The recreation area and surrounding wilderness consist of two medium sized blue springs, a seven mile spring run, fantastic RV and tent camping sites, visitor center, picnic tables, and miles of hiking trails.

If you didn't bring a canoe or kayak, the US Forest Service runs a concession stand offering 15 and 17 foot aluminum canoes for rent.

The Forest Service will transport you and your personal boat from the takeout to the rec area for $6 per person and $6 per boat.

Please Note: Disposable containers, including soda cans, are not allowed on the spring run.(HEAVILY ENFORCED)

Also, be prepared for a long portage from the parking lot to the canoe ramp. If you have a heavy boat, bring a cart or borrow one of the park service carts.

Starting at the canoe ramp, the upper spring run is crystal-clear and less than one foot deep. A white sand bottom gives the appearance of paddling down a sandy, twisty and narrow roadway. Palmetto, palms, oak and cypress form almost a complete canopy over the small creek, which is much appreciated on hot summer days.

About two miles downstream, the run enters Juniper Prairie Wilderness, a sanctuary for wildlife and those seeking to get far away from the urban world. The Florida Trail passes through here, offering a great place to hike, as well as paddle.

Further downstream the creek becomes wider and deeper while a matting of leaves cover the bottom. A nice picnic spot with small wooden dock is at the half-way mark. Near the takeout the creek widens again into a flood plain / savannah complete with marsh grasses, alligators and many wading birds.

The takeout is just beyond the SR 19 bridge on the right side of the creek. Juniper Creek continues for another 2.5 miles before emptying into Lake George. Access

The Juniper Springs Recreation Area is located in the Ocala National Forest, approximately 30 miles east of Ocala on SR 40. If you are coming from Orlando, take US 441 north to SR 19. Go left (west) at the junction of SR 19 and SR 40 for 5 miles.

The park entrance is on the north side of SR 40. The take-out is located 4 miles north of the SR 19 and 40 junction at Juniper Wayside Park.