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Silver Springs State Park: Crystal Clear Water And… Monkeys!

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Imagine this: A winter retreat in the sunshine state, where the weather is just perfect – not too hot, not too cold, and the wildlife? Absolutely magical!

This is not just your typical state park, oh no! This place is a wildlife enthusiast's dream.

Fancy spotting a manatee leisurely swimming or an alligator basking in the sun? Or how about a band of wild monkeys adding a dash of jungle charm to your day? That's right! Wild monkeys!

It's all there and so much more!

Now, here's the best part! Back in March 2022, we went to visit this park. We went on a guided tour in see-through kayaks and had a blast!

Alas, we did not see monkeys, nor did we see manatees. But it was still so awesome! The kayaks allowed us to look into the crystal-clear water and enjoy the amazing colors.

We did see a couple of alligators, plenty of turtles, anhinga birds, and even a brown water snake!

I'll be sharing some of the photos throughout this guide.

Going beyond personal experience, you'll also find here the results of the research we've done before visiting the park.

Consider it your exclusive cheat sheet, designed with all the insider knowledge you could need.

We've been there, done that, and now we're handing over the baton to you!

So come on, journey with us as we explore this treasure trove of nature. And time to reveal its name:

Silver Springs State Park.

Where is Silver Springs?

Silver Springs State Park is located in the town of Silver Springs, Florida, right on State Road 40.

That means it is just 30 minutes east of Ocala, which has the closest international airport. And if you would prefer to see the sights of Orlando while you are there, that is just a 90-minute drive to the South.

What is There to Do in Silver Springs?

Boat Tours

The boat at Silver Springs SP

One of the prime reasons people love visiting Silver Springs State Park is the glass-bottom boat tours.

These daily boat tours wow guests with the amazing views of the crystal-clear water and wildlife that live in the springs.

These boat tours are offered multiple times per day, every day of the year. While reservations are not required for the 30-minute tours, you will need to book ahead of time for the 90-minute tours.

underwater statues in Silver Springs state park
These are underwater statues!

Hiking

Various trials snake throughout the park, making it a hiker's paradise.

Trail lengths vary from the 3/4-mile Creek Trail to the 4.6-mile out-and-back Spring Connector Trail that bridges the gap between the Silver River Museum and the Main Entrance.

Various other trails range from around 1 mile to just over 2 miles in length.

Bicycling

Silver Springs allows mountain bikes on the 4.5 miles of dedicated off-road bicycling trails throughout the park and the 10 miles of hiking trails (remember to dismount and yield to pedestrians).

And, because there are few paved routes where bikes are permitted, mountain biking is the best way to experience the park on two wheels.

The park service recommends using a helmet and bringing your own locks to protect your bikes when not in use.

Also, note that bicycles are not allowed on the entrance boardwalk or the town center and glass-bottom boat area due to issues with congestion.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is another popular activity that allows visitors to get out and enjoy the park.

Whether you bring your own or rent a horse from Cactus Jack's Trail Rides, you will be able to enjoy the sights of the wetlands from your steed.

Maps are located at the trailheads, which open at 8:00 a.m. and close one hour before sunset.

Non-potable water is also available for your horses - bring your own buckets.

Kayaking and paddle boarding!

Last but certainly not least, you can explore the 5-mile Silver River from your kayak or paddleboard! We did just that.

kayaking in Silver Springs

We rented see-through kayaks and went on a guided tour. Our guide was on a paddle board.

The entire length, however, is "Idle Speed Only," so the round trip will take roughly 3 hours.

That means you will have a chance to see the sights and allow others to enjoy the park as well.

There are two main routes you can take your kayak on. Both begin at the entrance of the park.

For a nice leisurely experience, you paddle around the 1.1-mile loop around Ross Allen Island.

Known as the Fort King Paddling Trail, this loop starts at the main entrance before heading upstream at the Silver River.

If something more strenuous is what you crave, there is a 5-mile trail that connects the main entrance to the boat launch at Ray Wayside Park (note that you might be asked to pay an admission fee to get in).

Once there, you can arrange for transportation back to Silver Springs or muscle your way 5 miles back against the 3-5 mile-per-hour current.

Can You Swim at Silver Springs State Park?

Currently, swimming is not allowed inside the park. According to a local news source, there are plenty of folks who would love to see this rule changed.

Luckily, you can consider the glass-bottom boat rides the next best thing to immerse yourself in those beautiful waters.

How Can You See the Monkeys There?

Once inside Silver Springs State Park, look around, and you may be able to see some monkeys.

These monkeys, rhesus macaques imported to Florida in the early 20th century, are currently experiencing a population boom.

We did not see any, but our guide said she often did.

However, if you do see them, it is important to note that it is illegal to feed these guys.

Doing so will bring them closer to humans and increase the chance of getting bit, which can spread a deadly disease. So, enjoy the monkeys from a safe distance!

What Other Types of Wildlife Can You See in the Park?

In addition to the infamous monkeys, there is a plethora of wildlife to see in the park. Here are some of the highlights:

Birds

Birds are perhaps the premier wildlife to spot in the park, as it is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Wood ducks, various wading birds, wild turkeys, hairy woodpeckers, limpkins, American kestrels, thrushes, warblers, and wild turkeys all inhabit the park.

My favorite? Anhingas!

anhinga  - Silver Springs State Park, Florida

Mammals

While visiting Silver Springs, you may also run across various mammals, including armadillos, deer, turkeys, foxes, squirrels, coyotes, bobcats, and even the occasional black bear.

Reptiles

Of course, the big news here is that you can see alligators in the water at the park. Whether that is a good or bad thing depends on your outlook.

Personally, we love it! We only saw a couple of alligators during our tour and would have been happy to see more.

alligators in Silver Springs SP

I literally saw thousands of gators in Florida. Here are my top 6 alligator viewing locations, in case you want to see them too.

Turtles and many species of fish call the park home as well. We saw those throughout the tour. And I already mentioned the snake!

When's the Best Time of Year to Visit Silver Springs State Park?

Because swimming is not allowed in the park, most travelers opt to avoid the hot season, which runs from May to September.

During those months, the temperatures regularly exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. June also happens to be the wettest month in the park, so there is another good reason to avoid it.

The best weather in Silver Springs tends to occur during the months of January, February, and December.

Going during those winter months typically results in high temperatures between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just about perfect for most people.

What Time Does Silver Springs Open?

Silver Springs State Park opens at 8:00 a.m. every day of the year. However, any special events such as concerts or weddings could mean portions of the park are closed.

The Museum and Environmental Center are open only on weekends and state holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where to Stay When Visiting Silver Springs

There are plenty of options for accommodations in and around Silver Springs State Park.

Cabins

Cabins inside the park can be rented once you have seen these cabins, which is a very good value.

These large cabins have fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, large decks, and a full kitchen.

Camping

State Park Campground

The campsite inside the park will accommodate RVs between 10 to 104 feet in length. The park also offers primitive camping for children.

Silver Springs RV Park

Just a mile from the park, we find Silver Springs RV Park. This pet-friendly campground includes WiFi and a swimming pool.

There is also a laundry facility and dump station on the premises.

The Springs RV Resort

Another nearby campground, The Springs, has plenty of amenities to make your camping trip comfortable.

From the giant clubhouse to the swimming pool and various activities and games on-site, you could spend your entire trip at this resort.

Hotels Near the Park

If hotels are more your speed, here are some of the best-reviewed hotels in Silver Springs, according to booking.com.

Holiday Inn Express

Families will love this Holiday Inn property, mainly because it sits adjacent to the Silver Springs Theme Park and Wild Waters Park.

There is also a hot breakfast buffet offered every day, as well as a heated outdoor pool.

And you won't have far to drive when you visit the state park, as this hotel is just a half-mile from the entrance.

Click here to see more or to book this hotel.

Sun Plaza Motel by Magnuson Worldwide

Located less than a half-mile from the park entrance, the Sun Plaza is about as close as it gets.

Bring your cooler when you visit, as this motel includes barbeque facilities. Rooms also feature air conditioning and free WiFi.

Click here to see more or to book this hotel.

OYO Hotel Mustang

Drive up the street, and you will find the OYO Hotel Mustang, still less than a mile from the entrance to Silver Springs State Park.

Book this property, and you will have access to an outdoor pool, free WiFi, and cable TV.

Click here to see more or to book this hotel.

We hope you find this guide helpful! If you've been to Silver Springs Park and have some feedback for us, please leave a comment and let us know. Thank you!

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Silver Springs State Park: A Visitor's Guide

 
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