Ocala National Forest

United_States

Ocala National Forest is in North Central Florida.

Ocala National Forest is one of Central Florida's last remaining traces of forested land. The Ocala National Forest is the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi and contains the largest forest of sand pines in the world. The sand pine is the only tree capable of growing to a usable timber size in this forest's dry, sandy soil.

$50 for day-use recreation activities at Lake Dorr, Farles Lake, Mill Dam and Fore Lake. It is also valid for boat ramp use at Lake Dorr, Farles Lake, Mill Dam and Lake Eaton. 50% discount with possession of Golden Age Passport or Golden Access Passport.

$40 for day-use recreation activities at Juniper Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Wildcat Lake, Alexander Springs and Clearwater Lake Recreation Areas only, and is non-transferable.

$25 for the Spring Hopper Pass for day-use recreation activities at Juniper Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Wildcat Lake, Clearwater Lake and Alexander Springs Recreation Areas only. This pass is valid for a maximum of 4 persons in one vehicle for a two-day period.

  • A $26.50 Wildlife Management Area Permit is required for all hunters, except those indicated as exempt.

  • Campers looking for swimming, and picnicking should go to Salt, Alexander, and Juniper Springs.
  • At Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area, the Lake George Trail begins a two mile journey, transversing the shoreline of the lake and ends at a scenic location overlooking a rustic pier and boathouse. A wide variety of wildlife, plants and trees can be seen along the trail.
  • Alexander Springs Recreation Area, where 80 million gallons of water per day gush from the spring at a year-round temperature of 72 degrees is at the north end of the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail. The trail, developed by the Lake County Bicycle and Pedestrian Program and Florida Free-Wheelers, Inc. in cooperation with the Forest, is 22 miles long, but shorter loops can be accessed at the halfway point.

At Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area, the Lake George Trail begins a two mile journey, transversing the shoreline of the lake and ends at a scenic location overlooking a rustic pier and boathouse. A wide variety of wildlife, plants and trees can be seen along the trail.

Alexander Springs Recreation Area, where 80 million gallons of water per day gush from the spring at a year-round temperature of 72 degrees is at the north end of the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail. The trail, developed by the Lake County Bicycle and Pedestrian Program and Florida Free-Wheelers, Inc. in cooperation with the Forest, is 22 miles long, but shorter loops can be accessed at the halfway point.

Bears and alligators live in the area. Approach neither.

  • DeLeon Springs
  • DeLand
  • Ocala
  • Ormond Beach