One of the real joys of our new motorhome is being able to stay in the many state park and national forest campgrounds in Florida. Recently our local kayak group set its sights on the Juniper Springs Run in the Ocala National Forest. Checking mid-week in May we found lots of campsites available. Our 25 foot RV is perfect for this campground. The sites are well spaced with a large variety of palms, trees and scrubs. Sites are no hook up with nice restrooms and water nearby. And being mid-week there were not too many kayakers on the run.

The spring pool was developed by the CCC in the 1930s and features a working water powered mill. The water is crystal clear and there are many many springs in the area. The run is 7 miles long and takes 4.5 to 5 hours to paddle. No disposable containers or wrappers are allowed. The current is swift and the course is narrow with countless bends and turns and fallen trees to navigate. There is not much need to paddle other than to avoid the next tree or bush and that is a factor constantly. After the 5 mile mark there is actually a rapids! We all made it through it OK but a few paddlers were pitched into the river elsewhere.

Our friend Mike created this you-tube video of our trip. Thanks Mike.

All in all it was an exhilarating trip down the Juniper Springs run. Not for beginners. Like an “E” ticket ride, we wanted to do it all over again. What a beautiful experience.