Salt Springs Recreation Area
Open and accepting reservations. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect across Ocala National Forest, but campfires are permitted in Forest Service-provided fire rings at developed campsites. Propane fires are authorized for dispersed camping. 14-day stay limit per 30-day period. Expect full capacity on weekends.
Flood Warning issued October 10 at 10:06PM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Florida... Cypress Creek At SR 54 Worthington Gardens affecting Pasco County. ...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Florida... Withlacoochee At US 41 Dunnellon affecting Marion, Levy and Citrus Counties. .Due to recent heavy rainfall, water levels on Cypress Creek remain elevated. With additional heavy rainfall forecast, water levels are expected to continue rising, and could reach minor flood stage in the next few days. Elevated water levels continue on the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon due to a combination of excessive hydrilla growth along a 4.5 mile stretch of river between U.S. 41 and Lake Rousseau, and recent heavy rainfall. Water levels are expected to hold steady before slowly decreasing over the next several days. However, the river is forecast to remain in flood stage. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and is forecast to continue. * WHERE...Withlacoochee at US 41 Dunnellon. * WHEN...Until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 28.2 feet, Docks and boat ramps flood along the river in Citrus and Marion counties. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:45 PM EDT Saturday the stage was 28.3 feet. - Bankfull stage is 28.2 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 8:45 PM EDT Saturday was 28.3 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to hold around 28.3 feet for the next few days. - Flood stage is 28.2 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 28.3 feet on 10/05/1965. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
From Recreation.gov
The Ocala National Forest is currently under stage 1 fire restrictions. Exemptions include developed campsites with Forest Service provided campfire rings and grills. Dispersed campers who wish to have fires must use propane; charcoal is authorized for grilling purposes. All residents must conform to the specifics of their county's burn bans. The USFS conforms to and may enforce county burn bans as authorized under; CFR 261.5 (i) Violating any state law concerning burning fires or any state law that is for the purpose of preventing or restricting the spread of fire. USFS law enforcement can issue citations under this code.
Supervisor's Office Closed
Due to potential weather impacts from Hurricane Isaias, the Supervisor's Office will be temporarily closed Friday, October 9.
About
Salt Springs Recreation Area is one of the recreational jewels of Ocala National Forest, centered around a natural mineral spring that gushes 52 million gallons daily at a constant 74°F. The presence of potassium, magnesium, and sodium salts gives the water a slight salinity. Located 35 miles east of Ocala between the St. Johns and Ocklawaha Rivers, the campground offers swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and boating in the springs and nearby Lake George. The campground has approximately 160 sites split between electric RV sites with 50-amp service and water hookups, and primitive tent-only sites in a separate loop. Sites are nicely shaded by the semi-tropical mix of pines and palms. Flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water, and a dump station are available. The Salt Springs Marina offers canoe rentals and boat launching. Hikers can access the Bear Swamp Trail and a segment of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail. The Salt Springs Wildlife Observation Trail is a pleasant sub-2-mile loop with boardwalks and an observation deck for birdwatching. Basketball courts and a horseshoe pit round out the recreation options.
Directions
From I-75 at Ocala, drive east on SR 40 for 12 miles, turn north on CR 314 for 18 miles, then north on Highway 19 for 0.5 mile to the recreation area entrance on the right. From I-95 east of Ormond Beach, take SR 40 west about 40 miles to Highway 19, turn north for 16 miles to Salt Springs, then continue 0.5 mile to the entrance on the right.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $38 - $70 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Help.Ocala.SaltSprings@AmericanLL.com | |
| Phone | +1 (352) 685-2048 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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