Last Updated on February 26, 2024
Salt Springs is near Fort McCoy, Florida, in Ocala National Forest. It’s approximately 60 miles west of Daytona Beach and 80 miles north of Orlando.
The Central Florida spring is in Marion County and is known for its variety of outdoor activities and its large campground.
We have put together our recommendations on the top places to visit near Salt Springs. This includes nearby places to eat, stay, and shop during your trip.
From fresh and flavorful food to peaceful accommodations and unique shops, check out all the places you can see on a visit to this beautiful spring.
Salt Springs Recreation Area
Salt Springs Recreation Area is a popular area in the Ocala National Forest. It is nearby other natural springs like Silver Glen Springs and Juniper Springs.
The Salt Springs area offers modern conveniences, such as a grocery store, a gas station, and a post office.
Things to Do at Salt Springs
There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from at Salt Springs. The spring discharges millions of gallons of spring water every day.
It maintains a consistent water temperature of 74 degrees, making it a great place to visit for swimming.
The swimming area of Salt Springs Run is known for its clear and cool water. Snorkeling is also a fun activity to do here.
Day-use visitors appreciate the picnic areas located near the springs. The picnic tables provide a nice space to enjoy packed lunches and snacks.
There is a boat ramp across from the Salt Springs Marina for those that want to take their boat on the water.
Hikers will enjoy the Salt Springs Trail, a trail loop under two miles long that takes you through part of the Big Scrub.
The trail has some climbing involved and a long boardwalk to traverse. It’s all worth it to get to the observation deck.
Salt Springs Camping
Salt Springs Recreation Area has the largest campground in the Ocala National Forest. There are both tent sites and RV sites available for guests to book.
Amenities at the campground include full hookups if you opt for an electric site. Clean restrooms and bathhouses are located a short walk away from the campsites.
TIPS:
- Salt Springs is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm, though hours may vary depending on the season.
- Entrance fees are $6.50 per person.
- The springs have a busy day-use area. The parking area often closes and reaches capacity on the weekends.
- Weekdays outside of the summer months are a great time to visit Salt Springs.
- Camping fees are approximately $30 plus tax a night for non-electric tent sites and $65 a night plus tax for standard electric sites.
- Bear Swamp Trail is a 1.3-mile hiking trail located within the recreation area that is temporarily closed.
For more information, visit the official USDA Forest Service website.
Salt Springs Address: 13851 FL-19, Fort McCoy, FL 32134
Where to Eat Near Salt Springs: Odd Todd’s
Odd Todd’s is a restaurant just under a mile from Salt Springs Recreation Area.
Known as “the spice of Salt Springs,” the restaurant serves fresh and delicious ingredients.
The menu includes tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, sandwiches, and rice bowls.
This is the place to go if you are looking for a filling and flavorful meal after visiting the springs.
Odd Todd’s menu items can be paired with smoked meats and fresh produce.
There are also extras on the menu like chips and salsa, chips and guacamole, or Todd’s Tater Wedges, which are grilled potato wedges served with your choice of dipping sauce.
TIPS:
- Odd Todd’s is open Tuesday from 11 am to 5:30 pm, Thursday through Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 5:30 pm. Closed Monday and Wednesday.
- Vegetarian options are available.
- This is an outdoor venue with outdoor seating.
For more information, visit the official Odd Todd’s website.
Odd Todd’s Address: 13398 FL-19, Salt Springs, FL 32134
Additional Places to Eat Near Salt Springs
- Square Meal, 14100 FL-19, Salt Springs, FL 32134
- Kern’s Family Kitchen, 18976 FL-40, Silver Springs, FL 34488
- Crossbones Grill, 16460 FL-40, Silver Springs, FL 34488
- Lena’s Seafood, 18478 FL-40, Silver Springs, FL 34488
- Tabby’s Restaurant, 10863 FL-40, Silver Springs, FL 34488
Where to Stay Near Salt Springs: Camp Fox Den
Camp Fox Den is a vintage A-frame cabin listed on Airbnb. It is in Fort McCoy, approximately 10 miles away from Salt Springs. This peaceful spot overlooks a pond and is surrounded by live oak trees.
Some great amenities included with bookings here make Camp Fox Den a great getaway spot, like a small dock outside and a fire pit for guest use. There is also a canoe with life jackets and a charcoal grill available.
The pond connects to Little and Big Lake Kerr, providing plenty of fishing opportunities and exploring the area via water.
The home has a living room, a full kitchen with seating, and a narrow bedroom on the second level of the A-frame.
If you are looking for a quiet oasis outside of the springs, this is an ideal option.
TIPS:
- Camp Fox Den is available for booking with an advanced reservation.
- Check-in is after 4 pm. Check-out is before 11 am.
- There is one bedroom, two beds, and one bathroom, accommodating up to three guests.
- Pets are not allowed on the property.
- Guests for this booking must be 25 years old or older.
- Guests must be able to climb stairs to access the bedroom.
- The canoe must be stored upside down after use.
- Bears are occasionally sighted in the area – never leave food or trash outside or in your car.
For more information, visit the official listing on the Airbnb website.
Camp Fox Den Address: Fort McCoy, FL. The exact location is undisclosed prior to booking.
Additional Places to Stay Near Salt Springs
- The Penthouse at Salt Springs Resort, Fort McCoy, FL 32134
- Idle Awhile Resort and Marina, 120 Georgetown Landing Rd., Georgetown, FL 32139
- Elite Resorts at Salt Springs, 14100 FL-19, Salt Springs, FL 32134
- Welaka Lodge & Resort, 1001 Front St., Welaka, FL 32193
- Georgetown Marina, Lodge, & RV Park, 1533 Co Rd. 309, Georgetown, FL 32139
Where to Shop Near Salt Springs: Ocala Mall
Ocala Mall is a great place to shop near Salt Springs.
Located about 26 miles from the springs recreation area, Ocala Mall is a collection of over 100 small businesses.
The building was formerly a K-Mart. After that store closed, the property eventually transformed into the space it is today.
The indoor mini-mall is comprised of a variety of retail booths that local vendors rent. You can shop for many different things here, including gifts, jewelry, home décor, shoes, clothes, and more.
Because all the businesses here are small, you are likely to find unique items that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
TIPS:
- Ocala Mall is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
- Business hours for independent booths may vary.
For more information, visit the official Ocala Mall website.
Ocala Mall Address: 3711 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470
Additional Places to Shop Near Salt Springs
- Salt Springs Square, 14100 FL-19, Salt Springs, FL 32134
- Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Rd Suite 334, Ocala, FL 34474
- Shoppes of Silver Spring, 4901 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470
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