Located in central Florida, Ocala National Forest covers 607 square miles with crystal-clear springs, sandy trails, and diverse ecosystems. It offers numerous opportunities for hiking, fishing, and RV camping. The forest’s unique subtropical environment allows year-round access to its recreation areas, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
RV camping in Ocala National Forest is a popular choice. Several campgrounds, such as Alexander Springs Campground and Big Scrub Campground, offer facilities for RV travelers. Nearby towns like Ocala, Silver Springs, and Umatilla provide RV rental services via platforms like RVshare, ensuring easy access to this lush wilderness.
Camping in Ocala National Forest
Ocala National Forest offers a variety of camping options, from developed RV campgrounds to budget-friendly dispersed camping sites. Explore the top campgrounds in Florida when planning your trip to Ocala National Forest.
Nearby options include BLM campgrounds that cater to RV travelers and private campgrounds in nearby towns like Ocala and Silver Springs. To enhance your camping experience, you can locate dump stations near Ocala National Forest.
Paid Campgrounds in Ocala National Forest
Budget-friendly Campgrounds
Campgrounds by Lakes and Rivers for Water Activities
Ocala National Forest Hiking Trails
With over 600 miles of trails, Ocala National Forest offers options for all levels of hikers.
Easy Hikes for Beginners
Challenging Trails
Lakeside Trails
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St. Francis Trail Loop
The St. Francis Trail Loop takes you through floodplain forest and pine flatwoods. The terrain is uneven, and there are palmettos alongside the log bridge crossings. A wide variety of fungi can be seen along this trail section.
Length: 2.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Timucuan Trail
The Timucuan Trail takes you past natural springs and scrubs and then down from the Bluffs to the beach by Blackrock Trail. Along the way, you will see a canopy of cabbage palms, Southern magnolia, lots of wildflowers, and driftwood trees. The trail ends with a view of Amelia Island.
Length: 6.3 Miles
Intensity: Easy
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Davenport Landing Trail
The Davenport Landing Trail is an interpretive trail that leads to a former steamboat port. Enjoy shaded areas as you pass through flatwoods, saw palmetto, longleaf pines, scrub oaks, and bamboo. Bracken fern, blueberries, Southern magnolia, holly, and pignut hickory are some of the plants you will see along the way.
Length: 1.2 miles
Intensity: Easy to Moderate
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Clearwater Lake Nature Trail
The Clearwater Lake Nature Trail is a loop that begins and ends at the Clearwater Lake Recreation Area beach. The trail passes through pine flatwoods and scrubs along the edge of the lake. The soft and sandy trail offers many opportunities for birdwatching.
Length: 1.3 Miles
Intensity: Easy
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Yearling Trail
The Yearling Trail is aptly named as it was the site for filming the movie “The Yearling.” There are several historic remains of artifacts and homesteads. You will see a giant sinkhole, scrub jays, and possibly a black bear. Use caution as you will likely encounter a snake or two along the way.
Length: 5.5 Miles
Intensity: Easy
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Lake Eaton Trail
The Lake Eaton Trail begins from a high point in the Big Scrub and takes you through scrub oak and sand pine scrub to the edge of the lake. Several boardwalks and observation decks allow you the best view of the lake as well as opportunities for birdwatching. Red-cockaded woodpeckers and bald eagles are often sighted, as well as numerous waterfowls.
Length: 2.3 Miles
Intensity: Easy
How to get to Ocala National Forest
Address: 40929 State Road 19, Umatilla, FL 32784
Fee: Entry fee (per vehicle) $5.0
By Car
From Orlando, FL: Ocala National Forest is approximately 73 miles north of Orlando via FL-40 W. The drive takes about 50 minutes.
From Ocala, FL: The forest is 24 miles from Ocala via FL-40 E. The drive takes about 30-40 minutes.
By Air
Certain trails and campgrounds may be closed during heavy rains or wildfire risks. Check the forest’s official website for updates before your trip.
Ocala National Forest does not charge a general entry fee. Camping fees vary by site, and permits are required for group camping, wood collection, and other special activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ocala National Forest
Is there a fee to get into Ocala National Forest?
No, there is no fee to get into Ocala National Forest. There may, however, be fees for various recreational activities within the forest, or to use campgrounds, day-use sites, or other spots.
Does Ocala National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, Ocala National Forest offers free camping sites. Dispersed camping is allowed in the forest if you are not in the vicinity of developed recreation areas or less than 100 feet from a water source.
Is Ocala National Forest open all year round?
Yes, the Ocala National Forest is open year-round. Due to Florida's mild weather, visitors can hike, swim, and enjoy the forest just about any time of year.
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Ocala National Forest?
Yes, you can kayak, canoe, and raft in Ocala National Forest. There are more than 600 lakes, rivers, and springs in the forest so there are plenty of options for water activities.
What type of wildlife lives in Ocala National Forest?
Wildlife living in Ocala National Forest includes alligators, coyotes, white-tailed deer, wild boar, gopher tortoises, river otters, bobcats, and other small animals. The forest is also home to lots of different birds, fish, and reptiles.
