Juniper Springs Rec Area

Q: Can you book JUNIPER SPRINGS REC AREA online?

We hold no online booking link for JUNIPER SPRINGS REC AREA, so it is not bookable through this page. For sites like this, turning up early in the day is the surest way to get a spot, particularly in peak season.

Q: Where is JUNIPER SPRINGS REC AREA?

JUNIPER SPRINGS REC AREA sits in FL. The map on this page shows the exact spot, and the coordinates travel straight into your navigation app. Check road conditions before you set out if you are towing, since access tracks can change with the weather.

JUNIPER SPRINGS REC AREA in FL — photo 2

JUNIPER SPRINGS REC AREA in FL — photo 3

JUNIPER SPRINGS REC AREA in FL — photo 4

Juniper Springs Rec Area

About this campsite

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.

Recreation

Visitors love swimming in a 72-degree, natural pool found in the day use area. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it is more developed with a pool-like look.

Paddling Juniper Run is also extremely popular year-round. Juniper Run is recognized as one of the top 25 canoe runs in America by ReserveAmerica. This 7-mile waterway winds through a scenic landscape, surrounded by a dense canopy of ancient trees in an old-growth forest.

While the journey offers picturesque scenery, it's important to highlight that Juniper Run is not suitable for beginners due to its challenging course and changing conditions. The run travels through a National Wilderness Area, and as defined in The Wilderness Act of 1967 Section 4(c): "There shall be no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or motorboats, no landing of aircraft, no other form of mechanical transport, and no structure or installation within any such area." So, clearing the run is limited to hand tools only. The run often has hazards overhead and underwater that make navigation difficult - even for seasoned paddlers. Learn more about Juniper Run and our rental kayaks & shuttle service: https://www.naventure.com/juniper-run

Back on land, campers can spend a day in the woods on a segment of the statewide Florida National Scenic 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, drinks and ice cream is nearby. Restaurants, shopping and gas are just 10 miles from campground.

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (352) 625-3147.

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.

Charges & Cancellations

Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation.

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Location

JUNIPER SPRINGS REC AREA•FL

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Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

TODAY☁️

32° / 24°

💧 39%

SAT🌦️

29° / 24°

💧 57%

SUN🌦️

34° / 24°

💧 71%

MON🌦️

26° / 23°

💧 83%

TUE🌦️

26° / 23°

💧 90%

Common questions about JUNIPER SPRINGS REC AREA

Can you book JUNIPER SPRINGS REC AREA online?

We hold no online booking link for JUNIPER SPRINGS REC AREA, so it is not bookable through this page. For sites like this, turning up early in the day is the surest way to get a spot, particularly in peak season.

Where is JUNIPER SPRINGS REC AREA?

JUNIPER SPRINGS REC AREA sits in FL. The map on this page shows the exact spot, and the coordinates travel straight into your navigation app. Check road conditions before you set out if you are towing, since access tracks can change with the weather.

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

10.0 km away

Hopkins Prairie Campground

Overview There are only 21 sites at Hopkins Prairie. All are well-shaded in an oak hammock on a peninsula surrounded by the prairie, where cool breezes blow in when there is a little water in the prairie. Recreation Depending on water levels in the prairie, you may be able to launch your canoe or jon boat to drift across the deeper spots in this vast ecosystem. Boat ramp available - $3 per vessel launch fee Hopkins Prairie is a designated camping area with minimal facilities, open seasonally. The vast expanse of Hopkins Prairie has ponds and shallows. Depending on water levels, it may be possible to fish from the bank or launch a canoe or jon boat to access the deeper areas. With a year-round trailhead providing access to the Florida Trail, Hopkins Prairie is a popular destination for day hikers to wander off in either direction along the trail, or complete a section down to the Pat's Island Trailhead or Juniper Springs. Hopkins Prairie is an excellent destination for birding, since the interface between open prairie and scrub forest is usually busy with songbirds, while wading birds pick through the ponds. Even when the campground is closed, you can meander from the Hopkins Prairie Trailhead along the Florida Trail to enjoy birding. It's also a perfect spot where you can peer out from the shade of an oak scrub forest beneath gnarled limbs to an expanse of grasslands shimmering in the sun. Facilities Vault Toilets 21 Sites Water Available via Hand Pump Boat ramp Natural Features An island of shade amid a broad, winding grassland, the Hopkins Prairie Campground is a seasonal destination for campers looking to get a bit off the beaten path. It sits right along the Florida Trail and offers opportunities for fishing and birding along miles of prairie shoreline. Charges & Cancellations Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation. https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, gear rentals, or day-use fees.

11.1 km away

BUCK LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND

Overview Buck Lake is a group camping facility in the heart of Ocala National Forest in Florida. Great for family reunions and social gatherings, the campground can host a group of up to 50 guests along the shores of Buck Lake. Activities include fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and simply relaxing and enjoying the breeze. Recreation The sandy swimming beach provides a great place to relax and picnic. Campers have access to Buck Lake to enjoy fishing for panfish, bass and crappie, as well as boating. Hikers can access a segment of the 1,400-mile Florida Trail via a scenic trail that loops around the lake for 1.7 miles. Facilities This campground provides primitive camping for groups. Amenities include a vault toilet, a hand pump for drinking water, six picnic tables and a group campfire ring. Group get exclusive use of the facility during the reservation. Natural Features Located in north central Florida, the Ocala National Forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. The forest is also rich in water resources with more than 600 lakes, rivers and springs, several of which are near Buck Lake. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (352) 669-3522. Nearby Attractions Buck Lake is near the beautiful, turquoise waters of Alexander Springs Recreation Area, where visitors can swim, dive and snorkel in a warm, spring-fed lake and canoe on a 7-mile run.

11.5 km away

MILL DAM GROUP CAMP

Overview Mill Dam Group Campground offers a fun and relaxing setting for groups of up to 150 to enjoy Ocala National Forest. Large picnic shelters and access to outdoor and water recreation make this area ideal for family reunions and other large parties. Recreation The campground sits along the 168-acre Mill Dam Lake, and water activities are popular among campers and day-use visitors. Anglers come from all over to enjoy bass fishing. Campers can bring their boats, canoes and kayaks for easy access to the water via an adjacent boat ramp. A large swimming beach and picnic area are great ways to keep the kids entertained. Facilities In the spring, summer and early fall, Mill Dam is a day-use area only. For the remainder of the year, it becomes a group campground and recreation area for both day-use and tent camping. Amenities include a picnic shelter, group grills, picnic tables and flush toilets. The parking lot can hold up to 70 vehicles. A boat ramp adjoins the recreation area, on a separate entrance. Natural Features Located in north central Florida, the Ocala National Forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. The campground and recreation area sit in the shade of live oak trees overlooking Mill Dam Lake. Numerous animals make their home in the area, including alligators, turtles, deer, raccoons, black bear and many bird species. Nearby Attractions The Ocala National Forest is 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 within a short drive. Contact Info This location has limited staffing. Please call (352) 625-3147 for general information. Charges & Cancellations Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation. https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, gear rentals, or day-use fees.

15.5 km away

BIG SCRUB CAMPGROUND

Overview Perennially popular with off-road vehicle enthusiasts, Big Scrub Campground sits in the Ocala National Forest in central Florida. A trailhead within the facility offers riders campsite-to-trail access. 14 day stay limit in a 30 day period in ALL Ocala National Forest Campgrounds For reservations or refund request please call (877) 444-6777 Recreation Big Scrub Campground offers direct access to the 47-mile Ocala Adventure Trail. All off-road vehicle riders will enjoy exploring the Tread Lightly Four Wheel Drive Way. A permit is required for use of the trail system. Learn more about off-road vehicle use in Ocala National Forest. Facilities Big Scrub can accommodate tents, campers and RVs. The campground is equipped with showers, restrooms and drinking water. Natural Features The Ocala National Forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. Miles of trails offer plenty of open space and blue skies for off-road vehicles. Contact Info This location has limited staffing. Please call (352) 625-2520 for general information. Nearby Attractions The warm, turquoise waters of Alexander Springs are a short drive away. Visitors can swim, canoe and dive in a natural spring-fed lake and creek.

16.9 km away

Lake Eaton Campground

Overview A large, shallow lake cradled by the Big Scrub, Lake Eaton offers many distinctive faces. As a seasonal access area, the Lake Eaton Campground has only 14 sites. At the end of the road, the Lake Eaton Boat Launch and Pier offers opportunities for boating and fishing. 14 day stay limit in a 30 day period in ALL Ocala National Forest Campgrounds For reservations or refund request please call (877) 444-6777 Contact Info This location has limited staffing. Please call (352) 625-2520 for general information.