Juniper Springs Rec Area

Juniper Springs Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest, offering 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. The campground was named one of Reserve America's Top 100 Family Campgrounds in the United States. Visitors love swimming in the 72-degree natural pool 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, and the 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. It is not suitable for beginners: the course is challenging, conditions change, and the run travels through a National Wilderness Area, where there is no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment or motorboats, no landing of aircraft, no other form of mechanical transport, and no structure or installation — so clearing it is limited to hand tools only. The run often has hazards overhead and underwater that make navigation difficult, even for seasoned paddlers. 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. The facility is divided into a day-use area and a campground, with campsites 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 a dump station. A convenience store with camping supplies, beach supplies, drinks and ice cream is nearby, and restaurants, shopping and gas are just 10 miles from the campground. 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 inhabits 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. Lake George and its many activities are just a short drive away, and 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.