silver glen springs

Stunning scenery. Crystal clear water and spotted a couple of manatee there.Mid week was serene and quiet.

This has got to be one of the most memorable natural experiences I've ever had. Boating into the spring, the water goes from the caramel waters of the river to the clearest water you could possibly imagine. The waters are refreshing and great for wading and swimming. The constant current from the spring gives a little bit of exercise even when just treading water, but not too much to be a problem. Be sure to come with goggles to see the spring area underwater!

In past years, my wife and myself had a hobby we chose to call "spring hopping". We already enjoyed snorkeling in the Keys and in the Bahamas, so we decided to investigate fresh water springs. Though the 73 degrees year round water was chilly at first, it's crystal clear waters are exhilarating. In this part of Florida there are many springs, but Silver Glen is my favorite because it is like a paradise lagoon around the size of an Olympic swimming pool, but shallow enough to comfortably free dive to the bottom 20 feet-ish. For families, the edges are toddler shallow and safe. If you like to see fish, though they aren't tropically colored, there are schools of large striped bass(20-40) at your finger tips. Though it's more peaceful during the week, especially avoid the holiday weekends where people bring their boats to the channel there leading to Lake George, tie them together like (spring break) which is great if you like to party. One example of how nice the water is, the water that gets in your mask doesn't burn your nose, actually you could drink it and some of the pics I've taken with disposable underwater cameras are so clear you can't tell they even under water! The whole family can get in for less than $20 since it's a state park. Not only is it nice for the family, we've been there many times as just a couple which was equally enjoyable. Needless to say it's one of our favorite places!

Who doesn't love the Glen? We enjoy going during the week when it isn't so crowded. If you have a boat big enough to anchor out, spent the night and see the real Florida. The water here is second only to the Silver River. Bring a picnic! On weekend's there is often a concession boat. Remember, it is part of the Ocala National Forest, so no booze in the Run!If you come by boat, there is no admission fee, but if you want to go ashore, there is. I have never been ashore. They have put up no beaching signs and moved the exclusion zone. It might be for the manatees.

Beautiful Spring to visit. The waters are probably the cleanest out of all central florida springs, less grass, more sand... It's got nice spot for free diving, which is fairy deep. Occasionally there will be fish swimming around which makes snorkeling more fun. It's clean and very spacey. The only down side is employees are very inconsiderate and not friendly, so stick to guidelines strictly or they will ruin all the fun for you.

My absolute favorite swimming destination anywhere. The water is as clear as anyplace on earth. Plenty of fish, turtles, and giant blue crabs. On a quiet day, you can hear and see the mullets jumping out of the water like miniature dolphins. You can easily dive to the bottom, 18’ down. There is a small cave almost anyone can fit into without feeling claustrophobic. Once in there, just stay away from the right side… its opening is much smaller. The park is in a very natural setting, and isn’t concreted in, unlike its neighbors, Salt & Juniper Springs. Bring a mask, snorkel, and fins to enjoy the underwater world, and bring a float to lounge around on if you get too cold.Many people complain about the staff doing cooler checks, but if you don’t have alcohol, then you don’t have to worry… no one wants to be around a bunch of drunk idiots in a place that is meant to be tranquil. We’ve been here many times and the staff has always been friendly to us and even gave us a voucher for a return trip because they had to close the park during the Government Shutdown (thanks, Washington!), and we were asked to leave.The only downside I see to this place is the lack of real restrooms (just port-a-johns), and the completely obnoxious boaters that come in from Lake George.If you come here, come during the week… weekends can be very crowded. We usually go in the middle of the week and practically have the place to ourselves.

We were on a houseboat from st.johns river. Took us 4 hrs. To get there. Hit violent storms cruising across lake George. Bad experience,not finding the markers. Only stayed overbite but did enjoy the clear waters. Tight anchoring area,know what u r doing.

Deep down I hope it stays hidden. For the crowds might ruin this beautiful treasure. I drove all the way from Miami see it in person. The crystal clear blue waters did not disappoint and made for awesome pictures. The surrounding scenery and wild life are also things to marvel at as you are recline on you floating device while taking it all in. Totally worth it.

Such a tranquil setting. Crystal clear water which is freezing cold but most refreshing during the hot Florida sunshine. BBQ area very clean with picnic tables available. Have visited this beautiful place 5 times and it is never very busy. Didn't see as many fish during this years visit. Really worth a visit. There is a little shop which sells sweets, crisps, drinks and inflatables. Admission is 4 dollars for the day.

We have been here a number of times in the past. It can get a bit crowded During the summer. We actually timed our visit to coincide with the beginning of the school year. On a weekday it was not crowded and there were only three large boats beyond the swimming area. I agree that it would be nice if they push the boat parking area further away from the swimming area. Many shallow areas but the current is strong. Best to bring fins. Did not see as many fish this time, but I would go back and try again some other time. Bathroom facilities are not that good and there are no showers like at Alexander Springs.Keep an eye on your belongings from time to time since the black vultures are pretty bold. No food should be left out since both vultures and squirrels will try to eat it.

My husband and I enjoyed our visit to the springs. We went during the week and found it to be somewhat crowded. Might be better when kids are back in school. Water is chilly! We snorkeled but found the fish a little bit disappointing as they were pretty dull in appearance. Glad I went but don't think I'll return. Took a 30 minute walk through Alexander Springs nearby and found that to be better and will check that out our next visit.

I have been to this spring twice now and it is definitely my favorite. I went on a Friday and there were maybe 40 people there and even on a busy Saturday it was not too bad. You do not have to worry about being there early as they do not fill to capacity like many of the other springs. The water is beautiful... the pictures just do not do this spring any justice. There is plenty of shade even in the water. This spring is great for kids because there is a large shallow area for them to play in and adults can set up their lawn or camping chairs in the water to watch them play. Almost the entire spring is shallow enough for adults to touch the ground except where the actual spring head is. They have canoe and kayak rentals that are about $16.00 for two hours. Cons: The only bathroom facilities they have are porta potties :( Did I mention this place is beautiful? Making a third trip this weekend!

It's a great day boat trip. Nothing to do up on land. Beautiful spring, I've been going since I was a kid and I love it there.

My husband and I drove from St Augustine to spend some time at Silver Glen Springs. What a beautiful place! We opted to rent a canoe and go investigate the area and were very glad we did. We saw lots of fish, herons, turtles, osprey and even heard quite a few gators. It was like "Florida of old". After a nice canoe trip, we went back to the springs and took the dive. The water will take your breath away at first, but you quickly get used to it...or go numb. :) It is an incredibly beautiful place. The staff were great and very helpful. The only negative thing were the port o potties...as they were nasty! Other than that....it was a trip well worth taking.

Makes you thankful to be a Floridian. This was a lot of fun. We enjoyed the swimming and trails. Only downfall is portapotty which employee told us was due to it being an archaeological site so no digging allowed.