SALT SPRINGS RECREATION
AREA
Salt Springs, FL
Description
The spring area is bracketed on three sides by a concrete
wall that frames the pool into an open-ended rectangle
that is about 90 by 120 feet. The general depth is
2-5 feet, but up to 20 feet deep at the several spring
vents/pits that are scattered in the pool, mostly
at the upper (west) end. The openings are in limestone
boulders and are vertical shafts and passageways leading
to smaller tunnels. Water in the pool is very clear,
blue, and is salty, the result of the water rising
to the surface through ancient salt deposits. In places
in the pool, there is a halocline visual distortion
effect of salt and fresh water mixing. Fish, including
striped bass, mullet, and small fry are abundant.
In addition, blue crab and needlefish may be seen.
The crabs are most commonly observed in the deeper
portions of the spring openings. The marine life was
established at the site millennia ago when this portion
of Florida was part of a shallow sea. When the land
rose upward, the marine creatures remained at the
site because of the salty flow from the spring. The
bottom has exposed limestone, small rocks, and sand
as well as aquatic vegetation. There is exotic hydrilla
in the pool.
Contact Information
Salt Springs Recreation Area
14152 SR 19N
SALT SPRINGS FL 32134 For more information about the
park, please call ( 352)685-2048
Operating Hours
8am – 8pm
Open all year round in 2004 Salt Springs Recreation
Area is located 35 miles east of Ocala, 60 miles west
of Daytona Beach, and 95 miles north of Orlando. A
spectacular natural mineral spring gives the area
its name. An Easter sunrise service is held yearly
at Salt Springs.
Getting There
Salt Springs is located 35 miles east of
Ocala (Interstate 75), 60 miles west of Daytona Beach
(Interstate 95), and 95 miles north of Orlando. The
recreation area is immediately adjacent to the town
of Salt Springs on State Road 19 near the junction
of CR 316.
Activities
Camping, swimming, hiking, canoeing, fishing (in the
spring run only).
General Rules for the National Forests and
Corps of Engineers Lakes
Camping
If you are staying at a campground,
you must camp only in those places specifically
provided or marked.All vehicles, RVs, and trailers
must be parked on your campsite or driveway. Driving
or parking off road is not permitted.Quiet hours
are between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Please be considerate
of others. Camping longer than 14 consecutive days
is generally not allowed. At Corps of Engineers
campsites only, camping at one or more campsites
at any one water resource project (lake) for a period
longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive day
period is prohibited. The number of camping units
per campsite varies and is set locally.
Sanitation
Help prevent pollution by keeping garbage, litter,
and foreign substances out of lakes, streams, and
other waters. All garbage and litter must either be
deposited in containers provided, or taken with you
when you leave.
Campfires
Obey any restrictions on fires. Fires may be limited
or prohibited at certain times. Within campgrounds
and other recreation areas, fires may only be built
in fire rings, stoves, grills, or fireplaces provided
for that purpose. Be sure your fire is completely
extinguished before leaving. Do not leave your fire
unattended. You are responsible for keeping fires
under control.
Vehicle Operation
Drivers must obey all traffic signs and operate their
vehicles in accordance with posted regulations, and
applicable Federal, State and local laws. Vehicles
must be parked in designated areas only. Use of vehicles
within campgrounds and other recreation areas is limited
to entering or leaving those areas.
Pets and Animals
Pets must be restrained or on a leash at all times
while in developed recreation areas. Pets (except
guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas or sanitary
facilities. Saddle or pack animals are only allowed
where authorized by posted instructions.
Fireworks
Use of fireworks or other explosives within campgrounds
and other recreation areas is prohibited.
Public Property
Preserve and protect your National Forests and Corps
of Engineers Lake areas. Leave natural areas the way
you find them. Do not carve, chop, cut and damage
any live trees.
