Juniper Springs Rec Area
Open year-round with sites available via Recreation.gov. The Ocala National Forest is under stage 1 fire restrictions, but campfires are permitted in Forest Service-provided fire rings at developed campsites. The boardwalk area is currently closed for renovations. Day-use area gates open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; registered campers have 24-hour access via gate code.
Flood Warning issued October 11 at 10:01PM EDT until October 16 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Florida... Withlacoochee At US 41 Dunnellon affecting Marion, Citrus and Levy Counties. Cypress Creek At SR 54 Worthington Gardens affecting Pasco County. .Due to recent heavy rainfall, water levels on Cypress Creek remain elevated and could reach minor flood stage in the next few days. Elevated water levels continue on the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon due to a combination of excessive hydrilla growth along a 4.5 mile stretch of river between U.S. 41 and Lake Rousseau, and recent heavy rainfall. Water levels are expected to hold steady before slowly decreasing over the next several days. However, the river is forecast to remain at flood stage. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and is forecast to continue. * WHERE...Withlacoochee at US 41 Dunnellon. * WHEN...Until Friday morning. * IMPACTS...At 28.2 feet, Docks and boat ramps flood along the river in Citrus and Marion counties. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:45 PM EDT Sunday the stage was 28.2 feet. - Bankfull stage is 28.2 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to hold around 28.2 feet for the next few days. - Flood stage is 28.2 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 28.2 feet on 10/02/1979. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
From Recreation.gov
The Ocala National Forest is currently under stage 1 fire restrictions. Exemptions include developed campsites with Forest Service provided campfire rings and grills. Dispersed campers who wish to have fires must use propane; charcoal is authorized for grilling purposes. All residents must conform to the specifics of their county's burn bans. The USFS conforms to and may enforce county burn bans as authorized under; CFR 261.5 (i) Violating any state law concerning burning fires or any state law that is for the purpose of preventing or restricting the spread of fire. USFS law enforcement can issue citations under this code.
Supervisor's Office Closed
Due to potential weather impacts from Hurricane Isaias, the Supervisor's Office will be temporarily closed Friday, October 9.
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.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $38 - $70 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (352) 625-3147 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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