Juniper Springs Rec Area

Star4.17
1.0K reviews
26701 EAST HWY 40, SILVER SPRINGS, FL, 34488, USA
Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

52 ft

Price

$37 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

74 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Ocala National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Juniper Springs Rec Area
$37.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Seasonal rates apply. Standard Non-Electric and Tent-Only sites cost $37 per night. Group Picnic Areas are available for $60 per night. Reservation...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$37.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
352-625-3147
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.17

Satisfactory

Based on 1.0K reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomsshade

Some mention

noise

"Reviews are polarized, with high praise for the natural beauty and springs, but frequent complaints about management, closed amenities, and lack of maintenance."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

26701 EAST HWY 40, SILVER SPRINGS, FL, 34488, USA

Juniper Springs Rec Area

26701 EAST HWY 40, SILVER SPRINGS, FL, 34488, USA

Driving directionsFrom 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.
The campground is easily accessible from major highways, including I-75 and I-95. The roads leading to the site are paved. The entrance is located on Highway 40, which has a dedicated turn lane from the westbound side but lacks a turn lane from the eastbound side.
Nearby places
Ocala (36 miles, ~40 minutes), Daytona Beach (~37 miles, ~45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
A convenience store near the campground offers camping supplies, drinks, and ice cream. Restaurants, shopping, and gas stations are located 10 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Juniper Springs Rec Area

Experience the magic of Juniper Springs throughout all four seasons, each offering its own unique charm. Summer brings the warmth of classic Florida days, perfect for cooling off in the springs' constant 72-degree waters, though expect tropical humidity. Winter transforms the forest into a mild paradise with crisp, dry air ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. Spring and fall deliver the sweet spot – comfortable temperatures paired with lower humidity create perfect conditions for exploring every corner of this natural wonderland.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Great for cooling swims but high insects, ticks and overcrowding reduce enjoyment.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Cooler months lessen insects and crowds; trails and wildlife viewing remain good.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers great water temps and wildlife; seasonal visitation can increase crowding.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in FL

Reviews note campground most enjoyable in cooler months; swimming still pleasant at ~72°F.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round (January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025).
  • Current Alerts: Some facilities, including boardwalks and kayak rentals, are currently closed for repairs.

About Juniper Springs Rec Area

Nestled within the heart of the Ocala National Forest, Juniper Springs Recreation Area beckons adventurers to discover one of Florida's most beloved natural treasures. Here, crystal-clear springs bubble up from ancient limestone aquifers, creating an oasis where shaded campsites offer respite beneath towering canopies. Whether you're drawn to the refreshing waters for a swim, eager to paddle through pristine waterways, or hoping to spot exotic wildlife along forest trails, this enchanting destination transforms every visit into an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Juniper Springs features campsites for tents, RVs, and groups. The facility does not offer hookups for RVs or cabins.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 nights during any visit within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors enjoy swimming in the natural springs, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and paddling down Juniper Run. "Juniper Run is recognized as one of the top 25 canoe runs in America." The Florida Trail also passes through the area.
HikingHiking is available on the Florida National Scenic Trail and shorter nature trails nearby. However, many boardwalks and trails are in disrepair or closed.
FishingFishing is permitted but not described in detail. Likely opportunities in the springs and creek.
SwimmingSwimming in the springs is popular year-round, with water temperatures consistently around 72°F. Some users described the springs as clean and refreshing, although others mentioned occasional overcrowding.
BoatingPrivate canoe and kayak launches are available for a $10 fee. However, rentals and shuttle services are not operational due to management changes.
Wildlife viewingAbundant wildlife includes alligators, turtles, deer, black bears, turkeys, raccoons, albino gray squirrels, river otters, and American eels. "We saw two big gators out there, an otter, a black bear, and a deer."
Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive programs are offered during summer months but may vary in frequency. Historical significance includes Civilian Conservation Corps construction.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include wildlife (alligators, black bears), ticks, and exposed roots. Campfire safety is emphasized.
Active AlertsSome facilities, including boardwalks and kayak rentals, are currently closed for repairs.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers provided at each site; mandatory use for food and scented items.

Weather at Juniper Springs Rec Area

Reviews

4.2
1.0K reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Juniper Springs Rec Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are polarized, with high praise for the natural beauty and springs, but frequent complaints about management, closed amenities, and lack of maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 1047 reviews

What Campers Love

"Beautiful springs," "Clean restrooms," "Friendly staff," and ample shade were recurring themes in positive reviews.
Based on 1047 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included noisy neighbors, generator use during quiet hours, and frequent closure of trails and boardwalks. "Bathrooms were filthy," "Boardwalks were closed," and "Unfriendly staff" were...
Show more
Based on 1047 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing earplugs due to highway noise and avoiding sites near busy loops. "Bring goggles and snorkels for a better experience in the springs."
Based on 1047 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most enjoyable in cooler months when insects and overcrowding are less problematic. Summer months see high tick and insect activity.
Based on 1047 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Juniper Springs proves to be the BEST campground in Ocala National Forest." "Clean bathrooms despite rude guests." "One of the most scenic springs we've been to."
Based on 1047 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites in the Sand Loop (e.g., 074, 059) are frequently praised for privacy and easy access to amenities. Fern Loop sites like 071 are criticized for lack of privacy.
Based on 1047 reviews

Accessibility Features

Boardwalk closures detract from accessibility. "Wheelchair-bound husband could not enjoy the area due to closed boardwalk."
Based on 1047 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but restricted to campsites. "Not allowed anywhere but on campground grounds."
Based on 1047 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Juniper Springs Rec Area? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Florida

Campgrounds
National Forests in Florida
Juniper Springs Rec Area