Picture perfect natural springs, crystal clear water!

Ocala National Forest, Juniper Springs

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.

The 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.

Parking:

Large parking area for day use. Overnight parking available for backpackers for a fee.

General Notes:

Day use activities include picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, bird watching, paddling and hiking. At night, relax in the heart of the forest within our historic campground. A barrier-free self-guided interpretive trail paralleling the spring outflows of Juniper Run and Fern Hammock Run provides information on the semi-tropical vegetation plus beautiful views of the waterways. For hikers looking for a day in the woods, the statewide Florida Trail (area is unavailable)passes through the recreation area, leading hikers through the rugged Juniper Prairie Wilderness to the north (area is unavailable) and through the tall pines of the Big Scrub along Farles Prairie to the south (area is unavailable). Canoeing is extremely popular year-round. The seven-mile journey down Juniper Run offers a unique perspective on the Juniper Prairie Wilderness, where you might see otters at play or alligators drifting through the shallows. Private canoes can be used, or canoes can be rented from the concessionaire on the premises. Haul-back services are available.

Accessibility:

Paths are wheelchair accessible from the parking area to the bathhouse, swimming area and along the spring run Nature Trail.

Directions:

From Interstate 75 at SR 40 in Ocala, drive east through Ocala and Silver Springs to reach the Ocala National Forest. It's about 28 miles from I-75 to the recreation area entrance road on the left.