Millions of people visit Florida’s springs each year to enjoy the clear, clean water rushing up from deep beneath the ground. They view a variety of birds and wildlife; canoe and kayak on rivers with incredible visibility and snorkel, swim and scuba dive near the source of the spring. Some springs have been developed into unusual attractions like the mermaids of Weeki Wachi and the fun park at Silver Springs. Campgrounds near the springs offer the opportunity to extend the visit and stay in a natural setting.
550 gallons of clear water pour from Silver Springs each day, enough water to supply New York City. The water becomes the Silver River, a popular place for canoeing, boating and experiencing Florida’s flora and fauna close up. There are alligators in the river. The spring itself is a privately owned attraction also called Silver Springs. The attraction offers glass bottom boat tours, scenic boat tours, wildlife exhibits, thrill rides and a botanical garden as well as dining, concerts and shopping. Full facility camping is available just a few miles away at Silver River State Park. The park has 59 sites for RV and tent camping with electricity, water, picnic table and grill at each site. 20 of the sites are wheelchair accessible. There are also 10 camping cabins available for rent. Reservations can be made through ReserveAmerica up to 11 months in advance (see Resources). The park offers a canoe and kayak launch and canoe rentals.
Silver River State Park
1425 N.E. 58th Avenue
Ocala, Florida 34470
352-236-7148
floridastateparks.org/silverriver
The mermaids at Weeki Wachi Springs State Park have been entertaining audiences since 1947. The park also offers canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving in the spring. Buccaneer Bay is a water park located inside the state park with flume rides and other entertainment. The Chassahowitzka River Campground is within easy driving distance of Weeki Wachi, approximately 13 miles away. The campground has sites with water, electricity, a picnic table and a fire pit available for tent and RV campers. There are also primitive tent sites without electricity and water. Chassahowitzka River Campground extends over 40 acres and features fishing, boating, canoeing and hiking.
Chassahowitzka River Campground
8600 W. Miss Maggie Drive
Homosassa, Fl.
352-382-2200
citruscountyfl.org/commserv/commrec/parksrec/chass_camp/campground.htm
During the winter months, November through March, the waters of Blue Springs fill with manatees leaving the St Johns River for the warm waters near the spring. The clear waters stay a constant 73 degrees and attract more than 100 manatees a day. When manatees are not in the spring, visitors enjoy swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving near the spring. Blue Springs State park has 51 sites with water, electricity, picnic tables and a grill. The sites are available for RV and tent camping. There are also six cabins available in the park for rent.
Blue Springs State Park
2100 W. French Avenue
Orange City, Florida 32763
386-775-3663
floridastateparks.org/bluespring/default.cfm
