Welcome to Silver River 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.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Silver River State Park, please call 352-236-7148.

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Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year. Friday evenings and some holidays Silver River's gate remains open until 10:00 p.m. to provide convenient arrival for incoming campers.

Driving 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.

Park Fees

Admission Fees $4.00 per vehicle for up to 8 people. $3.00 Single occupancy vehicle. Pedestrians, bicyclists, passengers in vehicles with holder of annual Individual Entrance Pass, Admission Fee $1.00.

The Silver River Museum and Environmental Center is open weekends and major holidays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is $2 per person, children under six are free.

Cabin Fee All Year (no seasonal rates) $100.00 per night plus tax

Camping Fee All Year (no seasonal rates) $21.00 per night plus tax

Pavilion Fee Pavilion rental $40.00 (small) & $75.00 (large) plus tax. Regular park entry fees still apply.

Primitive Youth Camping - Children $1.00 per night; Adults $2.00 per night.(plus tax)

Activities at Silver River State Park

	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. 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 will soon have a Visitor Service Provider who will offer canoe/kayak rentals and a shuttle service.
	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. Thanks to the sponsorship of some local businesses, we will soon be installing three new kiosk displays.
	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 $2.00 per adult per night.

Special Events for Silver River State Park

• COFFEE WITH THE BIRDS
  Date: May 17, 2008 8:00 am
  Description: Join an experienced birder for a gentle hike through beautiful Central Florida woodlands identifying birds by sight and sound. Bring your coffee cup, binoculars and insect repellant. No pets please. This will be the final bird walk for the season. Walks will resume in October.
  Fees: $4.00 per car park entry fee
  Contact: deborah.wilson@dep.state.fl.us
  A "Get REAL in Florida State Parks!" Event
  
• CRACKER VILLAGE TOUR
  Date: May 31, 2008 10:00 am
  Description: Take a guided tour through the replica Cracker Village learning about Florida lifestyles in the 1800's. This will be the final Cracker Village Tour for the season. Tours will resume in October.
  Fees: $4.00 per car park entry fee
  Contact: deborah.wilson@dep.state.fl.us
  A "Get REAL in Florida State Parks!" Event
  
• PARK DESIGN FOR WATER CONSERVATION
  Date: June 7, 2008 10:00 am
  Description: James Couillard. Park Designer for Marion County Parks & Recreation will be discussing how Marion County Parks are being designed to enhance water conservation efforts. He will be explaining how this can also be incorporated into a private home and landscaping.
  Fees: $4.00 per car park entry fee
  Contact: deborah.wilson@dep.state.fl.us
  A "Get REAL in Florida State Parks!" Event
  
• NATIVE & DROUGHT TOLERANT PLANTS
  Date: August 2, 2008 10:00 am
  Description: Kathleen Patterson of Florida Yards and Neighborhoods will present a program on Native and Drought Tolerant Plants for Florida-friendly landscaping.
  Fees: $4.00 per car park entry fee
  Contact: deborah.wilson@dep.state.fl.us
  A "Get REAL in Florida State Parks!" Event
  
• WATER CONSERVATION & PROTECTION
  Date: September 6, 2008 10:00 am
  Description: Ellie Falbo of the Watershed Action Volunteers (WAV) program will present hands on displays and discussion regarding water conservation and protection in Florida.
  Fees: $4.00 per car load park entry fee
  Contact: deborah.wilson@dep.state.fl.us
  A "Get REAL in Florida State Parks!" Event
  
• MARION COUNTY SPRINGS FESTIVAL
  Date: September 20, 2008
  Description: The 7th Annual Springs Fest will provide educational and entertaining demonstrations, displays, guest speakers and exhibitors. This popular annual event goes back and forth between Rainbow Springs State Park and Silver River. 2008 is Silver River's turn! Live entertainment, vendors, food, drawings and door prices. This is a popular family friendly event.
  Fees: $1.00 per person; kids under 6 free
  Contact: deborah.wilson@dep.state.fl.us
  A "Get REAL in Florida State Parks!" Event
  

Silver River State Park Ranger Programs

• COFFEE WITH THE BIRDS
  3rd Saturday of the month Call the park for definite times. Wake up your senses! Discover the sights and sounds of the birds that inhabit our many different natural communities. Join a local birding expert on Silver River's trails. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. A field guide and binoculars would be helpful. Meet at the Silver River Museum. No pets, please.
  Call (352) 236-7148 for more details.
• CRACKER VILLAGE TOUR
  4th Saturday of the month - call for times Come and discover what life was like at the turn of the century in the Florida "piney woods". A ranger will show you through a Florida Cracker homestead and kitchen. Meet at the Cracker Village across from the museum.
  Call (352) 236-7148 for more details.
• STAR-GAZING PARTY
  2nd Saturday of the month Come see the night sky in all its glory. Join members of the Ocala Astronomy Club and learn about the stars, planets, and more. Insect repellent, a lawn chair or blanket, and binoculars are recommended. Call park for other dates and for more information and exact times.
  Call (352) 236-7148 for more details.

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.

Silver River State Park History