| About Ocala National Forest |
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| Juniper Springs Recreation Area |
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Elevation:
5 - 10 Feet
Length of Stay:
14 Days
Number of Sites:
79
Reservation Status:
First Come, First Served
Reservation:
No
Season:
Year-round
From Astor Park, FL, Travel west along State Highway 40 approximately 8 - 10 miles.
Location Information
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed Juniper Springs in the mid 1930s, boasting semitropical scenery not found on any other national forest in the continental United States. The combined daily water flow from Juniper and Fern Hammock Springs is about 13 million gallons. Water temperature is a constant 72 degrees.Day use activities are picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, bird watching, hiking on barrier-free nature trails and camping. A 0.75-mile self-guided interpretive nature trail adjacent to Juniper Creek aids you in understanding the semitropical vegetation. A 66-section of the orange-blazed Florida National Scenic Trail is in the Ocala National Forest and passes through the area. Canoeing is extremely popular year-round. The 7-mile canoe run down Juniper Creek offers a unique opportunity to view forest wildlife in several habitats and to enjoy different botanical areas. Private canoes can be used, or rental canoes are available from the concessionaire. Seventy-nine campsites accommodate tents, trailers and motor homes up to 35 feet. The maximum stay is 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no electrical, water or sewer hookups. Hot showers are available. No group facilities are available, but there are facilities than can be reserved elsewhere in the Forest. Swimming in the Juniper Springs pool is permitted, and a change house is available. To protect the fragile ecosystem, swimming is prohibited in Fern Hammock Springs. Wading and swimming is also prohibited in Juniper Springs Creek, Fern Hammock Creek, any boils or small area streams. Pets are prohibited in the picnic and swimming areas, but are allowed at the campsites and on roads. Picnicking is very popular. Tables, shelters and charcoal grills are available adjacent to the swimming area. Canoes and kayaks are permitted on Juniper Springs Creek. Rafts, johnboats, inner tubes or other inflatable items are prohibited. This restriction is necessary to protect the environment, provide for public safety and to ensure a more pleasant wilderness experience. Juniper Creek flows through the Juniper Wilderness. Motorized vehicles are permitted only on established roads and parking areas. A concessionaire sells snacks, groceries, charcoal, firewood, ice and gifts. The concession is open year-round. Other supplies and services are available within 10 miles to the east and 8 miles to the west of Juniper Springs. Shoreline fishing for largemouth bass and sunfish in the isolated wilderness area lakes is truly a unique experience for the hearty angler. Motorized equipment for access or fishing is not permitted.
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