I am considering a drive to Ocala Natl Forest and checking out the camping options there, as I am new to Florida. Does anyone have any advice on which campgrounds are ideal for car camping with the hammocks and even ground camping if need be?
I might make it a day trip, and wonder which campgrounds might be the best options to visit since I will have limited time.
Kevin
Alexander Springs is nice during the week. a bit crowded on the weekends though. Site 18 (my preference) or 67 is very hammock friendly. Clearwater Campground is another great spot, that is usually quieter and their sites are huge. I recommend site 10 or 15 or 16 for hammocks. Juniper Springs, Blue Springs, Salt Springs are other beautiful options as well.
Any particular activity you're looking for?? There are probably much closer places to check out than driving to Ocala. The state parks in FL have only somewhat recently started allowing hammocks but the forests, wildlife management areas, etc never prohibited them. There are tons of good hangs in the Withlacoochee Tracts (Richloam, Citrus, Green Swamp, etc) along with our popular hangs near Lake Arbuckle and the like.
I was interested in the federal lands for two major reasons:
1-I've hung in another national forest with the hammock with no problems.
2-I have a Golden Access Passport which gives me a discount on fees.
I had heard and read about Florida parks saying no to hammocks, and wasn't aware of any softening on that stance. I do have closer options, but knew the USFS was friendly.
I'm not looking for any other specific activity, just camping with a fire and my percolator. I'm retired, so weekdays work great for me. I would like some seclusion, and not sites right on top of each other. Even just plenty of trees that separate sites somewhat.
Tnx for the info.
Last edited by ka8yiu; 01-29-2017 at 15:31.
Yep...one of the forum members here got the ball rolling (worked for the state) with changing the policy on hanging in the state parks. I believe they were the only ones that had issues with hammocks. It never hurts to call ahead and/or do some research.
I'm assume you and the percolator need to be hauled by car. There are quite a few good places in central FL but many cater more to the RV/Trailer crowd. Hanging seems to be kind of a new-ish activity in a lot of organized campgrounds. You might find this site useful:
https://freecampsites.net/#!Florida&query=region
LOVE this answer!Originally Posted by ka8yiu
^LOL!
Are you willing to hike in to a site or primarily car camping?
Short hike, a mile, 3 miles, 5 miles? On the Florida Trail, there are quite a few good sites with less than 6 miles from a trailhead.
Hidden Pond is less than 2.5 miles from the Hidden Pond Short trailhead. I've seen folks hike in with a small cooler full of iced refreshment.
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Also, check out the next group hang scheduled for Feb 17-19. It's closer to you at LWRSF- 6th Annual Sherpa Hang thread just a little NE from you in Frostproof/Avon Park.
Bring your percolator and a hammock/tent on a short hike in.
Enjoy and have fun with your family,before they have fun without you
Mainly from the car, but that is not written in stone.
Unfortunately, this hang is out, as I'll have family flying in to escape the cold for a bit.
I haven't even used my Hennessy's for a few years. I may have to work out some bugs - relearn their setup.
Kevin, Since you didn't say when your relatives are coming into town or for how long, why not considering Friday-Sunday, Feb 17- Feb 19, over at the Sherpa Hang in Frostproof. It's only a 1.5 mile hike in, $2.00 per night and you'll meet a group of hangers from all over Florida who get together about once a month. I met the core of this group at this same hang about 5 years ago and have loved every hang since. Check out the thread under Trip Planning, Southeast. This isn't a organized club, just a bunch of people who enjoy hammock camping. If nothing else, it won't take you more than about and hour to drive over a spend the day getting to know some local Hangers. But bring your hammock, I'll bet you'll want to spend the night.
Chris
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