Juniper Springs Recreation Area
A 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps recreation area at 26701 E. Highway 40, Silver Springs, about 30 miles east of Ocala in the Ocala National Forest. Swim in a 72-degree spring pool, visit the old Mill House, camp in the shaded campground or paddle the 7-mile Juniper Run. Day use is $14.50 per person plus tax.
Juniper Springs Recreation Area is a U.S. Forest Service site at 26701 E. Highway 40, Silver Springs, FL 34488, about 30 miles east of Ocala in the Ocala National Forest, run by the concessionaire Naventure. Day use costs $14.50 per person plus tax (children 5 and under free) and is first come, first served. The gate is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from March through October and closes at 6 p.m. in the cooler months. It has a 72-degree spring swimming area, the 1930s Mill House, a 79-site campground with no hookups, and kayak rentals for the 7-mile Juniper Run, which the operator says is not for beginners. The boardwalk is closed for renovations.
By the Only In Ocala team. Updated Oct. 21, 2026, from the U.S. Forest Service, Recreation.gov and Naventure. AI tools helped gather the sources and draft this page; each fact was checked against those sources before publishing. See our editorial guidelines.
Juniper Springs Recreation Area at a Glance
| Address | 26701 E. Highway 40, Silver Springs, FL 34488 (entrance on the north side of SR 40) |
|---|---|
| Managed by | U.S. Forest Service, Ocala National Forest |
| Operated by | Naventure (concessionaire) |
| Phone | (352) 625-3147 (gatehouse) |
| Day-use fee | $14.50 per person plus tax; children 5 and under free |
| Annual pass | $80 plus tax, sold on site; also covers Alexander, Silver Glen and Salt Springs |
| Gate hours | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. March to October; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the cooler months |
| Water temperature | 72 degrees year-round |
| Camping | 79 tent and RV sites, no hookups; book on Recreation.gov |
| Kayak rental | $65 single, $75 tandem kayak or canoe, shuttle included |
| Pets | Campground only, on a leash; not in the day-use area or on Juniper Run |
| Alcohol | Not allowed in the day-use area |
| Closed now | Boardwalk area, for renovations |
Fees and hours come from Naventure's Juniper Springs page and the Recreation.gov campground listing; the Forest Service says fees are set by the concessionaire and can change.
Current Conditions at Juniper Springs
- Boardwalk closed. The Forest Service says the boardwalk area is closed to the public for renovations; Recreation.gov says it remains closed because of age and hurricane damage.
- Open services. The Forest Service lists kayak rentals, shuttle service and the general store as available.
- Weekend crowds. The Forest Service says to expect full recreation sites on weekends, have a backup plan, and expect closures when a site reaches capacity.
- No vehicle reservations here. The summer vehicle-reservation program on ReserveOcala.com applies to Alexander Springs and Silver Glen Springs; Juniper Springs day use is first come, first served.
- Fire restrictions. The Ocala National Forest is under stage 1 fire restrictions, according to the Forest Service alerts page; developed campsites with Forest Service fire rings and grills are exempt.
What Are the Main Activities at Juniper Springs?
The Forest Service calls Juniper Springs one of the oldest and best-known recreation areas on the East Coast: a swimming and picnic area, campground and trails built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps around hundreds of small springs under palms and oaks. Visitors swim in the spring pool, paddle the 7-mile Juniper Run, camp in the 79-site campground, tour the Mill House, picnic, and hike the nature trail or the Florida National Scenic Trail. Recreation.gov adds that interpretive programs are offered during the summer months.
Canoe Run
7-mile paddle for experienced paddlers
Wildlife Viewing
Otters, eels, wading birds, albino gray squirrels
Hiking
Nature trail and the Florida Trail
What Can You Do at Juniper Springs?
Juniper Springs is one of several campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest; see our Ocala National Forest campgrounds guide to compare them, and our Ocala National Forest map and road guide to find the others. Visitors who hear loud booms during the day can check the Navy's posted schedule in our Pinecastle Range guide.
The swimming area is a 72-degree spring pool that the Civilian Conservation Corps built with a pool-like look, according to Recreation.gov. The Forest Service describes it as a crystalline pool of spring outflow, shallow at one end and deep enough to jump into at the other, with tapegrass on the bottom and the occasional American eel. Naventure calls Juniper a second-magnitude spring with a designated swimming and snorkeling area.
Recreation.gov asks swimmers to keep floats under 60 inches across. Fishing is not allowed in the springs or runs, and pets and alcohol are not allowed in the day-use area.
The Forest Service describes Juniper Run as a narrow, winding waterway under a dense canopy of old-growth forest, with few places solid enough to get out of the boat. Just before the take-out near SR 19 it widens into wetlands with wading birds. Naventure and Recreation.gov say ReserveAmerica named it one of the top 25 canoe runs in America.
It is also hard. The run passes through a federal wilderness area, so it can only be cleared with hand tools, and Recreation.gov warns of hazards overhead and underwater even for seasoned paddlers. Naventure says it takes 3 to 5 hours and is not for beginners. Details and prices are below.
The Forest Service lists accessible walkways and a nature trail at Juniper Springs, though the boardwalk area is closed for renovations. Backpackers use Juniper Springs as a stopping point on a 72-mile unbroken segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail, and Recreation.gov notes campers can hike a section of it from the campground.
Fern Hammock Springs, reached on foot from inside the recreation area, feeds Juniper Creek too; the Forest Service says the two springs together flow about 13 million gallons a day. With the boardwalk area closed, ask at the gatehouse whether Fern Hammock can be reached before you go.
The Forest Service lists 79 tent and RV campsites, and Recreation.gov says they are arranged in three shaded loops near the creek and springs. Each has a picnic table, grill, campfire ring, lantern post and tent space, and Naventure adds bear-proof food lockers. There are no hookups at any site; the campground has hot showers, flush toilets and a dump station. On Recreation.gov the 19 sites in the Fern loop are tent-only.
Recreation.gov says the campground was named one of ReserveAmerica's Top 100 Family Campgrounds. A convenience store nearby sells camping and beach supplies, drinks and ice cream, and restaurants and gas are about 10 miles away.
Juniper Springs is a Civilian Conservation Corps-era recreation area, and the old Mill House is its interpretive site. The Forest Service invites visitors to stop in to learn why and how the swimming area and campground were built, and how the mill once provided electricity for the campground. Naventure says the Civilian Conservation Corps built it in the 1930s.
Albino gray squirrels are sometimes seen near the Mill House, the Forest Service says. Naventure also runs an on-site eelgrass restoration display about the role eelgrass plays in keeping Florida's springs healthy.
Recreation.gov lists alligators, turtles, deer, black bears, turkeys, raccoons and many birds around Juniper Springs, along with less common residents: albino gray squirrels, river otters and American eels. The Forest Service says the eels migrate to the Sargasso Sea to spawn and return to live at Juniper Springs, and warns that alligators live in Juniper Run.
Bears and raccoons visit the campground, so all food must be kept in approved containers; Recreation.gov says breaking that rule can get a camper ejected without a refund.
Paddling Juniper Run: Rentals, Launch Times and Rules
Naventure runs the kayak and canoe rentals and the shuttle from the take-out near SR 19 back to the springs. These figures come from Naventure's Juniper Run page; call the gatehouse at (352) 625-3147 for the day's status, since the run can close for weather or storm cleanup.
| Rental kayak or canoe | Your own boat | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $65 single kayak; $75 tandem kayak or canoe; plus day-use admission | No extra launch fee beyond admission, per Naventure; shuttle $15 if space is available (Naventure lists it per person on its Juniper Run page and per vessel on its Juniper Springs page) |
| Launch times | 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. | 8-8:30, 9-9:30, 10-10:30, 11-11:30 a.m. and 12-12:30 p.m. |
| Limits | 10 rental boats per half hour, set by the Forest Service | 10 boats per window; non-motorized, non-inflatable boats only |
| What's included | Boat, paddles, life jackets, whistle and shuttle | Florida requires a Coast Guard-approved life jacket for everyone and a sound device on boats under 16 feet |
| Weight limits | 250 lb single, 450 lb tandem, including gear | n/a |
Naventure says no more than 95 boats, rental and private combined, launch in a day. Recreation.gov's notice for the campground gives different private-boat rules: launches are “at a fee,” limited to 30 vessels a day and must be made before 1 p.m. Confirm the fee and limit with the gatehouse at (352) 625-3147 if you plan to bring your own boat.
How a Juniper Run trip works
- 1
Arrive early
Naventure takes no advance reservations for Juniper Run. Rental launches are at 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., with no more than 10 boats per orientation. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your launch time.
- 2
Pay admission and sign the paperwork
Pay the $14.50 per person day-use fee plus tax. The renter must be 18 or older and sign the rental agreement, and every participant signs a liability waiver.
- 3
Pack only reusable containers
Food wrappers, foam coolers, cans, bottles, glass, alcohol, pets and inflatables are not allowed on the run. Naventure suggests water in reusable containers, sunscreen, insect repellent, water shoes and a dry bag.
- 4
Paddle about 7 miles
Plan on 3 to 5 hours. You may not swim, wade, snorkel or fish in the run. If thunder or lightning starts, Naventure says to pull over to shore, pull the boat up and crouch low, spaced a few feet apart.
- 5
Meet the shuttle at the take-out near SR 19
Shuttle pickups run at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m.; your time is assigned at launch, usually about four hours later. Late arrivals are charged a per-boat, per-hour fee.
Ages: Naventure does not recommend the run for children under 12, does not allow children under 8 on the shuttle (which every rental must use), and does not provide life jackets for anyone under 50 pounds. Children 6 and under must wear a life jacket on the water. For an easier paddle, see our guide to kayaking near Ocala or Alexander Springs, where Naventure offers beginner-friendly rentals.
How to Plan Your Juniper Springs Visit
Getting There
From Ocala, take State Road 40 (East Silver Springs Boulevard) east into the Ocala National Forest. The Forest Service puts Juniper Springs about 30 miles east of Ocala; Recreation.gov says it is about 36 miles from I-75 and about 37 miles west of I-95 on SR 40. Coming from SR 19, the entrance is 4.5 miles west of the SR 40 and SR 19 intersection. The entrance is on the north side of SR 40 at 26701 E. Highway 40, Silver Springs, FL 34488.
Gate Hours
Recreation.gov says the gate is locked from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. March through October and from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. in the cooler months; Naventure lists the 6 p.m. closing for November through February. Campers who arrive after the gatehouse closes must check in there the next morning or risk a no-show charge.
Contacts
Juniper Springs gatehouse: (352) 625-3147. The Forest Service's Lake George Ranger District office, also on SR 40, is at 17147 E. Highway 40, Silver Springs, FL 34488, (352) 625-2520.
Day Use and Annual Pass
Day use: $14.50 per person plus tax, children 5 and under free, collected at the gate. The Annual Day Use Pass is $80 plus tax, sold on site. Naventure's planning page also mentions Recreation.gov Scan & Pay for first-come, first-served sites and activities. Campers who arrive before the 2 p.m. check-in pay the per-person admission fee.
Campground Rules
- Reserve on Recreation.gov; sites must be occupied the first night.
- Check-in 2 p.m., check-out 11 a.m.; no early check-in or late check-out.
- Up to 2 tents, 5 campers and 2 vehicles per site; extra vehicles park in overflow for $9 a night.
- Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; no generators during quiet hours.
- No off-road vehicles in the campground and no refunds for weather.
- Leashed pets allowed in the campground only.
Recreation.gov also lists a group picnic pavilion in the day-use area that can be reserved there.
What is the Best Time to Visit Juniper Springs?
The Forest Service warns that recreation sites fill on weekends and can close when they reach capacity, and day use is first come, first served. A weekday visit is the surest way in. The spring stays 72 degrees all year, so swimming is possible in any season.
Juniper Run launches end at 12:30 p.m. and are capped at 10 boats per half hour, with no advance reservations. Naventure suggests arriving at least 30 minutes before a launch time, and earlier on busy days.
Recreation.gov says interpretive programs are offered during the summer months. The Forest Service notes the area is extremely hot in summer and biting insects can be heavy, so bring water, sunscreen and repellent, and check the forecast before paddling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Juniper Springs
Where is Juniper Springs Recreation Area?
Juniper Springs Recreation Area is at 26701 E. Highway 40, Silver Springs, FL 34488, in the Ocala National Forest in Marion County. The U.S. Forest Service puts it about 30 miles east of Ocala on State Road 40, between Ocala and Ormond Beach. Recreation.gov says it is about 36 miles east of I-75, 4.5 miles west of the SR 40 and SR 19 intersection, with the entrance on the north side of SR 40. The phone number is (352) 625-3147.
How much does it cost to visit Juniper Springs?
Naventure, the company that runs Juniper Springs for the Forest Service, charges $14.50 per person plus tax for day use, collected at the gate. Children 5 and under are free. An Annual Day Use Pass costs $80 plus tax and is sold on site; the Forest Service says it is good for one year from purchase at Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, Silver Glen Springs and Salt Springs. Kayak rentals and camping cost extra.
What are the hours at Juniper Springs?
Recreation.gov says the gate is closed and locked from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. from March through October, and from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. in the cooler months; Naventure lists the evening closing as 8 p.m. March to October and 6 p.m. November to February. Campers who arrive after the gatehouse closes must check in at the gatehouse the next morning. On busy weekends the Forest Service warns that sites may close when they reach capacity.
Do I need a reservation to visit Juniper Springs?
Not for day use. Naventure says entry is first come, first served until the area reaches capacity. The summer vehicle-reservation program on ReserveOcala.com covers Alexander Springs and Silver Glen Springs, not Juniper Springs. Campsites are reserved on Recreation.gov, and Naventure does not take advance reservations for Juniper Run kayaks or private boat launches.
What is the Mill House at Juniper Springs?
The Mill House is a 1930s building at Juniper Springs that the Forest Service now uses as an interpretive site. The Forest Service invites visitors to stop in to learn why and how the swimming area and campground were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and how the mill used to provide electricity for the campground. Naventure also runs an eelgrass restoration display on site.
How long is the Juniper Run canoe paddle?
Juniper Run is about 7 miles long and ends at a take-out near SR 19. Naventure says the trip typically takes 3 to 5 hours depending on experience, and schedules rental shuttle pickups about four hours after launch. The run is narrow and winding, passes through a federal wilderness area where only hand tools may be used to clear it, and Naventure says it is not suitable for beginners.
How much are kayak rentals for Juniper Run?
Naventure rents single kayaks for $65 and tandem kayaks or canoes for $75. The rental includes the boat, paddles, life jackets, a whistle and the shuttle back from the take-out. The day-use admission of $14.50 per person plus tax is charged separately. Rental launches are at 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and Naventure suggests arriving 30 minutes early.
Is Juniper Run good for beginners or kids?
No. Naventure says Juniper Run is not intended for beginners and is not recommended for children under 12. Only adults 18 and older who can swim may rent and operate boats, children under 8 cannot ride the shuttle, and Recreation.gov says children under 40 pounds are not allowed in rental canoes. Naventure points beginners to its rentals at Alexander Springs and Silver Glen Springs instead.
Can you swim and camp at Juniper Springs?
Yes. The swimming area is a 72-degree spring pool built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, shallow at one end and deep enough to jump into at the other, according to the Forest Service. The campground has 79 tent and RV sites with no hookups, plus hot showers, flush toilets and a dump station, according to Recreation.gov. Each site has a picnic table, grill, campfire ring and lantern post. Book campsites on Recreation.gov.
Are dogs allowed at Juniper Springs?
Only in the campground. Recreation.gov says pets must be leashed and supervised in the campground and are not allowed in the day-use area, bathrooms, boardwalk or on the canoe run. Naventure permits service animals on Juniper Run but warns of dangerous wildlife along the way.
Is anything closed at Juniper Springs right now?
Yes. As of October 2026 the Forest Service says the boardwalk area is closed to the public for renovations, and Recreation.gov says it remains closed because of age and hurricane damage. Naventure can also close Juniper Run and rentals for weather, storm cleanup or hazards; call the gatehouse at (352) 625-3147 for the day's status.
Explore More Ocala Springs and Recreation
National Forest Camping
Compare campgrounds throughout the Ocala National Forest.
Fern Hammock Springs
The other spring feeding Juniper Creek.
Alexander Springs
Swimming, campground and easier paddling in the forest.
Silver Glen Springs
Clear-water swimming and kayaking off SR 19.
Salt Springs Recreation Area
Another Naventure-run spring, campground and run to Lake George.
Ocala National Forest Guide
Springs, trails, camping and rules across the forest.
Rivers in Ocala
Discover local rivers and water recreation.
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Family Day Trips
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About This Guide and Its Sources
Updated Oct. 21, 2026. Every address, fee, hour and rule on this page was checked that day against the U.S. Forest Service Juniper Springs page, the Forest Service Juniper Run viewing-area page, the National Forests in Florida alerts, the Recreation.gov campground listing, Naventure's Juniper Springs and Juniper Run pages, and ReserveOcala.com. Where those sources disagree, we say so.
An earlier version of this page described primitive camping at Juniper Springs, a 24-hour gate code for campers, an entrance on the south side of SR 40 and a 2-to-3-hour paddle; none of that matches the official sources, and it has been corrected. AI tools helped gather the sources and draft this page; each fact was checked against those sources before publishing.
Área Recreativa Juniper Springs en el Bosque Nacional de Ocala
El Área Recreativa Juniper Springs, en 26701 E. Highway 40, Silver Springs, FL 34488, está a unas 30 millas al este de Ocala, en el Bosque Nacional de Ocala (Condado de Marion). La administra el Servicio Forestal de EE. UU. y la opera la empresa Naventure. La entrada para uso diurno cuesta $14.50 por persona más impuestos, y los niños de 5 años o menos entran gratis; el pase anual cuesta $80 más impuestos. La puerta abre a las 8 a.m. y cierra a las 8 p.m. de marzo a octubre y a las 6 p.m. de noviembre a febrero. Tiene un manantial de 72 °F para nadar, la histórica casa del molino de la década de 1930, un campamento de 79 sitios sin conexiones y alquiler de kayaks ($65 sencillo, $75 doble o canoa) para el Juniper Run, un recorrido de 7 millas que no es para principiantes. Las mascotas no se permiten en la zona de uso diurno. Teléfono: (352) 625-3147.