Juniper Springs


Useful Information

photography
Juniper Springs, Florida, U.S.A. Public Domain.
Location: 26701 FL-40, Astor, FL 32102.
(29.1837035, -81.7124094)
Open: All year daily 8-20.
[2024]
Fee: Adults USD 13, Children (0-5) free.
[2024]
Classification: KarstKarst Spring
Light: n/a
Dimension:
Guided tours: self guided
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:
Address: Juniper Springs Recreation Area, 26701 FL-40, Astor, FL 32102, Tel: +1-352-625-3147.
National Forests in Florida Supervisor's Office, 325 John Knox Road, Bldg F, Suite 210, Tallahassee, FL 32303, Tel: +1-850-523-8500.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History


Description

The name Juniper Springs is definitely not unique in Florida, there are numerous sites which have this name, not only springs but also hamlets and residential roads. This page is about two beautiful karst springs, hence the plural is deserved, which are located in the Juniper Springs Recreation Area. Actually, there are hundreds of tiny bubbling springs and a few massive springs gushing out of crevices. There is another spring named Fern Hammock Springs 450 m to the east, it produces a tributary of Juniper Creek. This is one of the oldest and best-known recreation areas on the East Coast of Florida. It is located between Ocala and Ormond Beach along SR 40.

The picnic area, campground, trails, and the walls of the pool formed by the springs were constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The pool is almost circular and has a diameter of about 14 m.

The area is located in Juniper Prairies Wilderness, a central part of Ocala National Forest, which is managed by National Forests in Florida. The campground and various activities at the site are operated by Naventure. This is probably the most expensive site we listed in Florida. And currently most of the boardwalks are closed for renovation [2024]. Naventure also offers a pass which allows access to half a dozen sites for a year, which is a good alternative if you live there.