Facility Details - JUNIPER SPRINGS REC AREA, FL

Overview

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.

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.

Recreation:

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.

Facilities:

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.

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.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Accessible Flush Toilets Accessible Sites Amphitheater Bath House Birding Canoe Rentals Canoeing Drinking Water Dump Station Educational Programs Entrance Station Firewood General Store Grills Hiking	Historic Sites Host Ice Machine Parking Area Paved Parking Spurs Paved Roads Pay Phone Picnic Shelters Showers Swimming Trails Trash Collection Vending Machines Wildlife Viewing
Within 10 Miles
ATM Boating Fishing	Off-Road Vehicle Trails Visitor Center
Greater Than 10 Miles
Hospital	Scuba Diving

Know Before You Go

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.
Camp sites must be occupied first night of reservation
Maximum 2 vehicles per site; extra vehicles must park in overflow/overnight parking area and will be charged $10 per vehicle, per night
Campers must check out by 1 p.m.
No off-road vehicles allowed within the campground
Bears and raccoons frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers
This campground has first-come, first-served sites
Dogs are allowed
For canoe rental information and important rules and regulations, please call 352-625-2808.
Click here for more information about Ocala National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
29.18222, -81.7125
29°10'56"N, 81°42'45"W

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.