Juniper Springs Rec Area

The campsites are partially/fully shaded with foliage creating privacy from other campers. Each site has a paved driveway and well defined level tent pad. Sites are large enough for 2 vehicles and a small group of people. Fire rings, a table, and a bear box large enough for 3+ large coolers are on each site. Water is shared between 3-4 sites and there is no electric. Highway noise was audible, but not loud enough to be disruptive. The bathhouse is clean and adequate. There were a lot of ticks, so bug repellent is recommended.
The spring is beautiful with a year-round 72 degree temperature offering year round swimming and snorkeling, but does not have a shallow area where you can touch the bottom. There are open areas with picnic tables and hiking paths. The pavilion was closed when we were there. A connector trail connects to the Florida Trail for extended hiking.
You can rent kayaks (and soon canoes we were told) and experience one of the best canoe trails in the state of Florida, however it is very technical and is NOT recommended for first time paddlers. The 7.3 mile trail features lot of twists, turns, obstacles and logs just under the surface that can tip you over and even a short rapid section. Even experienced paddlers will get pushed into the brush by the current. It is mostly shaded with lots of foliage and plenty of wildlife to see including alligators. Allow about 4 hours to complete it. Juniper Springs is a popular destination (but not over crowded) so if you are camping, reserve your site early. The park has a relaxing natural atmosphere with fantastic springs, great camp sites, a premier canoe trail and friendly staff!

After reading other reviews, we were nervous coming to the site. But the staff here was absolutely amazing! Everyone was friendly and professional. We brought our own kayaks and the launch fee was waived since we were camping but they treated us the same as if we were renting. Beautiful views, clean and quiet campsite. We will absolutely be back!

Great experience. Our campsite was close to the bathroom and showers and they were opened 24/7. Very clean and organized. The only thing we didn't like much is that the campsite is too small for two tents and 2 cars. Keep un mind that if you want to go for the kayak option, it is a 4 -5 hours of paddling!

We loved the springs. The camp ground was very welcoming and easy to get around.
We hate that our dog couldn’t be in the area of the springs because camping with a dog meant only one parent could go with the kids and they other had to stay back with the dog. Also all the wooden tails were closed so we weren’t able to explore as much as we would have liked and didn’t see anything posted prior to booking. Quite time was also not enforced and unfortunately there were kids climbing on the bathroom, flipping over the cigarette butt holder, trashed the bathrooms and yelled and screamed well past midnight.

Beautiful spot - lovely springs! Everything was clean and tidy

We love this park. It has incredible foliage. The springs are beautiful. Campsites are close to bathroom.

We loved our campsite .. being retired we enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere.. until night time with all the young folks camping and the screaming and laughter well after midnight .. being we were in a tent was a little annoying.. I understand everyone wants to have fun .. the camping overall was great.

Safe, beautiful camping. So glad I rented a kayak to do the Juniper run. Gorgeous flora and fauna. Lovely swimming

Need to fix boardwalks and walking trails

We stayed at Juniper Springs Campground. It must have been spectacular back in the 40s and 50s with its winding boardwalks, beautiful springs, rustic shelters. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been maintained; trails are closed, shelters cordoned off, programs suspended. It’s in such poor condition that I was actually embarrassed each time I encountered someone from a different country. The main spring is gorgeous, though, and looks like a wonderful place to swim. Maps are no longer handed out, but you can take a picture of it with your phone. We were there at the end of March and the ticks were plentiful.