission fee.
*Free parking, BUT, in response to customer feedback (and numerous complaints), from May 27 through September 4, 2023, parking reservation passes ($15 per vehicle) will be required every Saturday and Sunday plus Memorial Day, Juneteenth, 4th of July and Labor Day. Parking passes must be purchased online and are available up to 14 days ahead of your visit. These passes reserve you a spot for the entire day (during park opening hours), allowing you to arrive any time on your selected date and to be able to exit and re-enter the park throughout that day.
The Ocala National Forest Springs Hopper Pass might also interest you – a $70/person (+tax) pass good for 12 months from the date you buy it, giving you access to all the recreation areas managed by Adventure Ocala: Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Clearwater Lake and Wildcat Lake.
Interesting History
Several large mounds (middens) on the land around the spring, as well as numerous fossilized shells, remains and artifacts within those mounds, are taken as evidence of Native Indian presence there before the arrival of the Europeans.
The Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area has been under USDA Forest Service administration since 1990.
The Silver Glen Springs is where Jody, from the book “The Yearling,” fell asleep watching the hypnotic action of the “flutter mill” that he had built in the water.
How To Get There
Silver Glen Springs can be found on the eastern edge of the Ocala National Forest, off State Road 19, around 6 miles north of the intersection where state roads 40 and 19 meet. The closest towns are Astor and Salt Springs.
From Pierson, it’s 21.7 miles (30 minutes) to Silver Glen Springs. Take the FL-40 W, then turn right onto the FL-19 N. Stay on this for just under 6 miles. The springs will be on your right.
From Ocala, it’s a 39-mile, 48-minute drive. Take the FL-40 E/E Silver Springs Blvd and turn left onto the FL-19 N. Stay on this for just under 6 miles. The springs will be on your right, 0.3 miles east toward Lake George.
Access is also possible by boat from Lake George.
Can I Stay There?
Being a popular lake and resort means you have a plethora of accommodation options to choose from. Grab a room in a hotel, inn, lodge, or go for something novel and rent a houseboat.
If you plan on camping, while you can’t set up near the Silver Glen springs, the next nearest and best sites are: Juniper Springs Recreation Area, Georgetown Marina, Lodge & RV Park, Parramores Campground, St. Johns River Campground, and Salt Springs Recreational Area (with full hookups).
What Else Can I Do In The Area?
If you get hungry and didn’t pack picnic supplies, head along to any of the restaurants listed here for some great seafood, pizza and other filling and delicious dishes. In Silver Springs, try Lena’s Seafood (18478 FL-40) or Crossbones Grill (16460 FL-40). In Crescent City, try Renegade’s Restaurant (1171 Co Rd), Bobby G’s River Pub Italian Grille (1148 Co Road), or The Oaks Golf Club Restaurant (1264 Co Rd). In Salt Springs, we like Salt Springs Pizza (14100 FL-19) and Odd Todd’s (13398 FL-19).
One of our favorite Florida hot springs soaks for active cave diving, paddleboarding, tubing and more, is Ginnie Springs Outdoors resort in High Springs. For guaranteed winter swim time with the manatees, as well as your fair share of kayaking adventures, put Crystal River’s Three Sisters Springs on your must-see list. Also worth checking out are the 10 best natural springs to soak in near Jacksonville, and throughout Florida as a whole.
The Takeaway
A great place to snorkel, kayak, paddleboard and go boating, the Silver Glen Springs in the Ocala National Forest is truly a hidden gem among the many natural springs you’ll find in Florida. Head there with friends and family to appreciate the wilder side of Florida, and a bit of its centuries-old history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Silver Glen Springs can be found on the eastern edge of the Ocala National Forest, off State Road 19, around 6 miles north of the intersection where state roads 40 and 19 meet. The closest towns are Astor and Salt Springs.
From Ocala, it’s a 39-mile, 48 minute drive. Take the FL-40 E/E Silver Springs Blvd and turn left onto the FL-19 N. Stay on this for just under 6 miles. The springs will be on your right, 0.3 miles east toward Lake George.
While the sand-rock and eelgrass bottom tends to be 5 to 7 feet down, there are a number of limestone openings which drop to a depth of around 20 feet, and in the southern end is the “Natural Well” shaft, which drops 40 feet into the earth.
8am – 7pm (last entrance 5pm) – check before you go as there may be seasonal changes.
Disclaimer
While we at Traxplorio do our very best to give you the latest information about these hot springs sites, life happens, weather happens, and property owners happen. We always recommend you go to the official hot springs’ web page and/or the relevant state authority page to check conditions, times, and prices (where relevant) before you head out. Thanks for understanding, and enjoy your soak!
