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Juniper Springs Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest. The location offers deeply shaded sites within walking distance of some of Florida's most beautiful natural springs. The surrounding recreation area has plenty of activities to entertain visitors, including swimming, picnicking, canoeing, snorkeling, hiking, birding and wildlife viewing.
This campground was named one of Reserve America's Top 100 Family Campgrounds in the United States.
Visitors love swimming in a warm natural pool found in the day use area. Canoeing is also extremely popular year-round. The 7-mile journey down Juniper Run offers a unique perspective on the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. Private canoes can be used, or canoes can be rented from the concessionaire.
Back on land, campers can spend a day in the woods on a segment of the statewide Florida Trail, or walk a shorter nature trail within the facility. Interpretive programs are available during summer months.
The facility is divided into a day use area and campground. Campsites are arranged into three loops near the creek and springs. All sites are shaded and equipped with a picnic table, grill, campfire ring, lantern post and space for tents. There are no sites with full hookups. Other amenities include hot showers, flush toilets and dump station.
A convenience store with camping supplies, beach supplies, food, drinks and ice cream is nearby. Restaurants, shopping and gas are just 10 miles from campground.
The natural springs are at the heart of this recreation area. Hundreds of bubbling springs emerge from crevices in the earth beneath a dense canopy of palms and oaks - an oasis within the heart of the desert-like Big Scrub ecosystem for which the national forest is known.
Abundant wildlife inhabitant the area, including alligators, turtles, deer, black bear, turkey, raccoons and numerous species of birds, as well as uncommon species like the albino gray squirrel, river otters and American eels.
Lake George and its many activities are just a short drive away. The Ocala National Forest is also notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to both ATV enthusiasts and Jeeps, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters from around Central Florida. These opportunities are available nearby.
Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation.
[https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies ](https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies)
Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, gear rentals, or day-use fees.
From I-75, take Highway 40 east through Ocala and Silver Springs for approximately 36 miles to the Juniper Springs Recreation Area.
From I-95, take the Ocala/Silver Springs Exit (Highway 40) west for approximately 37 miles to the Juniper Springs Recreation Area.
From the intersection of Highway 40 and Highway 19, the campground is 4.5 miles west on Highway 40. The entrance is on the north side of Highway 40.
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Went camping here on a weekend. Does get crowded on the weekend. I've gone to almost all Florida springs except for 3 and this is one of them. We had an awesome experience. The property is extremely clean and well kept. They have a mini store on the property but the hours on google are incorrect. They close at 4pm not 6pm. Very kid friendly. After hours you get a gate code to enter and leave when you need to. I would recommend this place especially for camping. The spots are very decent size. No RV hook ups but you can fit a full size RV & a 5th wheel with no problem. Keep in mind the store is for minimal essentials and the nearest grocery store is a 40 minute drive. You can bring animals, dogs must be in leash. The walking trail is pretty cool. Bathrooms and showers are near all campsites. They also have a dishwashing station.
First time visiting was great. They have carts to help get your kayak to the launch and a shuttle (for a fee) that will bring you back after the 7 mile journey. The staff including the manager were friendly, knowledgeable, and even patient. The paddle is not for the weak or timid but well worth it if you love florida and its unique abundance of flaura and fauna.
An amazing spring and more kid friendly than Silver Glen Springs, I think. There are built up sides and walls all the way around the pool allowing parents to keep a better eye on their kids at all times. You can swim on the edges with thousands of tiny minnows or you can swim over some seaweed where it gets a bit deeper on the middle. Loved this spring because it is accessible all the way around the has lots to see underwater. We even saw an otter 20 feet from us underwater by the mill wheel!
Awesome paddle. Not lots of animals but Beautiful. Narrow. Very twisty. Fast. Should know how to maneuver boat in moving water. 10 ft boat is best.
I have been to the springs before the park was destroyed by hurricanes. I also have been kayaking down the run once before the hurricane s and twice after the hurricane’s damage. Today we went to the park for hiking, big mistake! All the beautiful boardwalks are destroyed and left to rot. The natural boils are gone along with the beautiful clear blue water. It appears no one has done anything to repair or replace what was lost!😞 I can truly say i will never return.
