Juniper Springs Recreation Area
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.
More like this: reservable in Florida · big rigs in Florida · pets allowed in Florida · group sites in Florida
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 57 |
| Tent-only | 19 |
| group picnic area | 1 |
| Host/management | 2 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 45 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
77 sites in 4 loops. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | People / vehicles | Fires | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pavilion | Day Use | Group Picnic Area | Paved | Partial | 24 / 1 | No | No | ||
| 061 | FERN | Tent only | Pull-through | Gravel | Full | 5 / 2 | Yes | Yes | |
| 062 | FERN | Tent only | Pull-through | Gravel | Full | 5 / 2 | Yes | Yes | |
| 063 | FERN | Tent only | Pull-through | Gravel | Full | 5 / 2 | Yes | Yes | |
| 064 | FERN | Tent only | Pull-through | Gravel | Full | 5 / 2 | Yes | Yes | |
| 065 | FERN | Tent only | Pull-through | Gravel | Full | 5 / 2 | Yes | Yes | |
| 066 | FERN | Tent only | Pull-through | Gravel | Full | 5 / 2 | Yes | Yes | |
| 067 | FERN | Tent only | Pull-through | Gravel | Full | 5 / 2 | Yes | Yes | |
| 068 | FERN | Tent only | Pull-through | Gravel | Full | 5 / 2 | Yes | Yes | |
| 069 | FERN | Tent only | Pull-through | Gravel | Full | 5 / 2 | Yes | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 8:00 AM, checkout 6:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 45 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
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 to the Juniper Springs Recreation Area.
| Nearest town | Silver Springs, Florida |
| Coordinates | 29.1822° N, 81.7125° W · Directions ↗ |
Good to know
- 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.
Charges and cancellations
A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 10.8 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Pkay it Again ↗ | 25.3 mi |
| RV sales & service | RV sales & service ↗ | 25.5 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Juniper Springs Campground. Invisible Neighbors. Quiet Peaceful Stunning Surroundings.
Worth a stop
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.
- 10.5 miLake Eaton Day Use ↗Day use
- 11.6 miSalt Springs Marina Launch ↗Boat launch
- 12.5 miLake Dorr Day Use ↗Day use
Trails nearby
- 0.1 miJuniper Springs Nature Trail ↗0.6 mi trail · hiking
- 1.3 miFnst - Lake George Section ↗39.5 mi trail · hiking, horse · national_scenic_or_historic
- 1.3 miFnst - Seminole Section ↗27.4 mi trail · hiking, horse · national_scenic_or_historic
- 2 miCentennial Trail ↗36.1 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 3 more
- 4.9 miThe Yearling Trail3.7 mi trail · hiking, horse
Trailheads within three miles
- 2.7 miCentennial OHV Trailhead ↗National Forests in Florida
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
Juniper Prairie Wilderness begins under a tenth of a mile away, and it is the closest of these.
- under 0.1 miJuniper Prairie Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 14,293 acres
- 8.4 miBillies Bay Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 3,064 acres
- 14.3 miAlexander Springs Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 7,327 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Morgan–Townsend HouseBuilding · Salt Springs · 11.7 mi
- Carr Family CabinBuilding · Umatilla · 12.7 mi
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.
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. 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.
Guidebooks for Florida
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Juniper Springs Recreation Area?
Sites at Juniper Springs Recreation Area are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Juniper Springs Recreation Area?
Check-in 8:00 AM, checkout 6:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Juniper Springs Recreation Area have?
79 sites, including 57 standard sites without power, 19 tent-only sites, and 1 group picnic area.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Juniper Springs Recreation Area?
The longest site here provides 45 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are there showers or a dump station at Juniper Springs Recreation Area?
Other amenities include hot showers, flush toilets and dump station.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Juniper Springs Recreation Area?
Yes, pets are allowed at Juniper Springs Recreation Area. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Juniper Springs Recreation Area?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is there cell service at Juniper Springs Recreation Area?
FCC coverage maps show Verizon 4G LTE at the campground point. Terrain changes that from one site to the next.
Source: FCC Broadband Map
What is there to do at Juniper Springs Recreation Area?
Visitors love swimming in a 72-degree, natural pool found in the day use area. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Juniper Springs Recreation Area?
Silver Springs, Florida. Lake George and its many activities are just a short drive away.
Source: Getting there
What if Juniper Springs Recreation Area is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Hopkins Prairie Campground (6.2 mi), Buck Lake Group Campground (6.9 mi), and Mill Dam Group Camp (7.2 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby