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.

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.

Cabin #6 is wheelchair accessible via ramp to the front door and a ramp in the back to the fire ring.

Campfire Circles

Camp fires are permitted in the fire rings at the campground and behind the cabins. Periodically there may be fire bans due to low humidity and drought. If in doubt please ask park staff or campground host. Fire wood provided by our volunteers is available at the ranger station for a donation.

Cabin 6 has a ramp to the fire pit.

Canoeing & Kayaking

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 $5.00 per hour on a first come first served basis. Pets are not permitted in the canoes.

Facilities

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

If camping in the park, please ask park staff for the key to the ADA bathhouse.

Full Facility 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.

Campsites 20 and 53 are wheelchair accessible. Please ask park staff for the key to the ADA bathhouse.

Horse Trail

We are in the process of creating equine trails with a picnic/overnight area. These trails will be on the north side of the park, and will eventually connect with the Marjorie Harris Carr Greenway. We'll keep you posted!

Interpretive Exhibit

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

Nature 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.

Pet Camping

Pets are welcome in the campground. Please note that pets are not permitted in the cabins, museum or restrooms with the exception of service animals.

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.

Picnic Area

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.

Picnic Pavilions are wheelchair accessible.

Playground

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".

RV Camping

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

Campsites 20 and 53 are wheelchair accessible. Please ask park staff for the key to the ADA bathhouse.

Wildlife Viewing

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.

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. Primitive youth group camping is $1.00 per child per night and $5.00 per adult per night.