 Photo Courtesy Lori Parr
VIEW PHOTO GALLERY
National Park Location Maps:
(click here to zoom and navigate local map)
(click here to zoom and navigate regional map)
View TOPO Maps!
Get directions to this park:
National Park Photo Gallery:
volunteer positions open
 Photo Courtesy Lori Parr
VIEW PHOTO GALLERY
Nearby Parks:
Ocala National Recreation Trail
Silver River State Park
|
| National Park Contact Information: |
 |
Ocala National Forest
325 John Knox Rd
Tallahassee, Florida 32303
Phone: 904-942-9300
|
Area Accommodations
|
| Adopt-A-Park Contacts: |
|
Photography: add your photos
|
|
| National Park Overview: |
| The Ocala is a unique and fascinating forest that offers an accommodating climate for year round recreating. The mild winters are fine for family camping while a summer canoe trip down a palm-lined stream is a cool way to spend an August day. The temperatures for the dry months of November through February range from a daily average of 50 F to a high of 72 F. The summer season is much warmer and wetter. Short afternoon thundershowers often raise the humidity to about 90% while the temperatures range from 80 F to 95 F. The average rainfall is approximately 55 inches per year.
Water plays an important part in a variety of recreational opportunities on the forest. There are huge springs, twisting streams and lakes for fishing and water skiing. Many of the scenic lakes were formed when limestone bedrock dissolved, permitting the surface layer to slump and fill with water. The cool crystal-clear water of Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, Salt Springs and Silver Glen Springs entice many visitors to take a cool dip. Snorkelers frequently find a thrilling underwater view of fish, swaying vegetation and cavernous springs. No wonder the Ocala National Forest is one of the most heavily used National Forests in the United States. Some recreational activities require a pass or permit. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
|
|
Huge area with tons to do!
The Ocala National forest is a gem in this part of Florida. From camping, boating, and hiking, a person can always find something to enjoy about this beautiful area.
Written by ike
16-May-2008
| |
|
(name not given)
2-Jan-2009
| |
|
10PM quiet time is just too early.
Expecting campers to put out campfires and zip themselves into their tents at 10PM is really taking it too far. Midnight would be more reasonable.
(name not given)
19-Jan-2009
| |
|
Road conditions
I love driving the forest roads in the Ocala National Forest.
First timers though, need to be aware of their surroundings and local road conditions. Some of the smaller roads are all but impassable unless you have a 4X4 vehicle AND know how to drive in sand.
Going by yourself can result in your being stuck way back in the boonies.
Written by Mannlicher
23-Feb-2009
| |
|
MY SECOND HOME
I simply love it down there! I have spotted a pair of bald eagles, numerous alligators, cranes and many black bears. I have a friend who lives on the edge of the forest and while spending one year there, we had a nesting pair of sandhill cranes and a resident black bear that would weigh in around 400lbs.
Written by ReesieDavidson
24-Feb-2009
| |
|
Rangers and dispatch
They are wonderful and helped my boyfriend out of the forest safely when there were a few brush fires in the area. They called him & made sure that he was OK. Thanks!
Written by karlsbikerchic
11-Mar-2009
| |
|
Eurika borrow pit
The Ocala national forest needs to open the Eurika borrow pit and attach it to the atv trail system. This would give atv riders a place to play and increase the enjoyment of riding the trails. This would help also in preventing the destruction of the trails
Written by grouper3
21-Mar-2009
| |
|
Quiet time appreciated and welcomed
We are bombarded daily by loud noise and inconsiderate actions of others. Listening to the quiet of nature after 10pm is a welcomed relief. For those that want noise, there are plenty of other places to go.
Written by Dennis
8-Apr-2009
| |
|
Home, sweet home
I live here sometimes and I love it.
Written by IFM
15-Apr-2009
| |
|
Quiet Time
Wow, Quiet Time... Medication Time, Medication TIme
(name not given)
16-Apr-2009
| |
|
Be prepared
Enjoyable time, but make sure to stop at a Visitors Station. Evidently the Visitor Station is the only place allowed to give out trail maps. The park employees we encountered knew very little about the trails at the area they worked and nothing about other areas of the park. We ended up wasting a lot of time because of the lack of information.
Written by Mike
18-Apr-2009
| |
|
home lot`s of goodoboys steeal my stuff
hog vally is not to good on road 19 steeal all the time park is top`s
Written by rsand67
4-May-2009
| |
|
A Campers Dream Come True
Salt Springs National Park is one of the most beautiful campgrounds we have ever visited. The sites are very spacious and the bathrooms and shower houses are always very clean.While we were there the workcampers were very friendly and helpful,especially one named Larry. We have told all our friends about this wonderful park. This is one that you have to visit to believe. We hope to return again next Spring.
Written by L. McCoy
6-May-2009
| |
|
first time here
My son and I camped at Delancy east and had a great time, we saw and heard gators, ran several of the forest trails in the north end of the park, swam in the Oklawaha, and got to see a black bear and a wild turkey! An awesome start, we will definitely come back!
Written by shawnbeachside
10-May-2009
| |
|
no maps no info NO OPEN VISITOR STATION
It is absolutely BEAUTIFUL but you will be discovering trails
on your own unless you arrive on a weekend when the sign said the office would be open. HINT: The Park Service Office is in the shopping complex down from the Black Bear Market at Salt Springs on 19. Nobody around knows anything while they sit amid great beauty but everyone is friendly. The Black Bear Market did sell us maps and gave us info on The Yearling Trail. The trailhead is south on 19 appx 4 miles down from the closed Park Service Office & the trail needs maintenance but who cares-- what a fantastic place!!! Definitely roughing it on the trails-- would not take small kids.
(name not given)
7-Jul-2009
| |
|
Be still to enjoy
The point of visiting a place of natural beauty such as this is to be quiet AT ALL TIMES to enjoy the sound of the wind, birds, creatures in the undergrowth. It is not recommended for those who crave the racket of roller coasters or, at night, to relive keg parties in the frat. Be still and appreciate.
Written by C. Farr
3-Aug-2009
| |
|
Wow what a spring run!!!
This is our favorite Spring Run. Everytime you go it changes. In our opinion not for the first timer (go to Alexander Springs for that)Going again tomorrow!!! 8-29-09
Written by hapydazy
28-Aug-2009
| |
|
Atv riders
This park belongs to everyone not just the good ole boy hunters its a darn shame that all the damage has been blamed on 4 wheelers and not the 4000 lb 4 wheel drives that are actually making the damage out there. The forest needs to be divided in half for riding and hunting get used to it, its coming
(name not given)
9-Nov-2009
| |
|
BEST PLACE TO SEE F16 DROP BOMBSSS
we go hunting near the naval range and it best thing to see and here the jets and bombs so COOL!!!!!!!
Written by Andy
24-Nov-2009
| |
|
artists inspiration
the beauty of primitive america inspires for me creativity and my new book; the adventures of the london detectives- from publish america,com includes a story about floridas central area,
Written by thomas reale
11-Dec-2009
| |
|
|
| Camping: |
| Camping can be enjoyed during all seasons on the Ocala. Visitors are welcome to stay as long as fourteen days in most campgrounds and even longer in other campgrounds, depending on the season. The majority of camping is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Salt Springs, Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs and Clearwater Lake now take reservations through ReserveUSA, in addition to a first-come, first-serve basis. You may make reservations online or by telephone, toll free: 877 444-6777. All of the group campgrounds and cabins are by reservation only.
Camping can be divided into three classes based on the type of facilities offered and fees charged; developed campgrounds, primitive campsites and dispersed tent camping. Developed campgrounds provide a variety of amenities including; showers, restrooms, picnic tables, charcoal grills, fire rings, lantern holders, drinking water, sanitation facilities and trash receptacles. Primitive campsites provide very few if any of these amenities. Dispersed tent camping is for the adventurous that prefer no facilities at all and is permitted throughout the general forest area.
Fees at developed areas range from $4.00 to $20.00, while primitive and dispersed camping is free. Camping permits and discount passports for senior and disabled U.S. citizens are available. Please see Passes & Permits for more information.
Developed Campgrounds:
The word Ocala is thought to be a derivative of a Timucuan Indian term meaning ?fair land? or ?big hammock?. The Ocala?s vegetation lives up to its name, as you will discover towering palms, huge live oaks and scrubby sand pines. Developed campgrounds in the Ocala are nestled in each of these settings. Of the twenty developed campgrounds, only Salt Springs offers full hook-up service. However, several campgrounds have dump stations and shower facilities. The remaining campgrounds offer fewer amenities. All of Ocala?s campgrounds allow pets, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and are not permitted in designated swimming and picnicking areas. Many swimming areas also prohibit alcohol.
An annual pass is available for several of the campgrounds. Because these campgrounds have fewer amenities, the proceeds from the sales of the passes go towards improvements. These annual passes are part of the fee demo program and are sold at Ocala?s visitor centers and ranger stations.
Accessible campsites, restrooms, showers and walkways are available throughout various campgrounds in the Ocal National Forest. Call the appropriate district to determine if the facility you have chosen will suit your needs.
Primitive Camping:
The ?Leave No Trace? ethic is a consideration for all visitors whether they are dispersed camping, primitive camping or developed camping. To leave no trace of ourselves each time we use the Forest can be challenging, but every effort to maintain the natural state of the area will contribute to protecting it from overuse. Remember to remove all garbage and trash, ?pack it in, pack it out?. Leave vegetation intact, replace sticks and logs that were moved to clear areas for tents and campfires, and preserve water systems. Erasing evidence of our presence will keep each individual?s impact on the Forest at a minimum.
Primitive campsites, can be used by individuals camping with tents or any motorized vehicle. These are specific areas in the forest that offer little or no facilities. Some of these campsites are also hunt camps and may be open year round. Those that are not hunt camps will be closed during the established hunting season. While any motorized vehicle is permitted in these primitive campsites, not all areas are accessible by all types of vehicles. Sandy and narrow woods roads may make navigation difficult or impossible for some vehicles. Visitors should treat these roads with cautious respect.
|
| Trails: |
| The Ocala portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail traverses the forest north to south, winding through multiple ecosystems. Hikers can experience rolling hills in the open longleaf pine forest, vast prairies, wooden boardwalks through swamps, thick scrub oak ? sand pine, and oak hammocks. The Trail meanders approximately 67 miles through the Ocala National Forest, making it an excellent choice for backpacking. Hikers may primitive camp while backpacking as long as campsites are at least 200 feet from the trail. Those who prefer not to rough it as much will encounter a spur trail to a developed campground about every 10 or 12 miles. These developed sites offer varying levels of facilities. Backpackers are not required to have a permit nor register with the ranger station prior to their outing, although filing a hiking plan with family and friends is highly recommended. Primitive camping in the general forest area is prohibited during the general gun deer hunting season, which is November 8, 2003 to January 4, 2003. The only exception to this regulation allows primitive camping within the Juniper Prairie Wilderness, which is closed to all hunting.
Many shorter loop trails are available for hikers looking for a less arduous experience. The Salt Springs Trail, Lake Eaton Sinkhole and Lake Eaton Loop Trails are among these, while the St. Francis Trail provides 2 loops 3 and 8.5 miles long.
Bicycling:
The Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail is a challenging 22 mile long ride through live oak domes, grassy prairies and stands of pines. Since the trail is in a figure eight shape, shorter loops can be made at the halfway point. Because this trail is not paved, bicycles need to be suited for rough terrain. Mountain bikes are ideal. There is no fee to ride the trail and there is free parking available at the trailhead at Clearwater Lake and the parking area of FR 538. Alexander Springs is located at the north end of the trail and Clearwater Lake is located at the south end. Water, showers and flush toilets are available at both locations, but please note there is a fee to use these facilities. Water is not available along the trail, so be sure to bring plenty of water. The trail is marked with yellow diamonds and arrows and posts at road crossings. |
| Boating: |
| Recreational opportunities abound on the many water bodies of the Ocala National Forest as well as on land. Activities range from canoeing, boating, skiing, to use of personal watercraft. All visitors engaging in water sports should keep safety first and foremost. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulates water vessels and should be consulted for safety requirements, registration and other regulations.
The Ocala National Forest?s canoeing adventures are many, as it contains approximately 600 lakes and ponds, several streams and has 2 rivers along its boundary. There is no whitewater such as you would find in the mountains, but a variety of streams awaits your visit.
Canoeing/Kayaking:
Each stream has its own characteristics that make it unlike any other. Some, like Alexander Spring Creek, begin broad with slow moving water and then become narrow and deep downstream. Others, like Juniper Creek, start scarcely wider than the canoe and end up more than a hundred feet wide.
You can usually cover 2.5 miles per hour in open streams, assuming you periodically stop to enjoy the scenery. In streams with obstructing logs you may only move about 1.5 miles per hour.
The streams are kept in their natural condition. You won?t find roads running parallel alongside the stream. You may have to duck under low hanging tree branches or lift the canoe over partly submerged logs. The streams are left in these primitive conditions to provide a challenge and a sense of achievement, and to let visitors experience the quiet beauty of the unspoiled environment.
Be considerate of those who will canoe after you. Carry out all your trash so the stream will look natural. Please leave flowers, cypress knees, and shrubs for others to enjoy.
Canoe rentals are available from the concessionaire at Salt Springs Marina (352-685-2255), Juniper Springs (352-625-2808), Alexander Springs (352-669-3522), Silver Glen Springs (352-685-2799) and Clearwater Lake (352-669-0078) or you may bring canoes and paddle on your own. If you prefer, arrangements may be made with the concessionaire for rehaul service. Canoes need to be rented before 11am. Reservations are possible by calling each location, but canoes can also be rented on a "first-come, first-served basis". |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| The Ocala National Forest is a wildlife management area, in which hunting and fishing activities are managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. A $26.50 Wildlife Management Area Permit is required for all hunters (except those indicated as exempt) to hunt in this area. A Quota Hunt Permit may also be required during certain time periods or certain game. General hunting information may be found on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission?s website, or in the current Hunting Handbook available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Office, their various subagents, or the Forest Service Ranger Stations. For specific regulations that pertain only to the Ocala Wildlife Management Area a unique brochure is published annually and can be obtained at the same locations, including the website. This brochure identifies specific hunting units and regulations of the Ocala Wildlife Management Area.
Freshwater fishing is available in the many lakes, streams and ponds of the Ocala National Forest. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also regulates fishing and produces a Fishing Handbook that outlines specific rules, bag limits, licensing, and health advisories. This handbook is available at the same locations as the Hunting Handbook. The Forest Service produced a specific fishing guide for the Ocala National Forest. This handy paperback book, entitled Fishing Opportunities in the Ocala National Forest, identifies 50 bodies of water within the Ocala and provides great detail for each one. These details include: recreation facilities available, ramp access, specific regulations, sport fishing opportunities, and lake description. Fishing Opportunities in the Ocala National Forest is sold at all three visitor centers.
Hunting and Fishing licenses and permits for residents and nonresidents are available at county tax collector?s offices and their subagents, such as sporting goods stores or other retailers selling hunting and fishing equipment. For your convenience, you may use a major credit card and purchase your license over the phone: 1-888-HUNT-FLORIDA or 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA; or through the FWC website.
The Ocala Rifle Range was built with funds provided by the Pittman-Robertson Act to be used by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission?s Hunter Education Program. This Act levies an excise tax on all sporting arms and ammunition, which is then used for wildlife restoration and hunter education. When classes are not scheduled, the range is available to the public. The facility is open from sunrise to sunset and is unsupervised, so cooperation among shooters is a must! While backboards are provided, they must be maintained and the range is usually closed on Wednesdays for repairs. Shooters should bring their own targets and tacks or staples, and those using the shotgun range should bring their own targets. There is no fee to use the range. The range is located within a wildlife management area boundary, so transporting firearms to and from the range is limited to state and county roads and prohibited on forest service roads. |
| |
| |
| Area Accommodations |
| Campgrounds | |  | Wynnhaven Riverside RV Park - Bushnell, FL
Wynnhaven Riverside is located on County Road 48 in the small town of Bushnell, Florida. Just head west 8 miles off I-75 on CR 48, you will find us there on your left hand side, 7 miles before you get to Floral City; more specifically, before you cross the bridge on the Withlacoochee River. Whether you are visiting Florida and want sun or prefer to camp in the shade of Florida's grand oak trees, we have units available for both.
Web Site: www.wynnhavenriverside.com |
|
|
| |
| | Advertise your park related business
on stateparks.com
...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
|
| Related Links: |
| USDA Forest Service - Southern Region - ... National Forests in Florida Recreation in Your National Forests Apalachicola National Forest Ocala National Forest Osceola National Forest It is indeed our pleasure to provide you with a multitude ... | | The Florida Trail in the Ocala National Forest - The Florida Trail in the Ocala National Forest The Florida Trail in the Ocala National Forest is certified as Florida National Scenic Trail, and has been called the ?crown jewel? of the Florida ... | | Ocala National Forest - Ocala National Forest Sections of the Ocala National Forest are open to off-road vehicles. This is one of the best motorcycle ... in Salt Springs.The Ocala National Forest is located about 20 ... | | Ocala National Forest - Yahoo! Travel - Ocala National Forest Tourism and Park Information Guide. Find out the best information about Camping, Hiking & Walking, Backpacking ... Parks > Florida > Ocala National Forest About Ocala National Forest ... |
|
|
| |
|
USA
