The main attraction is the ancient subterranean springs which flow year-round at a constant temperature of 72 degrees which has been said is the legendary “Fountain of Youth”.
Salt Springs Recreation Area is open year-round and is a major attraction for locals & visitors alike. In addition to camping, hiking, swimming & various recreational water activities, the main attraction is the ancient subterranean springs which flow year-round at a constant temperature of 72 degrees, and pump approximately 53 million gallons of crystal clear water per day.
The park & areas adjacent to the springs are bordered on three sides by an observation walkway that frames the pool in an open-ended rectangle roughly 90 by 20 feet. The pool contains clear, blue, salty-tasting water that, as a result of water rising to the surface through ancient salt deposits, contains a variety of minerals & rare trace elements which give it a mild salt taste. The depth of the pool ranges from 2 to 5 feet, but is up to 20 feet deep at the spring vents/pits that are scattered in the enclosed end of the pool area. The springs are home to an abundance of fish and marine life including striped bass, mullet, and small fry.
In addition, needle fish and blue crabs may be seen, with crabs most commonly observed in the deeper portions of the spring openings. The bottom of the spring has exposed limestone, small rocks and sand, as well as aquatic vegetation and is a favorite location for swimming & snorkeling.
Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (hours vary by season)
Camping
$65.05 for standard electric
$30.62 for tent only nonelectric
*Fees are subject to change without notification.
To make reservations please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ocala/recreation/recarea/?recid=32362
13851 N Highway 19
Salt Springs, FL 32134
352-685-2048
