juniper springs recreation area

Canoes can be rented here to float serenely down 11 miles of crystal clear water. Lots of wildlife, if lucky enough to see it, includes alligators, turtles, turkeys, raccoons, deer, bears and many species of birds. Amazing wildlife in a lovely setting. I understand that camp sites can also be booked. Cost of entry to the park is $5.

We drove 4 hours to come to a place where we thought we'd experience at least a minimum of peace and quiet. After all, isn't that why people come to a national forest for tent-camping? To our surprise, instead, we found ourselves in the midst of a White Trash Trailer Park Dance Party on both nights we were there. The problems are three: 1) there are too many tent sites; 2) they are too close together and have been placed in clearings where there is little to no vegetation between them to dampen the sound; and 3) the park rangers do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to make sure that some inconsiderate, uncivilized campers aren't ruining the experience for others. There is no enforcement. Let me repeat that: In the event you cannot sleep or cannot enjoy a meal (or, in fact, can't hear frogs or birds or any other natural sound) because: people are screaming, yelling, laughing, drinking, and partying until all hours; have brought a DJ-worthy sound system and are blaring hiphop music until after 11 at night (and then pick it up again at 7:00am the next morning); or allow their kids to shriek like little banshees until long, long after dark -- if these things happen, you are on your own. You’re free, of course, to confront the guy dressed entirely in camouflage wear who has driven a truck with four-foot-high wheels into the park, and ask him to turn down his music. You'd have to, because the park certainly isn't going to deal with it, though it is the rangers' job to do so, not yours. The short version: no sleep for two nights, and an exhausting, distressing experience as well as a complete waste of time and money. Those jerks in your neighborhood who have loud parties that keep the whole neighborhood awake? This is the park they come to when they want to "camp." At this point, we're requesting a refund from the park and will see what they say. As for the park itself: You will see almost no animals, not even birds, because of the noise factor. There is one -- repeat one -- fairly boring trail, about 75% of it on boardwalk, that loops for a total of about two miles behind the tent sites and partly parallels Juniper Run, which is not unattractive if you've never seen a natural spring before. Otherwise, there is nothing to see or do here. Whoever is in charge of managing this place deserves to lose his job.

We went for the day and we were surprised there was a fee for disabled vets. This is run by a company and not the forest service. The camping sites were extremely primitive and not well-maintained. Very narrow and appeared to be somewhat overgrown. Won't be returning to this area.

My father and I like to get away sometimes on a kayak trip, this place by far has the best spring run we've been to. It was a very cold morning (30F!!!) but that didn't stop us, we took our gloves and winter clothes and headed down the 7 mile run. What awaited us was an amazing scenery: The run starts with very shallow crystal clear water and because it was warm compared to the freezing weather; steam floated upwards from it. As the sun rose, its rays peeking through the forestry; mixed with the steam for an spectacular view. I felt like I was in a movie set!!! I was expecting the jurassic park sign to come up next :D The run itself is a bit more challenging than other places we've been to (volusia blue springs, wekiwa, shingle creek) but we enjoyed it! some parts have more current than others ( even a short 'rapid' halfway through. If you've never kayaked before, this might not be the best place to start. The staff members are pretty good about giving advice prior to the start of your adventure.

I took my two girls, 11 and 9, camping at Juniper Springs this past weekend. They enjoyed it very much. The park offered nice camp sites with fire pit, table, lantern hook and charcoal grill. The sites ranged from full privacy to open sites. All sites where shaded with live oaks, water oaks and pine trees. Some where tent only, which we did tent. Several hot shower houses. No water or electric to camp site but there was community water outlet. The camp grounds offered swimming in natural crystal clear springs, nature trials canoeing. My girls enjoyed riding their bikes under tree canopy. This past weekend was cold which made our experience all the better: camp fires, cooking over the fire and the whole sleeping in the tent adventure for little ones. Off site there are several ATV trials that are longer than anyone would to do. The concession store had a significant amount of items you might need for camping except food and LP gas. All very reasonably priced. All staff and rangers where pleasant. My girls look forward to going back with mommy next time. Now for things to consider if planning trip here. We had campsite 35 which we were happy with. Sites in the "Sandpine Camp Area" seemed more secluded than the other tent loop. Despite off season, or so I think, and the cold the place was virtually full but you didn't feel it as it's a large camp ground. There are bears so camp accordingly.Enjoy!

The springs are so blue and clear and the water is cool. Loved walking the trail. I would recommend swimming, camping and hiking in this park, it's so serene and beautiful.

Juniper Springs is $5 per person to get in. The kids LOVE the cool blue water , the cold and the platform to jump off. I love the view and water wheel. The park is very clean and family friendly. Plenty of areas to picnic, nice bathrooms and the park is alcohol free. The Spring is very deep . There is also a wall around it which is great for smaller children . I love the mill and it is still in operation . The steps going down into the spring get very very slippery so beware. They really are very easy to fall down on. My son scraped his back going down them pretty good.

The weather had just dropped into the 50's after a long hot, humid summer, so it was refreshing to walk the trail in this beautiful springs location. It was particularly interesting to see the sandy bottom of the springs, as well as the mill in operation. When coming from Ocala and Silver Springs, watch closely for the Juniper Springs Campground sign, as it can go by very quickly if you aren't paying attention.

Great place to take a swim in some super clear spring water. There are some nice trails to walk and the wild turkeys were out and about.

I love Juniper! Great place to swim in the summer. Only $5 to get in and swim all day. Best part is there is a platform where you can dive into the spring. Yes, I said DIVE! The spring is deep enough in the swimming area and the platform is pretty high. So exhilarating! No reason to go anywhere else.

The campground is very basic no on site water or electricity. If you are tent camping or have a small foldable tent camper this is a great place. Larger rigs would have a hard time as many of the sites are small. Even though the sites are not that far apart they are very secluded. The spring swimming hole is really nice, but can be crowded some times. We spent 2 week in a tent here some 40 odd years ago. While trailer camping at Silver River State Park in August 2014 we visited Juniper once more it is still a beautiful place.

Good time with family at the swimming hole. We have been more than once and would go back again. The kids never get tired of jumping of the diving rock.

We loved the crystal clear, cool waters of the pool (comfortably walled, but natural floor of sand, plants and tiny fish). We loved the trail that takes you along the canoeing/kayak creek and finishes at the beatifull (not swimable) virgin ponds with turtles and crocs.We definitely have to go back to try the 7 miles canoing trip, and the camping.

This is a beautiful natural spring with a nice trail for hiking. Take a picnic and your own towels, chairs, and cooler. On site bathrooms are available. There's also a little convenience store on site.

This is a beautiful natural spring with a nice trail for hiking. Take a picnic and your own towels, chairs, and cooler. On site bathrooms are available. There's also a little convenience store on site.