Fort Oak Ferry
Nancy and I had driven to the ferry while staying at Salt Springs National Recreation Area, but did not take the
ferry that day. We were looking for an adventure and decided to go take the ferry. Fortunately it was open (Friday,
Saturday and Sunday only). It cost $10 and I don't see that they can make a profit unless they have multiple cars
on a trip. There is a 7 mile washboard dirt road leading up to it on the West side from Salt Springs that we could
average only about 15 to 20 mph. On the East side, there was only a half mile of good dirt road. The ferry has
been in operation over 100 years and the wooden push boat was built in 1926. It is hooked to the center of the
boat and swings around when it changes direction to return. Very unique system. The boat will hold 4 standard
size pickups. The ride took about 10 minutes and was very interesting. I talked to the deckhand (who used to own
the ferry and was a Florida Native like me). All in all, it was a fun trip.
ferry that day. We were looking for an adventure and decided to go take the ferry. Fortunately it was open (Friday,
Saturday and Sunday only). It cost $10 and I don't see that they can make a profit unless they have multiple cars
on a trip. There is a 7 mile washboard dirt road leading up to it on the West side from Salt Springs that we could
average only about 15 to 20 mph. On the East side, there was only a half mile of good dirt road. The ferry has
been in operation over 100 years and the wooden push boat was built in 1926. It is hooked to the center of the
boat and swings around when it changes direction to return. Very unique system. The boat will hold 4 standard
size pickups. The ride took about 10 minutes and was very interesting. I talked to the deckhand (who used to own
the ferry and was a Florida Native like me). All in all, it was a fun trip.
We drove up to the ferry and called a phone number. We told the ferryman's wife that we
wanted to cross and he came right over. Very interesting craft.
wanted to cross and he came right over. Very interesting craft.
The ferryman was very effecient and p;ays the current perfectly. He had
a deckhand, but could have done it alone.
a deckhand, but could have done it alone.
Very neat pusher boat. Note it is on a
swivel with the ferry.
swivel with the ferry.
Commercial fisherman coming in next to the ferry.
Very beautiful section of the river.
Osprey nest on power line across the river.
The ferryman also owns a fish camp with 11 RV sites.
A traditional freshwater river boat that is privately owned.