Frequently Asked Questions about Silver River State Park

Question: I have not been able to make a reservation for a weekend at one of your cabins. Can you put me on a waiting list in case someone cancels?
Answer: Unfortunately we are not able to maintain a waiting list due to the nature of the reservation system. We suggest that you go to Reserve America's website on a daily basis to see when a cancellation might occur. Generally, a weekend cancellation will be re-booked within 48 hours so it's important to look frequently.

Question: Do the cabins have televisions? (Cable, internet access, telephones, etc.)
Answer: The cabins do not have TV's, telephones, internet access or cable. They DO offer a peaceful time for re-connection with family, uninterrupted by commercials!

Question: I'm not going to be able to get to the campground before it closes. Do I have to wait and come in the following morning?
Answer: If you have a confirmed reservation, call the Park the day of your arrival and you will be given the gate combination. Gate combination can not be given out if you do not have a reservation.

Question: Do cabins have fireplaces?
Answer: The cabins have propane fireplaces that are turned on from October 1st through April 30th.

Question: Do the cabins have daily maid service?
Answer: The cabins do not have daily cleaning services. Clean sheets and towels, and extra toilet tissue or garbage bags will be provided on request.

Question: Does SRSP have swimming?
Answer: No, we don't. The Silver River is a pristine, undeveloped river and the wildlife "own" it. However, since we abut the Ocala National Forest there are many places that we can tell you about that make a good day trip from this Park.

Question: Can we fish in Silver River?
Answer: Silver River is a protected river and fishing is not permitted. However, there are many places in the area where fishing is permitted and we gladly share that information with our guests.

Question: Do the campsites have sewer hookup?
Answer: Campsites do not have sewer hookup. We have a dump station for the convenience of campers. Each camp site has electric, water, a picnic table, a standup barbecue grill and a fire ring. All sites are handicap accessible and all may be used for either tent or RV.

Question: Does Silver River have hiking trails?
Answer: We have 15 miles of biking and hiking trails offering a wide variety of differing ecosystems. Two of the trails go down to the river. The Swamp Trail is one of our favorites. It is 3/4 mile one way and is mostly shaded. It wanders through oak hammock, into cypress swamp. There is a boardwalk over the swamp and a deck overlooks the river. Beautiful!

Question: What is your youth camping area like?
Answer: The youth camping area is for organized groups only. (Scouts, church groups, etc.) It is primitive camping in a large area of lovely pineland forest. There is running water but it is not potable. There are 3 self mulching toilets. (Better than port-a-potties!)There are no shower facilities. Each of the nine campsites hold up to 50 people and they have fire rings and picnic tables. Reservations can be made by calling the Park.

Question: What is the "Cracker Village"?
Answer: The Cracker Village is a reconstruction of an 1800's village in Central Florida. The buildings include a church/school house, residences and a smithy. A sugar cane grinder is put to use at the annual Ocali Country Days. The Village is managed by the Marion County School District and is part of the Museum's educational programs for Marion County School children. During the school year the village is only open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. When school is not in session you can take a self guided tour with the help of an excellent brochure the School District has put together. Monthly guided tours are also presented by park staff and volunteers except in the summer. Times vary; details are posted on this website under "special events."

Question: How much water flows out of Silver Springs?
Answer: The Silver Springs springs group produce about 550 million gallons of water each day. Silver Springs is a first magnitude spring and the largest limestone artesian well in the world.

Question: When is the best time to see manatees in the Silver River?
Answer: Unfortunately, due to the Rodman Dam on the Ocklawaha River, manatees are not able to swim up to the Silver River. We did have a young one come up one year during a flood, but that is extremely rare.

Question: I saved a gopher tortoise from getting hit on the road. Can I let it go at the Park?
Answer: State Parks can not accept wild animals because of the possibility of introducing diseases into the existing population. If you call the park we can refer you on to a sanctuary that will take stranded or injured animals.