Juniper Springs Rec Area

Overall lovely trip- we did excursions to other areas of the National Forest outside of Juniper Springs each day. We tent camped in the sand loop. The campsite itself was great- fairly private from other sites due to the plants surrounding the site; nice place for setting up a tent; nice picnic table; fire ring with cooking grate was wonderful. The parts we didn't like: right next to the highway, and the road noise kept us up during the night at times; there is no dishwashing sink in this loop, so we had to carry everything to the neighboring loop a couple times a day; the firewood they have for purchase is barely wood- more like bark- which made campfire cooking a challenge, so I would recommend bringing your own wood; our bear box was so difficult to operate, we were barely able to use it (I don't know if ours was just not functioning properly or if they're all that bad; I've used bear boxes in plenty of other places with no issue).

Honestly we were disappointed, the actual spring water itself was beautiful. But the campground seems to not be very dog and bike friendly. Nor bikes or dogs are allowed on any trails or anywhere but in campground itself. The park is fairly small it would have been nice to have areas our little friends (dogs) would also be allowed. Also, the trails were all but one closed which made it even less enjoyable. We had a 4 night stay setup and left after the first night.

The mill has been reopened. The spring is beautiful and serene. Saw otters, turtles and of course the boils

Nice camp spot with reasonable space between sites. Spring is beautiful and kayak run is incredible, although not for beginners.

The staff here is always friendly and helpful both in person and on the phone. The facilities are immaculate. The cleanest campground bathroom facilities I've ever seen in 64 years of camping in private and public campgrounds. I also like it that is set up more for more primitive camping and not the giant RVs. The sites are nicely separated and surrounded by natural vegetation. Every year it gets harder to find good tent sites as many campgrounds are converted for big camper/RV full hook up use. Please preserve this more natural camping experience at Juniper Springs. I only have two recommendations. Get the float concession back in business. I know they are working on that but it has been out over a year, Second, can you turn the entrance street light to the HWY 40 side of the pole? In the dark and with the highway traffic it can be easy to miss the entrance. Placing the entrance light on the highway side of the pole will make it much more visible. Now coming from the west it is obscured by the vegetation until you are right on it. Coming from the east if you look far ahead you will see it briefly and then it will be obscured by vegetation until you are right on it. Coming from the west the dedicated turn lane is a big help. In the future a turn lane on the west bound lane would increase safety for those exiting 40 HWY into the park. Don't get me wrong these are just suggestions for you to consider. My stay here was excellent and this is my second year staying at the park. I will definitely be back. Many thanks to the staff who are doing a great job for the American public at the USFS Juniper Springs Campground.

beautiful place

Great campsites (Fern) with lots of trees, bathrooms were clean and an easy walk from my tent.

We enjoyed our stay, and look forward to booking again.

great place to camp

One of the best camping trips I have been on. LOVED the springs. Wish I had planned to visit more of the day areas. Clean sites and bathrooms. Staff was excellent.
I know they are doing some work on the raised walking trails so that I did not know ahead of time ...but I hope to return when they are complete so I can get in some better hiking and see more of the Forest.