SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK
This park has more than 10 distinct natural communities, dozens of springs, and miles of beautiful trails.

The park is home to a pioneer cracker village and the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center. The center is operated by the Marion County School District in cooperation with the park and is open to the public on weekends and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00. p.m. Admission to the Museum is $2.00 per person. Children under 6 are free. For more information please visit Silver River Museum

Visitors can canoe down the crystal clear river, hike or bike along one of the nature trails, or just sit and watch for the wide variety of birds and wildlife.

The picnic area features three pavilions with grills that may be rented for group outings and a playground for the youngsters.

For overnight stays, the park has a full facility campground and 10 luxury cabins.

Located east of Ocala, one mile south of State Road 40 on State Road 35.

NATURE OF THE AREA
Almost 5,000 acres of varying habitats provide a wonderful home for many different species of mammals, reptiles and birds. Frequent sightings include armadillos, deer, turkey, fox, Sherman Fox Squirrel and gopher tortoises. Less frequently seen are coyote, bobcats and Florida Black Bear. Bird life is plentiful! Silver River is the home to a significant population of Limpkins, and many other water and woodland birds. Wildlife listing available at the park.


CABINS
Silver River offers ten luxurious cabins that will sleep a maximum of six people each. Each cabin has a full dining area, two bedrooms, one bath, stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, gas fireplace, heating and air-conditioning, screened porch, dishes, pots & pans, silverware, linen, towels, picnic tables and rockers on the porch. All you need is food and your personal items. Beginning July 2008 we will still be providing linens but guests will be required to make their own beds.

CAMPING
Fort King & Sharpes Ferry Camping Areas Come and enjoy our 59 site campground. All our sites are very spacious and can easily handle any size camping unit you may have. As well as being very spacious, each site offers water and electric hook-ups with 30 amp service and 6 sites with 50 amp service. All sites have fire rings, a barbecue grill and a picnic table. Also available is a separate dump station for holding tanks. Firewood is available at the Ranger Station.

RV Camping

59 spacious campsites nestled in a lightly wooded area offer electricity and water. Each campsite is level, easily accessible and large enough to accommodate large RV's. Some sites available with 50 amp service. Picnic tables, grills and campfire rings are in all sites.

Youth Camping

The Youth Group camping area is in a lovely setting amid tall pines. This is primitive camping only - no shower facilities, electricity or potable water. There are self mulching toilets (better than port-a-potties), picnic tables and fire rings at each of the sites. For organized groups only, reservations can be made by calling the park at 352-236-7148.


CANOEING
The Silver River is one of the most beautiful and peaceful rivers you will ever paddle. With two launching points, it is up to you how much of a work out you will get from your ride. The most popular launching point is from Rays Wayside Boat Basin at the western foot of the Ocklawaha bridge on State highway 40. The other option is to launch from the end of our River Trail. This does require you to carry your vessel .6 miles from the parking lot to the river. We have canoe rentals available from the park. You will pick up your paddles and life vests at the Ranger Station, drive down to the River Trail, walk .6 mile to the launching area where you can pick up your canoe. Rentals are per hour on a first come first served basis. Pets are not permitted in the canoes.

PICNICKING
The picnic area offers three open air picnic pavilions with grills, overhead fans, picnic tables, electricity and water. A playground for the youngsters is also in this area. The pavilions may be reserved by calling the park.

DAY USE AREA
Restrooms and shower facilities are conveniently located in both of the campground loops. There is also a public restroom at the picnic area.

Near the picnic area is a delightful playground for the youngsters featuring a swingset, slides and monkey bars. The ground surface is a unique rubber mat that provides a safe surface in case of "spills".

BICYCLING
Off-road biking is permitted on all 15 miles of trails. When biking, please be considerate of the foot traffic that shares these trails.

TRAILS
Silver River has almost 15 miles of biking and hiking trails meandering through a variety of different habitats. From wetland and swamp, to oak hammock and pine forest - the trails offer a glimpse of the wide variety of ecosystems that Central Florida offers.

NATURE PROGRAMS
Kiosks at most trail heads provide informative exhibits including prescribed burning, the Florida Black Bear and migratory birds.

PETS
Well behaved pets are welcome in the campground, picnic area and on the trails. Owners are expected to clean up after their pets and leashes are required at all times. Pets are not permitted in the restrooms, museum or cabins. The only exception is service animals.

DIRECTIONS
Silver River State Park is located east of Ocala, 1 mile south of S.R. 40 on S.R. 35. From Interstate 75, take exit 352 onto SR 40 east, about 9 miles to SR 35. From Interstate 95 take exit 268 to Route 40 west, about 60 miles to SR 35.