About Juniper Springs Rec Area
Number of accommodations: 76
Campground Amenities
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Showers -
Dump Station
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Sites & Availability
76 Sites Available
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Site Details
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76 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (555)
What Guests Are Saying
Juniper Springs Rec Area offers a beautiful and peaceful camping experience with friendly, helpful staff and well-maintained facilities. Many visitors enjoyed the scenic beauty, clean bathrooms, and the enjoyable kayaking experience on Juniper Run. However, some guests noted issues with noise from neighboring campers, a prevalence of ticks, and the need for maintenance on trails and facilities.
What Guests Are Saying
Juniper Springs Rec Area offers a beautiful and peaceful camping experience with friendly, helpful staff and well-maintained facilities. Many visitors enjoyed the scenic beauty, clean bathrooms, and the enjoyable kayaking experience on Juniper Run. However, some guests noted issues with noise from neighboring campers, a prevalence of ticks, and the need for maintenance on trails and facilities.
Review Summary
Michael S
VerifiedFebruary 12, 2023 • Stayed at: 032, Loop: TROP
Juniper Springs is a great place to camp. My few issues have to do with the new concessioner, changing checkout time to 1100 is to early if you are a tent camper. This needs to be moved back to at least noon. Also why were the canoes sold off, I miss the Juniper Creek run. Also the run is not being maintained like it has been in the past, also the store is not open enough,
Heather T
VerifiedFebruary 12, 2023 • Stayed at: 058, Loop: SAND
We had an incredible weekend camping for my young son’s birthday. It is a beautiful area with lots to see and explore.
Melissa I
VerifiedFebruary 12, 2023 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: TROP
Our family really enjoyed camp at Juniper Springs. We came in early Feb. and although most of the days were only in the mid to high 60’s we still decided to jump in the springs and swim awhile! Although it was cold it was nice to have the water to ourselves. If you have a mask and snorkel I recommend bringing them because it makes a big difference in the experience! The staff was very pleasant and helpful also!
Elena D
VerifiedFebruary 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 048, Loop: SAND
Beautiful, wonderful place!
Luke J
VerifiedFebruary 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 068, Loop: FERN
I like the place a lot but after fees and taxes it cost me about $45 to camp here. Just to simply park my car and put my tent on some dirt. Also, I wanted to swim before I checked out and the groundskeeper was blowing dirt into the spring as I was swimming. Really can't justify spending that much just to camp...anywhere.
Carole J
VerifiedFebruary 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 050, Loop: SAND
This is a gorgeous spring and very nice campground. Very quiet. Hope to be able to visit sometime again.
Clifton E
VerifiedFebruary 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 020, Loop: TROP
We made 2 night reservations for the intent purpose of paddling Juniper Run. We have expedition grade expensive SeaEagle canoe and kayak. Very disappointed that inflatables of this quality are denied. Said boats are allowed in other wilderness areas that are far more treacherous. I recognize the need of such rule but should be enforced in spirit, not letter. Tried to appeal to USFS and got voicemail saying leave a message.
Pascal D
VerifiedFebruary 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: TROP
Ok
Sue C
VerifiedFebruary 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 024, Loop: TROP
Big motorhomes were starting their generators WAY too early - sometimes 6:00am.
But bath house was always clean, and my site was quite large.
David C
VerifiedFebruary 8, 2023 • Stayed at: 074, Loop: FERN
Seamless experience all around. The springs closed a bit early but overall a fantastic campground with very good campsites.
Location Juniper Springs Rec Area
Address:
26701 East Hwy 40
Silver Springs, FL, 34488
United States
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.
From the intersection of Highway 40 and Highway 19, the campground is 4.5 miles west on Highway 40. The entrance is on the north side of Highway 40.
Latitude & Longitude: 29.1822 / -81.7125
Elevation: 13 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Campers can check in at 2:00 pm and must check out by 11am. We do not accomodate early check-ins or late check-outs. If you arrive early, you will be required to pay the per person admission fee to access the site. If you remain after checkout, you will be assessed a late fee for occupying the site or will be required to pay the per person fee to access the swimming and picnic area. |
| General |
Campground gate is closed and locked from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m (March - Oct) and 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. (Oct - March). Campers who check-in after the gatehouse is closed must visit the Gatehouse the next morning to complete their check-in to their site. Failure to do so will lead to a 'no show' charge to your reservation and potential forfeiture of site. |
| General |
Camp sites must be occupied first night of reservation |
| General |
Each campsite can hold a MAXIMUM of 2 tents and 5 campers. Maximum 2 vehicles per site (campers included); extra vehicles must park in overflow/overnight parking area and will be charged $9 per vehicle, per night |
| General |
NO REFUNDS DUE TO WEATHER |
| General |
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators are not allowed to run during quiet hours. |
| General |
No off-road vehicles allowed within the campground |
| General |
Bears and raccoons frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers. Failure to comply with this regulation can result in immediate ejection from campground without refund. |
| General |
Dogs/pets are allowed in campground only and must be leashed and supervised at all times. No dogs/pets allowed in day-use area, bathrooms, boardwalk and canoe run. |
| General |
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the day-use area.We ask that guests be courteous of one another and limit floats in the swimming area to under 60 inches across. Please be aware the boardwalk remains closed due to age and hurricane damage. |
| General |
Children weighing less than 40 lbs are not allowed in rental canoes. No disposable items allowed on the canoe run (i.e., food wrappers, styrofoam coolers, cans, bottles, etc.) Only re-usable containers are allowed. |
| General |
Private canoe and kayak launches are at a fee and limited to 30 total vessels per day. Vessels must be launch BEFORE 1:00 p.m. daily. JUNIPER RUN IS NOT FOR BEGGINERS. IT IS A WILDERNESS AREA AND MECHANICAL TOOLS ARE NOT PERMITTED, SO THE RUN REMAINS WILD. |
| General |
Click here for more information about Ocala National Forest |
| General |
Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more. |
| General |
As per Forestry Department regulations, fines will result from the following infractions:
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