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.