Juniper Springs Rec Area

About

Juniper Springs Campground is one of the nation's top camping destinations, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Located in the heart of Ocala National Forest's Big Scrub ecosystem, the campground offers 79 deeply shaded sites arranged in three loops (Tropical, Sandpine, and Fern) near the creek and springs. Every site is equipped with a picnic table, grill, campfire ring, and lantern post. The campground features hot showers, flush toilets, a dump station, and a well-stocked camp store selling supplies, snacks, ice, charcoal, and firewood. The natural springs are the centerpiece of this recreation area, with hundreds of bubbling springs emerging from crevices beneath a dense canopy of palms and oaks. The day-use area features a warm natural swimming pool, while the 7-mile Juniper Run canoe trip is recognized as one of the top 25 canoe runs in America. Private canoes and kayaks are permitted (no inflatables) with launches limited to 30 vessels per day before 1 p.m. Kayak and canoe rentals with shuttle service are available through the concessionaire. The area supports abundant wildlife including alligators, turtles, deer, black bear, wild turkey, and uncommon species like albino gray squirrels, river otters, and American eels. Hikers can access a segment of the Florida Trail or walk the shorter nature trail within the facility. Interpretive programs are offered during summer months.

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. 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.