Juniper Springs Rec Area

National Forests in Florida

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.

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, drinks and ice cream is nearby. Restaurants, shopping and gas are just 10 miles from campground.

Need to Know

Campers can check in at 2:00 pm and must check out by 11am. We do not accomodate early check-ins or late check-outs. If you arrive early, you will be required to pay the per person admission fee to access the site. If you remain after checkout, you will be assessed a late fee for occupying the site or will be required to pay the per person fee to access the swimming and picnic area.
Campground gate is closed and locked from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m (March - Oct) and 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. (Oct - March). Campers who check-in after the gatehouse is closed must visit the Gatehouse the next morning to complete their check-in to their site. Failure to do so will lead to a 'no show' charge to your reservation and potential forfeiture of site.
Camp sites must be occupied first night of reservation
Each campsite can hold a MAXIMUM of 2 tents and 5 campers. Maximum 2 vehicles per site (campers included); extra vehicles must park in overflow/overnight parking area and will be charged $9 per vehicle, per night
NO REFUNDS DUE TO WEATHER
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators are not allowed to run during quiet hours.
No off-road vehicles allowed within the campground
Bears and raccoons frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers. Failure to comply with this regulation can result in immediate ejection from campground without refund.
Dogs/pets are allowed in campground only and must be leashed and supervised at all times. No dogs/pets allowed in day-use area, bathrooms, boardwalk and canoe run.
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the day-use area.

We ask that guests be courteous of one another and limit floats in the swimming area to under 60 inches across.
Children weighing less than 40 lbs are not allowed in rental canoes. No disposable items allowed on the canoe run (i.e., food wrappers, styrofoam coolers, cans, bottles, etc.) Only re-usable containers are allowed.
Private canoe and kayak launches are at a fee and limited to 30 total vessels per day. Vessels must be launch BEFORE 1:00 p.m. daily. JUNIPER RUN IS NOT FOR BEGGINERS. IT IS A WILDERNESS AREA AND MECHANICAL TOOLS ARE NOT PERMITTED, SO THE RUN REMAINS WILD.
Click here for more information about Ocala National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
As per Forestry Department regulations, fines will result from the following infractions:

   - Leaving unattended coolers and food. These items must be in bear boxes or fully shut vehicles

   - Leaving burning or smoldering fires when exiting campsite.

   - Improperly parked vehicles

Natural Features

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.

Nearby Attractions

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.

Recreation

Visitors love swimming in a 72-degree, natural pool found in the day use area. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it is more developed with a pool-like look.

Paddling Juniper Run is also extremely popular year-round. Juniper Run is recognized as one of the top 25 canoe runs in America by ReserveAmerica. This 7-mile waterway winds through a scenic landscape, surrounded by a dense canopy of ancient trees in an old-growth forest.

While the journey offers picturesque scenery, it's important to highlight that Juniper Run is not suitable for beginners due to its challenging course and changing conditions. The run travels through a National Wilderness Area, and as defined in The Wilderness Act of 1967 Section 4(c): "There shall be no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or motorboats, no landing of aircraft, no other form of mechanical transport, and no structure or installation within any such area." So, clearing the run is limited to hand tools only. The run often has hazards overhead and underwater that make navigation difficult - even for seasoned paddlers. Learn more about Juniper Run and our rental kayaks & shuttle service: https://www.naventure.com/juniper-run

Back on land, campers can spend a day in the woods on a segment of the statewide Florida National Scenic Trail, or walk a shorter nature trail within the facility. Interpretive programs are available during summer months.

Changes & Cancellations

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

Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, gear rentals, or day-use fees.

Contact Information

Default

26701 EAST HWY 40 SILVER SPRINGS FL 34488

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 352-625-3147

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

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.

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

Camp, RV, and Explore Outdoors

Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. We provide tools and tips to discover new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, and reservations. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Recreation.gov!