Sweetwater Cabin
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this classic example of 1930s CCC architecture is perched above a chalky blue spring - Sweetwater Spring - that creates a stream feeding Juniper Creek. It is one of the most popular and secretive getaways in the Ocala National Forest.
This popular Sweetwater Spring Rental Cabin is a great way to escape from it all, and has its own spring, and canoes. Cell phone service is limited, but there is a landline phone available for local and emergency calls only.
The cabin is located in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness Area of the Ocala National Forest in the Silver Springs area.
For active leisure fun, two canoes with paddles and life vests are furnished for guests. Canoeists can negotiate the famous Juniper Canoe Run and egress at Juniper Wayside on SR 19. Or, if you are looking for a more passive activity, you can enjoy nature at it’s finest by sitting on the screened porch, the observation deck, or by taking a leisure walk in the surrounding woods.
Due to high demand, Sweetwater Cabin rental reservations are awarded through an annual computerized lottery selection process. Reservations are week-long and run from Friday to Friday. Only one entry per household allowed, per year.
Pets are not permitted on the property due to its sensitive historic and ecologic nature.
Permit & Season Information
This permit allows the permit holder access to the Sweetwater Cabin and Spring for a week-long reservation that runs from the starting date on a Friday at 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. the following Friday. Early check-ins and late check-outs cannot be accommodated.
Need to Know
Permit applications are limited to one per HOUSHOLD per year.
Sweetwater Cabin is a historically significant building and site, and is under special protections for its preservtaion. Pets of any kind are not permitted.
Several alligators have taken up reseidence in Sweetwater Spring and the surrounding run. Swimming is extremely dangerous and not permitted.
Campfires
- Obey any restrictions on fires. Fires may be limited or prohibited at certain times.
- Within campgrounds and other recreation areas, fires may only be built in fire rings, stoves, grills or fireplaces provided for that purpose.
- Be sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving. Do not leave your fire unattended. You are responsible for keeping fires under control.
Firearms
Firearms are allowed on National Forest System Lands in compliance with Florida state law regulating the carry of firearms in public areas. Use of firearms on National Forest System lands are regulated by 36 CFR 261.10(d), which states:
- The following are prohibited:
- Discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury or damaging property as follows:
- In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area, or
- Across or on a National Forest System Road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby any person of property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge or
- Into or within any cave.
Fireworks
- Use of fireworks or other explosives within campgrounds and other recreation areas is prohibited.
Public Property
- Preserve and protect your National Forests. Leave natural areas the way you find them. Practice “Leave No Trace” ethics.
- Do not carve, chop, cut or damage any live trees.
Sanitation
- Help prevent pollution by keeping garbage, litter, and foreign substances out of lakes, streams, and other waters.
- All garbage and litter must either be deposited in containers provided, or taken with you when you leave.
- Camper holding tanks may only be emptied into approved designated facilities. Many campgrounds in the Forest are not equipped with dump stations, so you may have to travel to nearby communities to find an approved dump station.
- Graywater from individual campsites, in small quantities, may be disposed of in the toilet facilities or else taken away from the campground and dispersed on the ground over a wide area.
- When camping in non-designated campsites, be sure to dig and cover a personal latrine, well away from water sources. Practice "Leave No Trace" methods to erase signs of your presence when you leave. Disperse rocks used in fire rings, rearrange leaves/twigs to disguise the camp area, and be sure to take all garbage with you.
Vehicle Operation
- Vehicles must be parked in designated areas only.
- Use of vehicles within campgrounds and other recreation areas is limited to entering or leaving those areas.
Fish and wildlife.
DO NOT FEED THE WILDLIFE.
The following are prohibited to the extent Federal or State law is violated:
- (a) Hunting, trapping, fishing, catching, molesting, killing or having in possession any kind of wild animal, bird, or fish, or taking the eggs of any such bird.
- (b) Possessing a firearm or other implement designed to discharge a missile capable of destroying animal life.
- (c) Possessing equipment which could be used for hunting, fishing, or trapping.
- (d) Possessing a dog not on a leash or otherwise confined.
- (e) Curtail the free movement of any animal or plant life into or out of a cave, except as authorized to protect a cave resource.
General Notice
All visitors and users of the National Forests are subject to Federal Regulations. The points of conduct listed here are included and enforceable through Federal Regulations.
CFR Title 36, Part 261 – Prohibitions , are applicable to all National Forests. Copies of Title 36 are on file at all Forest Supervisor and District Ranger Offices.
Fee Policy
Rental Rate: Payment in full of the following fees shall be due upon receiving a permit through the lottery:
Deposit: $350
Rental Price: $1,2000
Taxes: $132.00
Total Due: $1,682
The deposit is for security and shall be refunded within 60 days of the Check-out Date, provided the following have not occurred:
- Damage cause to the property or furnishings
- Removal of furnishings or non-consumable items
- Violation of any rules for site and forest
- Dirt or mess requiring excessive cleaning, or
- Any other cost incurred by the Business due to Guest’s stay.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
If Guest wishes to cancel the reservation, the payments will be refunded as follows:
100% if canceled 28 days prior to the Check-in Date
Less than 28 days prior to scheduled stay: Refund of payments will be contingent upon filling reservation with an alternative customer.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
26701 East Highway 40 Astor FL 26701
Phone Number
(352) 625-3147
