FL > Ocala FLorida March 14-21 paddle/hang**** looking for options

**LuvmyBonnet** · 02-25-2015, 15:14

I'm heading down to Florida for a little warmth,hanging and paddling. I know there was a hang recently at Ocala and was looking foe some advice as to where in Ocala to go for a good primitive camping area on the water. Make base camp and do some day paddles/fishing?
If you have any suggestions on a better place to camp/paddle, I'm all ears

**LuvmyBonnet** · 02-26-2015, 15:15

Wow! 591 views and not one post of advise.

**lilricky** · 02-26-2015, 16:45

The Ocala National Forest has several primitive campsite and several creeks to paddle on, but the problem is, I'm not sure where the two intersect as I'm more of a backpacker than a paddler. My favorite primitive campsites are pretty well landlocked. There is a place where Juniper creek comes within 800 feet of the Whispering Creek primitive campsite off of the Florida Trail, but I've never tried to hike from the campsite to Juniper, not sure how the bushwacking would be. If you are GPS savvy you can go to my webpage and download the Trail Only GPX file from there, and visit gpsfiledepot.com to download the Florida Topo file. Along with Garmin's Basecamp program you can get a lay of the land around Ocala. That being said, Juniper Springs Campground, Alexander Springs Campground, and Salt Springs Campground are all excellent established campgrounds that have paddling access.

**zukiguy** · 02-26-2015, 17:36

Gores Landing is a pretty popular place for "glamping" here in FL with the kayaking crowd. http://www.marioncountyfl.org/Home/C...rectory/40/663

It's not the greatest of campsites for a large group of hangers. There are lots of trees but they're mostly too far apart for hanging. There are several state parks in FL on the water but only certain ones are participating in the "pilot program" to allow hammocks in state parks. Your best bet is to call ahead and verify you can hang.

**itsandy** · 02-26-2015, 18:00

I'll be glad to advise! Do you have to be in the Ocala area? Anywhere in north Florida? There are plenty of places to primitive camp on the water. Rivers, Lakes, islands and open water. If you want to car camp with a wide range of amenities, just let me know where and what you want to do. Do you need to be connected, around civilization, totally isolated or somewhere in between?

I may even try to join you for part of it!

**LuvmyBonnet** · 02-27-2015, 07:35

Originally Posted by itsandy

I'll be glad to advise! Do you have to be in the Ocala area? Anywhere in north Florida? There are plenty of places to primitive camp on the water. Rivers, Lakes, islands and open water. If you want to car camp with a wide range of amenities, just let me know where and what you want to do. Do you need to be connected, around civilization, totally isolated or somewhere in between?

I may even try to join you for part of it!

I'm going to be based out of Venice. I'm willing to travel 3-4 hrs. I'd be willing to stay in camping area for 2-4 days. I'm not looking for luxuries of electric or water hook ups. I'd prefer Federal over State parks as I don't have any 2" straps. I'd like the site to be on or verry close to the water as I'd spend a good portion of the day on the water.
I mentioned Ocala because it is Fed. and there was just a group hang there so I figured it had water and is good to hang.
Someone else mentioned 10,000 Islands. I need to look into whether I can hang there with 1 1/2" straps.
I will need to make a decision on where I'm going before hand so I know whether to get fresh or salt water license.

**richtorfla** · 02-27-2015, 07:45

You have fish eating creek right around Venice. I think its near Palmdale. Islander did a few trips there. Don't know if there is still a thread on here. Looks like a nice place to go. There is a I believe a family run campsite on the creek. This might be a option for ya too.

**LuvmyBonnet** · 02-27-2015, 08:18

Originally Posted by richtorfla

You have fish eating creek right around Venice. I think its near Palmdale. Islander did a few trips there. Don't know if there is still a thread on here. Looks like a nice place to go. There is a I believe a family run campsite on the creek. This might be a option for ya too.

That does look nice. I'll do some research on that tonight. Pictures look pretty.
Islander isn't avail for pm.

**richtorfla** · 02-27-2015, 19:44

Originally Posted by LuvmyBonnet

That does look nice. I'll do some research on that tonight. Pictures look pretty.
Islander isn't avail for pm.

You really should take Itsandy's offer. If he can get up with you, you will have the most excellent time!
There are places on the oklawaha river that you can camp primitive. I just can't remember what part.

**Taozenqi** · 02-28-2015, 17:21

Fish Eating Creek is beautiful if you enjoy cypress swamps. Birding and fishing are excellent. Be advised though that this is a remote creek with little solid land mass depending on water levels and a LARGE gator population. (Both large and numerous.) The creek has been updated with signage and mile markers since I paddled there, however, so it may be more user friendly.