09/28/2026
Juniper Springs Recreation Area, Ocala National Forest 🌳
This is one of several recreation areas and several springs within the Ocala National Forest.
Activities:
🤿 Swimming in Juniper Spring - the swimming area is fairly deep in most areas but there’s a concrete ledge around the whole spring. I’d bring a noodle or small float. Eel grass covers most of the bottom. Some picnic tables and plenty of grassy space is available around the spring.
⛺️ Camping - a beautiful campground with some fairly private sites, especially in the Sandpine loop where we stayed. If road noise would bother you, make sure to pick a site away from the road. Bear boxes are available at each site.
🛶 Paddling the Juniper Spring Run - hands down one of the prettiest paddles in Florida. It’s a little bit technical with some twists, turns, obstacles, and rapids. But it was really fun and so scenic.
🥾 Trails - there is a boardwalk trail, however it’s been closed for years due to damage. The Fern Hammock bridge and trails are also currently closed. The Florida Trail runs through the front of the park so you can get in lot of miles that way if you want!
🐻 Wildlife - this park is the only place in Florida that I’ve seen a black bear! It was a couple years ago and was a juvenile, but bears do live in the Ocala National Forest. So keep that in mind for camping. There’s also big alligators to be seen on the spring run so be cautious 🐊
