Rising Tides: Silver Springs State Park Paddle/ Camping at Juniper Springs Recreation Area

March 8 - March 10, 2019
Silver Springs State Park (Paddle- March 9th) and Juniper Springs Recreation Area (Camping March 8th and 9th)

Join the Rising Tides to paddle at Silver Springs State Park on Silver River and optional camping at Juniper Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest. Learn more about Rising Tides here

Do you just want to paddle?
You can choose to come for only the paddle on Saturday, March 9th. Be ready to launch at 10:30am from Silver Springs State Park Canoe and Kayak Launch. Please RSVP for just the paddle here.

***When you RSVP please also be sure to reserve your vessel through Silver Springs State Park if you plan to rent. There is a possibility that they will run out of vessels on a busy weekend. When reserving, select the Shuttle Service from Ray Wayside Park option. More info about paddling at Silver Springs State Park and rentals here.

Are you going to camp?
We have campsites 75 and 76 reserved for Friday, March 8th and Saturday, March 9th, 2019 (you can choose to camp one night or both).
More info about Juniper Springs Recreation Area here
Please RSVP to camp for a suggested donation of $10 here

Note of Address: When searching on GPS for Juniper Springs Recreation Area, search for Juniper Springs Recreation Area. If address is copied and pasted it takes you to Mill Dam, which is not Juniper Springs Recreation Area.

Trip Summary:
Join us Friday night to set up camp and hang out by the campfire.
On Saturday, we will launch by 10:30am from Silver Springs State Park Canoe and Kayak Launch for a beautiful one-way 5-mile paddle on Silver River. We will stop along the way for a bring your own lunch picnic.

Note: After the paddle, we will be shuttled back by Silver Springs State Park staff. It is all very well organized. Upon return, feel free to explore Silver Springs State Park, head home or back to the campsite. For those staying Saturday night, we will spend another evening under the trees. Sunday, we will break down camp and head out to visit some other springs in the area or choose to travel home.

EQUIPMENT: No camping gear will be provided. Please bring your own supplies.

BOATS: Participants can bring their own vessel or rent a kayak or canoe from Silver Springs State Park. It is recommended to reserve your vessel in advance if you are renting. Rental information here.

Rentals at Silver Springs State Park:
$35 (Single Kayak);
$50 (2-person Kayak or Canoe)
$50 (Stand Up Paddle Board)

If you are bringing your own vessel the following applies:
There is a $4 launch fee per vessel, plus park admission of $2 per person.

FOOD: Participants will provide all of their own meals. However, we will have some snacks and supplies for s’mores.
Note: Bears and raccoons frequent the area; all food must be kept in the bear box or your vehicle during camping.

COST: The cost is $10 suggested donation for camping. There is no charge for those coming for only the paddle.

Friday, March 8, 2019
2 pm – Check in available at campsites 75 and 76.
7pm- Dinner by the campfire
Reminder: Campground gate is closed and locked from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.; if arriving after hours, campers must call ahead at 352-625-3147 prior to 6 p.m.; no one admitted after 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 9, 2019
10:30 am – Launch vessels from Silver Springs State Park
12pm- Bring your own lunch picnic on the water
3:30pm – Expected time off the water
4pm – Estimated expected return to Silver Springs State Park
4pm-7pm- Choose to explore Silver Springs State Park, head home or back to the campsite.
7pm- Dinner by the campfire

Sunday, March 10, 2019
12pm – Campsite check out. Visit other Springs in the area or Travel Home