One Of The East Coast's Oldest Recreation Areas Is A Natural Florida Spring To Swim In Crystalline Waters

While Florida may be best known for the beautiful ocean and beaches that surround the state, there are plenty of spots within the state where you can find hidden freshwater sanctuaries. There are more than 1,000 natural springs, such as Ginnie Springs, home to magical caverns that are perfect for diving, and Blue Spring State Park, where hundreds of manatees flock each winter. Another is Silver Springs, a natural oasis full of springs, and is home to a Florida state park where several movies have been filmed. Within that same town, you'll also find yet another freshwater swimming hole worth checking out, Juniper Springs. 

The Juniper Springs Recreation Area was created in the 1930s, but it's still a hotspot for nature enthusiasts. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the onsite Mill House to learn about the area's history, and adventurers will be excited to find great spots for hiking, paddling, and swimming. It's a scenic spot that nature enthusiasts will love, and one reviewer on Tripadvisor even called it "One of my favorite places in Florida."

What makes Juniper Springs so special? It could be the bubbling, crystalline waters that are perfect for swimming. The spring-fed swimming hole stays a comfortable 72 degrees Fahrenheit and is a great place to cool off on a hot Florida day. This is a natural pool, so you may see tapegrass growing on the bottom, along with fish and eels. The area is home to hundreds of bubbling springs. Many are tiny, but you'll also see some areas where the spring water gushes through cracks in the bottom of the natural pool. 

Many visitors also enjoy the 7-mile paddling trail that takes you through a national wilderness area. Juniper Run offers beautiful scenery, but it is challenging and isn't the best for those who have never paddled. At the time of writing, it is $10 to launch your own kayak or canoe, but you can also rent a kayak for $50. If you want to bring a friend, you can share a tandem kayak for $60. A shuttle service is also included in the rental fee, so you can enjoy your adventure without having to worry about paddling back. 

Juniper Springs Recreation Area is located within the Ocala National Forest. In addition to offering great hiking opportunities, the forest is also known for its off-road trails that serve as a fun playground for those with ATVs and Jeeps. While this isn't allowed inside Juniper Springs, you can find spots to go nearby. 

Surrounded by a canopy of palms and oaks, Juniper Springs Recreation Area is a perfect camping spot for those who want to wake up in one of Florida's iconic natural settings. The campsites are situated near the creek and springs, and all of them include a picnic table, grill, and campfire ring.  Visitors say great things about the camping facilities there, with one Google review saying, "Camped out at their great campgrounds. Very natural camping area with lots of overhanging trees and shrubbery, very private sites. Great showers and bathrooms." 

If you don't want to camp, you can find a few hotels in Silver Springs, but you may also want to look at one of the neighboring cities — Ocala. It is an underrated town between Florida's east and west coasts, and has even more hotel options.

The Juniper Springs Recreational Area is located in the central part of the state and is an easy drive from Orlando. If you fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO) and rent a car, you can be at Juniper Springs Recreation Area in less than an hour and a half. To make a multi-day adventure, you can also visit other nearby springs in the area: Alexander Springs is less than 20 minutes away from Juniper Springs, and you can drive to Silver Glen Springs in about 10 minutes. Rainbow Springs is just over an hour away and is a great spot for tubing.