A Perfect Day at Silver Glen Springs Florida [+Swim with Manatees]
If you’ve wondered which is the best springs to visit in Florida, Silver Glen Springs has to be one of the bluest springs we’ve ever seen on our roadtrip throughout Florida.
Next time you are visiting Orlando or Disney World, you will definitely want to make time for the hour and half drive north to visit Silver Glen Springs.
Silver Glen Springs is located in the Ocala National Forest and is a popular place to swim at year-round given it maintains a consistent 72°F water temperature.
Additionally, manatees also rely on these warmer temperatures to inhabit during winter months and can be frequently seen floating in the run from the springs to Lake George.
Silver Glen Springs Cost
The cost to go to Silver Glen Springs is $12/per person + tax for an entire day.
During the summer from May 27th- September 1st, you will also need to reserve a $15 parking permit online if you plan to visit on a weekend or holiday. With a parking permit, you can arrive anytime of day and allowed to exit and reenter throughout the day.
Why Silver Glen Springs is so Popular
Silver Glen Springs is known for being a first magnitude springs that stays 72°F year-round, having extremely clear blue water, and a popular place for manatees to inhabit during the winter.
It has also been deemed the most beautiful springs of the magical Ocala National Forest.
The spring itself is located in the designated swimming area, about 15 feet below the surface.
Because this spring is pushing out 65 million gallons of water per day, it is actually very hard to swim down towards the spring, but still fun to try!
Silver Glen Springs is also connected to Lake George, the second largest lake in Florida, so many boaters like to hangout in the run just outside the springs to get the best of both worlds.
What to do at Silver Glen Springs
Silver Glen Springs has a few different sections to it depending on the activity you want to partake in. The most common things to do at Silver Glen Springs is snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming in the aqua blue water of the springs.
The most obvious section of the springs is the designated swimming area and where the spring itself it located.
You will need to bring your own snorkel if you want to see the fish that frequent the springs. We also recommend bringing a tube to float in while you soak up the sun from this tropical paradise.
Lawn area at Silver Glen Springs
There is a huge grass lawn surrounding the springs for those who want to setup a picnic area for the day with plenty of picnic tables and grills available. There is also a shaded volleyball court for those who need a break from the water activities.
Most families do come out to spend a good majority of the day here as there is plenty to do and it is incredibly relaxing amongst the lush forest.
Just past the designated swimming area entrance, you will find the entrance for kayakers and SUPs.
We highly recommend bringing your own kayak or SUP to explore more of the springs than just the swimming area. You can also rent a kayak from the ticket booth stand.
If you want to get away from the crowds and possibly spot a manatee you will need to go just outside the swimming area in the run between the springs and Lake George.
Because Silver Glen Springs is connected to Lake George, the run is also a popular hangout spots for boats and kayakers.
If you want to enjoy a nice and easy walk through the sub-tropical ecosystem there is also a 2.5 mile roundtrip trail that ends at an expansive viewpoint of Lake George.
Lake George Trail at Silver Glen Springs
The trailhead is right off the path as you are walking from the entrance down to the springs. I don’t think this a must do kind of trail, but if you are into quiet nature walks this is a great place to find some peace and solace when the springs get overcrowded.
Once you arrive at Lake George, be mindful that gators can be present, usually sunbathing near the shore.
Manatees at Silver Glen Springs
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing manatees up close, Silver Glen Springs is one of the best places in Florida to swim near manatees in their natural habitat.
With that said, please be respectful of this gentle giant and their personal space. Do not try and touch, feed or crowd the manatees, just as you would dislike a stranger doing this to you.
The best time of year to see the manatees at Silver Glen Springs is during winter from November to March when the manatees are seeking refuge from the colder rivers.
Unlike dolphins and whales, manatees do not have blubber (thick layers of fat) to keep them warm in temperatures below 68F so they spend most of their day in the spring waters that provide a consistent 72F.
The best place to find manatees at Silver Glen Springs is outside of the swimming area and along the clearer and shallower side of the shoreline. They will look like a big grey rock from above the water so don’t be fooled.
Ideally, I think the best way to get close to the manatees without invading their space is to paddle in a kayak or SUP and float above them. If you don’t have your own kayak or SUP, you can rent one where you paid to enter.
The manatees don’t stay in the springs year-round as their isn’t as many plants they prefer eat here and the springs tend to overcrowd with humans during summer.
Additionally boats are a very common threat to manatees since the manatees grey-color make them hard to see and a boat propeller can easily hit them in these shallow waters.
Know Before You Go
- During summer weekends, you will need to reserve a parking permit online
- No RVs, trailers or bicycles allowed
- There are only porta-pottys for restrooms
- No pets are allowed
- Additional rules are pictured below
Rules at the entrance of Silver Glen Springs
Essentials Items - Silver Glen Springs
Goggles and Snorkel: this adult and kids snorkel combo worked perfect for us
Water shoes: we always swim in our Chaco sandals or these water shoes.
Sun hat: this sun hat is very flattering and versatile enough to wear in town too.
Towels: we love our Nomadix microfiber towel as it’s super absorbent, beach-size, but lightweight and packs down very small.
Sunscreen: Bare Republic is our go-to mineral sunscreen since it’s incredibly lightweight and isn’t harsh on marine life like normal sunscreen.
Bathing Suit: this high-waisted two-piece and one-piece are my favorites.
Inflatable SUP: we love having our own inflatable SUP and it’s easy to carry. A life jacket is not required here but always recommended.
Floating Tube: when floating down the springs, I hook up this tube to the SUP to relax and float behind
Ice chest, ice and food: don’t forget ice as the store may not be open when you come
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Camping - Silver Glen Springs
There isn’t anywhere to camp at Silver Glen Springs, but one of our favorite campsites in Florida is only a 10 minute drive down the road.
Juniper Springs Campground: with a dense jungle-like setting, beautiful walking trails throughout the campground and a clear blue spring in the day use area, Juniper Springs is an incredible place to go camping in Florida.
There are 78 sites for both tents and RVs costing $34/night. There are no hookups here, but there are nice bathrooms, showers, and a dump station for RVs on site. Make sure to reserve a site in advance on recreation.gov as this campground is usually booked.
Dogs are allowed at this campground too, but be aware bears do frequent this area.
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