Ocala National Forest, FL, United States
Juniper Springs
Juniper Springs is a 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps pool in the Ocala National Forest, shallow at one end and deep enough to jump into at the other, fed by spring water that stays around 72°F beside an old mill house. Tapegrass covers the bottom and American eels sometimes turn up. There is no potable water on site, so bring your own, and expect crowds on weekends.
Photo: US Forest Service - Southern Region (photo by Susan Blake) · Public domain
Latest reading · SwimScore 89/100 (Get in) for a typical swimmer: air 28°C, wind 22 km/h, UV 3. Updated .
Know before you go
- Best conditions
- Spring water around 72°F every day of the year; the pool is about 135 feet long and 80 feet wide.
- Getting in
- Ocala National Forest recreation area on SR 40 between Ocala and Ormond Beach, operated by concessionaire Naventure; hours vary by season.
- Parking & transport
- On-site parking; sites fill on weekends and may close when capacity is reached.
- Season
- Year-round.
- Who swims here
- Start of the Juniper Run paddling trail, a narrow, technical 3-5 hour run not recommended for beginners.
- Watch for
- Alligators are among the wildlife of the spring and creek area
- No fishing in the springs or runs; pets and alcohol are not allowed in the day-use area
- Facilities
- Flush toilets · Picnic tables · Historic Old Mill House with interpretive exhibits · General store · Kayak rentals and shuttle service · 79-site campground · Non-potable water only; bring drinking water
Sources: fs.usda.gov, naventure.com, en.wikipedia.org
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Details
- Location
- Ocala National Forest, FL, United States
- Type
- river
- Coordinates
- 29.1837, -81.7124