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Juniper Springs Recreation Area
Juniper Springs is one of the oldest and best-known recreation areas on the East Coast. Located between Ocala and Ormond Beach along SR 40, this complex of swimming and picnic area, campground and trails was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This setting houses hundreds of tiny bubbling springs and massive springs gushing out of crevices in the earth beneath a dense canopy of palms and oaks, an oasis within the heart of the desert-like scrub ecosystem.
Boating
- Juniper Run is a narrow, winding waterway set under a dense canopy of old-growth forest and few places solid enough to get out of your canoe. Just before the take out point near SR 19, the waterway broadens to encompass wetlands teeming with wading birds and wildlife.
Camping
- Who doesn't love camping under a dense canopy of live oaks? Juniper Springs is one of the nation's top destinations for camping, not just because of the many activities available on site but also for its well-shaded setting.
Interpretive Area
- As a Civilian Conservation Corps-era recreation area and campground, Juniper Springs is a historic site with an interesting story to tell. Stop in the old Mill House to learn why and how the swimming area and campground were built, and how the mill used to provide electricity for the campground.
Nature Watching
- The dense, jungle-like forests surrounding Juniper Springs and Juniper Run - as well as the waterway itself - are home to wildlife that you might not commonly see elsewhere. Among the more interesting residents of our natural communities are the albino gray squirrels seen near the Mill House, the otters that play along the edges of the spring run and the American eels that migrate out to the Sargasso Sea to spawn, returning to Juniper Springs to live.
Swimming
- Juniper Springs is notable as a crystalline pool of spring outflow, shallow at one end and deep enough to jump into at the other. Natural tapegrass grows along the bottom of the spring. Don't be surprised to see an American eel amid the greenery.
Day Hiking / Walking / Backpacking
- Backpackers often use Juniper Springs as a stopping-off point while working their way along a 72-mile unbroken segment of the Florida Trail.
- Current Boardwalk area is closed to the Public for necessary renovations. Please stay tuned for project updates and related detours in the area.
This site is operated by Naventure.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | The following services are available: Kayak rentals, shuttle services and general store. Expect full recreation sites during weekends. Have backup plans. Sites may close when capacity is reached. |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; may close earlier seasonally. Campers have 24-hour access to the campground via gates with an access code. The concessionaire sells snacks, ice, charcoal, firewood, beach items and personal items. Alcoholic beverages and pets are not permitted into the Day-Use area. |
| Reservations: | Reservations for the campground may be made by phone at 1-877-444-6777 or online at Recreation.gov. Expect full recreation sites during weekends. Have backup plans. Sites may close when capacity is reached. |
| Rentals & Guides: | Rentals and Shuttle Services are available on a first come, first served basis. Contact Naventure for details. |
| Fees: | Ocala National Forest Springs Hopper Pass This day-use pass is $80 + tax per person and is good for 12 months from the date of purchase. It provides entrance to recreation areas managed by Naventure, which includes: Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Clearwater Lake and Wildcat Lake. Available for purchase at Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs, Clearwater Lake and Silver Glen Springs. |
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
| Restrictions: |
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| Passes: | Ocala National Forest Springs Hopper Pass This day-use pass is $80 + tax per person and is good for 12 months from the date of purchase. It provides entrance to recreation areas managed by Naventure, which includes: Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Clearwater Lake and Wildcat Lake. Available for purchase at Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs, Clearwater Lake and Silver Glen Springs. |
General Information
General Notes:Amenities
- Accessible walkways and nature trail
- Flush toilets
- Interpretive site (Old Mill House)
- Non-potable water
- Parking
- Picnic tables
- Tent and RV campsites: 79 unique sites
Licenses and Passes
Boating
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Boating in the National Forests in Florida is regulated by the state of Florida. Please visit our boating web page before you grab your personal floatation device and head out onto the water.
Activities
Campground Camping
Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:General Info:
AccessibilityWalkways and nature trail are accessible.