Sweetwater Cabin

Area Status: Open

A cabin in the forest.

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), this classic example of 1930s CCC architecture is perched above a chalky blue spring - Sweetwater Spring - that creates a stream feeding Juniper Creek. It is one of the most popular and secretive getaways in the Ocala National Forest. Sweetwater Cabin is available for weekly rentals that includes your own spring to splash in off the deck out back.

Due to high demand, Sweetwater Cabin rental reservations are awarded through an annual computerized lottery selection process. Reservations are week-long and run from Friday to Friday. Only one entry per household allowed, per year. Entry for the lottery can be found at Rec.gov.

The application period for this lottery is open twice per year:

January 1st through 30th - draws for the following July-December available dates
- February 9th - Applicants are notified of lottery results
- February 23rd - Deadline for awardees to accept
June 1st through 30th - draws for the following January-June available dates
- July 12th - Applicants are notified of lottery results
- July 26th - Deadline for awardees to accept

Unclaimed permits will open for reservation on a randomly selected date 1-14 days after the deadline to accept.

Pets are not permitted on the property due to its sensitive historic and ecologic nature.

History

Built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps as a recreation cabin, Sweetwater Cabin was occupied by the film crew shooting The Yearling, starring Gregory Peck, in 1945 while on location on Pat's Island, just to the north. The cabin is surrounded by the Juniper Prairie Wilderness (area is unavailable) and has direct access via canoe to Juniper Run (area is unavailable).

At a Glance

Operational Hours:	Gate hours are pre-arranged.
Usage:	Heavy
Restrictions:	Pets are not permitted on the grounds.
Closest Towns:	Salt Springs, approximately 12 miles north, has groceries, gas station, hardware, outfitter supplies and a laundromat.