Juniper Springs Recreation Area — Hotel in Belleview

Juniper Springs Recreational Area - Adventure Ocala LLC

CAUTIONDANGEROUS*

Kayaking the Juniper run can be extremely difficult and technical. This is NOT something you want to do if you or anyone going are remotely a beginner or not physically in shape and a strong swimmer. You will NOT have an enjoyable time, especially if conditions aren’t perfect. I cannot stress this enough. I will elaborate below under Juniper run.

JUNIPER SPRING

The spring its self is beautiful. It is well maintained with a quaint little paddle mill. Thats where it ends.. PRO- TIP: Go during the week, off season and Get there early... Unless you like to go swimming in super packed public pools. You will not be able to see the springs water if it's crowded - one of the main reason that compels people to go to springs..

There were literally around a thousand people in and around the spring. Don't make our mistake and go in July, luckily we where camping with a reservation so we where allowed access as the park quickly hits capacity. Make sure to read the rules as they are strict and do cooler checks.

JUNIPER SPRINGS TRAIL CLOSED The trail, Fern hammock spring and the boardwalk which are almost all of the pictures you'll see besides the spring head online is and has been closed since 2021 do to extreme disrepair. as of 2024 no repairs have begun. This as well as many of the structures surrounding it - fern hammock arch bridge and pavilions etc are blocked off. This disrepair situation is one of the saddest things I've ever seen in a Florida state park to date. -

CAMPING

The situation(s) above are mirrored in the campground. Understaffed and underfunded. No power hookups, bathrooms/showers are abysmal - but they do have them. Generators only during daylight hours - even super quiet ones. Primitive, it is what it is. Plan accordingly.

THE JUNIPER RUN

I am a 33/yo active lifestyle male.

I highly suggest not to be in the first group sent down the run unless you like spiders as much as Wilbur. Kidding aside, I highly suggest to completely avoid going after any storms or bad weather the night before as well. If you do, DO NOT use the tandem kayaks. These shouldn't even be offered as an option to rent normally, let alone after a storm until the run has been cleared as passable.

Highly suggest bringing a knife, eye protection and a small rope.

This is the main reason for the review. I would like to highlight the number one issue of it and how it is the number one contributing factor to this nightmare. They are supposedly NOT allowed to use any power tools in removal and clearing of obstructions. This means no battery or gas cutting devices chainsaw, trimmers, articulating saws etc which makes this kayaking adventure adherently UNPREDICTABLE and DANGEROUS.

They DO NOT send down the run a lead kayak or canoe to check conditions before allowing people to launch in the AM. They rely on the kayakers after 7 miles (3-4 hours of kayaking) at the pick up to relay that information. Long after multiple people have been allowed down - Which is extremely irresponsible and dangerous. The cell phone signal is spotty and no way to communicate if there is an extreme obstacle and kayakers need to be warned or possibly the...

We are a couple of British guys travelling the states for two months driving from Orlando to Washington DC. Juniper Springs was our first stop off on the journey. When we arrived we were greet by a lovely gentleman called Mike who made us feel really welcome to centre and gave us other recommendations to do on our journey. During our time at the centre we loved the crystal clear waters and the clean environment. It had an amazing area to relax and have lunch on the picnic benches and It was a amazing to view the old mill house on the spring as well. There are lots of springs in Florida but what makes this spring so special is the people involved in running it.

Now here is where the story gets great... we hired a truck for our trip and we were keen to try out one of the forest trails nearby in the truck. We tried the trail just outside of juniper springs and a mile down the sand track we were hit by a really bad thunderstorm (Us brits aren’t used to this sort of storm, it was scary!). So what do you do when your car is stuck in sand and you are in a mini hurricane, you call Mike.

Mike said don’t worry about it he will get someone to come helps us out of our situation. We walked down the track to be greeted by Squirrel and Don in their 4X4 kitted our with chains and ropes to save us. They picked us up and drove us back to the truck. Whilst the storm continued both Squirrel and Don pulled our truck back to safety and followed us out onto the main road to make sure we didn’t get stuck again.

After almost an hour of digging and towing Squirrel, Don, Mike and Jodi invited us back to raise a glass to the success of the rescue mission. Without their help we would have been in a really bad situation with no one to helps us. Their hospitality and kindness can’t not be expressed in words so go down and check out Juniper Springs because the people that make this...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Juniper Springs in Apopka, Florida, is a hidden natural paradise that left me in awe from the moment I arrived. The crystal-clear springs and lush surroundings create an enchanting escape that's truly a gift of nature.

🌊 Natural Beauty: The springs themselves are a sight to behold. The water is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom, and the colors are simply breathtaking. Swimming in these pristine waters is an experience that's both refreshing and serene.

🌳 Lush Environment: The entire area is a haven for nature lovers. Towering trees, diverse vegetation, and the soothing sound of flowing water create a sense of tranquility that's hard to find elsewhere.

🏞️ Outdoor Activities: Juniper Springs offers a range of activities for everyone to enjoy. From kayaking and canoeing to hiking trails surrounded by untouched wilderness, there's no shortage of ways to connect with nature here.

🏕️ Camping Experience: I had the opportunity to camp at Juniper Springs, and it was an unforgettable experience. The campgrounds are well-maintained, and sleeping under the stars while being serenaded by the sounds of nature is something I'll cherish forever.

👏 Friendly Staff: The staff at Juniper Springs were welcoming and informative. They provided helpful tips for making the most of my visit and ensured that the park's facilities were clean and well-organized.

In summary, Juniper Springs is a true gem in Apopka, offering a slice of untouched natural beauty that's both invigorating and soothing. If you're seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this is the perfect place to recharge, reconnect with nature, and create...