Juniper Springs

Juniper Springs is a very old park and campground in the Ocala National Forest. It is one of four major springs in the forest which flow into Lake George or the St. Johns river. Many of the existing structures, including a working water wheel, were erected in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps(CCC).

The main attraction are two gorgeous fresh water springs, the main Juniper spring boil and a lesser grouping of smaller springs called Fern Hammock. Swimming is not allowed in Fern Hammock and when you see it's natural fragile beauty, you know why.

You can swim in the main spring year round and the river flowing from it makes it's way to Lake George. You can canoe or kayak a 7 mile run to Highway 19. There are also hiking trails; a portion of which is a boardwalk along the spring run. The landscape surrounding the springs and campgrounds are a lush Florida Hammock.

We stayed in the Tropic loop in site 31 in mid October. We were blessed with a early cold snap and enjoyed lots of campfires. This site was very spacious and surrounded by huge live oak trees. It was also very close to the trail leading the main spring.
All the outer sites in the Tropic loop are pull through and most are shady. Many offer good privacy.

This park has no water or electric hook up but we came prepared with lanterns and plenty of water. Generators are allowed during daylight hours. There are restrooms with hot showers and a dish washing station close by and they were clean. The parks staff was very friendly and helpful.

Mosquitoes and flies were not a problem and we did not have any animals raid our campsite the three days there. Even so we were very careful not to leave any food or garbage out because the campground is in bear country.

We were however not so careful about other biting insects. The grounds and surrounding woods must have been crawling with ticks. We all found them crawling on us and three in our party found them attached to their skin. Yuck!

Lesson learned: just because there are no mosquitoes, it's always a good idea to use a good bug repellent especially on your shoes and pants. Check your self and each other often for the nasty parasites.

Overall the Happy Camper highly recommends this campground. The forest, crystal clear flowing springs, and turquoise pools are a Florida must see.

Check out the slide show of Juniper Springs also linked to this site for more pictures of this Florida jewel.

Thanks to Kelli for sharing her wonderful pictures.