Silver Springs is a popular tourist attraction in the Ocala National Forest. The springs have a long time connection to Hollywood as many television shows and movies were filmed (at least in part) there. The Silver Springs campground has a museum with lots of information about this.
This was our first time camping at the Silver Springs Campground. We love the place. It is a Florida State Park and can be found at the state park website.
The Campsite
By the time we reserved a campsite, there were not many openings left. We took #52 because our friends were in #58 at the other end of this short loop. Site 52 is a pull through, and the picnic table, and sitting area faces the only bath house for this loop and the one next to it.
We never spend time inside our camper, unless we have bad weather. So, we sit outside and sweat when the weather is hot. Our campsite was at the end of a loop, with a bathhouse across the road from us. The site has some shade, but we put out the awning and left it out.
Friendly campers were always walking by and saying hello. The place was super quiet at night also.
I can see why this site was not booked. It is not exactly private, with everyone walking by to hit the bathroom. Many people also use the dish-washing station. This bath house also services the loop next door, so, it can be a busy spot. A dumpster with a noisy door was also situated next to the bath house.
None of this was a big deal. We had a great time. The site was very large, with a hard-packed gravel surface. This keeps the camper cleaner than being on sand! However, we almost had to camp using a tent because our trailer was in the shop being fixed. It would have been very difficult to set up a tent on that gravel.
Riding the Trail
We chose to ride our bikes down the trail to the river. Not e-bikes, and mine is a beach cruiser. Once we arrived at the end of the road, there were many paddlers pulling up from the river for a break. Also, if you want to tow your own craft the 1/2 (approx.) mile through the woods, you could launch from here.
This is a freshwater river – the Silver River – that contains springs. which keep the water mostly clear. It also means there are alligators.
And keep your eyes open for monkeys! Monkeys were brought into the area long ago, and they have multiplied. I just watched a video of a woman paddling the river with monkeys dropping out of the trees and swimming away! We did not see any monkeys while we were there.
The trail to the river is wide, like a narrow dirt road. Except it’s made mostly of sand and tree roots. I was able to navigate without much trouble, so young people, or e-bikes, could easily manage.
After our ride through the woods, we rode our bikes to the Museum. For a donation of $2.00 each, you will enjoy some displays of Florida history. It is a large place, and nicely done, with many wildlife displays. I recommend a visit – and it’s nice and cool inside!
The dump station can hold 2 RV’s at a time, which is always nice.
We camped for two nights, which is our usual. It was super hot the whole time, but we would love to return to the Silver Springs Campground.
More camping stories….
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