JUNIPER SPRINGS RECREATIONAL
AREA
Silver Springs, FL
Description
The springs, in a semitropical wooded setting, form
an oblong pool, elongate east, 135 ft long and 80
ft wide. The springs are the headwaters of Juniper
Creek, which meanders to Lake George in the St. Johns
River basin, about 10 mi NE. The pool is enclosed
by a rock and concrete retaining wall in which is
a controlled outlet at the north-east edge of the
pool. The bottom of the pool is mostly sandy, and
according to Ferguson and others (1947), inflow to
the pool is from three cavities in the pool bottom.
The maximum water depths over the floors of the cavities
were 16.1, 16.6 and 17.8 ft on April 4, 1946. Other
than over the cavities, the average depth of the pool
at that time was about 12 ft. On April 28, 1972, water
depth graded irregularly from about 4 ft at the west
end of the pool to about 20 ft at the east end. From
the pool, water flows east through a short flume that
provides a head drop of about 5 ft to turn an undershot
water wheel. At one time the water wheel operated
an electric generator that produced power for the
buildings and grounds of the Juniper Springs Recreational
Area. Although the wheel is still turned by the flow
from the spring pool, the small rustic plant building
to which the wheel is attached has been converted
to a visitors center for the recreational area. The
spring water is clean and clear and its dissolved
solids concentration is low compared with most Florida
springs.
Contact Information
Juniper Springs Rec Area
26701 EAST HWY 40
SILVER SPRINGS FL 34488
Phone: (352)625-0546
Getting There
Juniper Springs is in Juniper Springs Recreational
Area in the Ocala National Forest 28 mi E. of Ocala.
Drive 28 mi E. from U.S. Hwy 441 in Ocala on U.S.
Hwy 40, turn north at the Juniper Springs Recreational
Area sign, go 0.2 mi to the entrance gate, continue
0.2 mi (keeping to the left) to the Juniper Springs
parking lot; the springs are about 350 ft down a path
to the northwest.
Operating Hours
8am – 8pm during summer; 8am –
6pm off-season
Activities
Camping, swimming, canoeing, hiking, museum.
CAMPING RESERVATIONS INFO:
Reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance.
Tax included in fees. 2 night minimum stay on weekends
3 night minimum stay on holiday weekends The campground
gate is closed and locked from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
If arriving after 8:OO PM, you must call ahead at
(352)625-3147 prior to 6:00 PM. Camp sites must be
occupied first night. Maximum of 5 persons and 2 vehicles
per site. Extra vehicles must park in overflow/overnight
parking area at $10.00 per vehicle, per night. Check
out time is 1:00 PM. Visitors who stay beyond this
time will be charged another days fee. No refund for
inclement weather. No ATV's or off road vehicles may
be operated within the campground. CAUTION: Bears/Raccoons
frequent the area. All foods must be kept in containers.
Only half the sites at this complex are reservable
and there may be sites still available on a first-come,
first-served basis. Only one campsite may be rented
at a time using the Golden Age/Access Card for the
Discount Price.
General Rules for the National Forests and
Corps of Engineers Lakes
Camping
If you are staying at a campground,
you must camp only in those places specifically
provided or marked.All vehicles, RVs, and trailers
must be parked on your campsite or driveway. Driving
or parking off road is not permitted.Quiet hours
are between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Please be considerate
of others. Camping longer than 14 consecutive days
is generally not allowed. At Corps of Engineers
campsites only, camping at one or more campsites
at any one water resource project (lake) for a period
longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive day
period is prohibited. The number of camping units
per campsite varies and is set locally.
Sanitation
Help prevent pollution by keeping garbage, litter,
and foreign substances out of lakes, streams, and
other waters. All garbage and litter must either be
deposited in containers provided, or taken with you
when you leave.
Campfires
Obey any restrictions on fires. Fires may be limited
or prohibited at certain times. Within campgrounds
and other recreation areas, fires may only be built
in fire rings, stoves, grills, or fireplaces provided
for that purpose. Be sure your fire is completely
extinguished before leaving. Do not leave your fire
unattended. You are responsible for keeping fires
under control.
Vehicle Operation
Drivers must obey all traffic signs and operate their
vehicles in accordance with posted regulations, and
applicable Federal, State and local laws. Vehicles
must be parked in designated areas only. Use of vehicles
within campgrounds and other recreation areas is limited
to entering or leaving those areas.
Pets and Animals
Pets must be restrained or on a leash at all times
while in developed recreation areas. Pets (except
guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas or sanitary
facilities. Saddle or pack animals are only allowed
where authorized by posted instructions.
Fireworks
Use of fireworks or other explosives within campgrounds
and other recreation areas is prohibited.
Public Property
Preserve and protect your National Forests and Corps
of Engineers Lake areas. Leave natural areas the way
you find them. Do not carve, chop, cut and damage
any live trees.
