anyone camp in Ocala National Forrest in FL?

**leeinmemphis** · 02-18-2012, 20:56

Hey everyone,

I'm going to be heading down to Daytona FL in a few weeks and was curious if anyone has ever been to the Ocala National Forrest? I would like to take my hammock if at all possible and stay out of the tent. Just curious if the area is "hang friendly" with trees and if anyone knows anything about the accommodations(bathrooms or showers???). Any info would be greatly appreciated.

**jonbobshinigin** · 02-18-2012, 21:29

I am located in Ocala and might be able to meet you out there for a night hang (it will be my first too)...however I am not sure what the policies are there. Post here for updates and I will see if I can make it!

**L.D. Cakes** · 02-18-2012, 21:38

Hey guy's we just had a big hang there in January at Buck Lake! Check it out Here.

**mmaiolo81** · 02-18-2012, 23:28

I was talking to someone about this the other day at work... From my understanding you can set up anywhere in the Forrest to camp and hang...

**MAD777** · 02-18-2012, 23:30

Ocala Nat. Forest is a great place for hammocking.
It's just the Florida State Parks that are off-limits.

**mmaiolo81** · 02-19-2012, 01:08

Originally Posted by MAD777

Ocala Nat. Forest is a great place for hammocking.
It's just the Florida State Parks that are off-limits.

Unless you hide in the back... Lol jk jk...

**FLRider** · 02-19-2012, 08:52

ONF is wonderful. I was actually going to camp out there myself this weekend, but family life intervened.

What kind of camping do you want to do? Real back-country stuff, away from people, or are you looking for front-country campgrounds with all of the amenities. There are several major campgrounds in the forest, mostly located on or near some point of interest. There's the Florida Scenic Trail, which runs north-south through the forest for about ninety miles. There are several Wilderness Areas where you can get completely lost away from everyone else. There are equestrian trails, off-road vehicle trails, mountain biking trails, hiking trails, springs to jump into, kayak runs, and even a firing range.

ONF is huge.

So, what kind of camping do you want to do?

**leeinmemphis** · 02-19-2012, 11:07

FLRider.....I'ld like to stay in a campground that has water available and a shower if possible. Also if possible I would like to stay on paved roads. In case of rain I don't want to have to deal with muddy roads on the Harley.

On the NF website it looks like there are probably 30 or more campgrounds in the place. Something relatively closer to Daytona would also be nice. On their website it says to be cautious of snakes, alligators and bears......don't think I want to be in total back country by myself.

Any info would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks.

**L.D. Cakes** · 02-19-2012, 11:14

Originally Posted by leeinmemphis

FLRider.....I'ld like to stay in a campground that has water available and a shower if possible. Also if possible I would like to stay on paved roads. In case of rain I don't want to have to deal with muddy roads on the Harley.

On the NF website it looks like there are probably 30 or more campgrounds in the place. Something relatively closer to Daytona would also be nice. On their website it says to be cautious of snakes, alligators and bears......don't think I want to be in total back country by myself.

Any info would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks.

Oh man, Since you're on a Harley and you're hanging you have to take LOTS of pictures and give us a trip report when you get back! I bet you're going to Bike Week. You'll have a blast, been a long while since I've been....good memories though!

**FLRider** · 02-19-2012, 13:02

Originally Posted by leeinmemphis

FLRider.....I'ld like to stay in a campground that has water available and a shower if possible. Also if possible I would like to stay on paved roads. In case of rain I don't want to have to deal with muddy roads on the Harley.

On the NF website it looks like there are probably 30 or more campgrounds in the place. Something relatively closer to Daytona would also be nice. On their website it says to be cautious of snakes, alligators and bears......don't think I want to be in total back country by myself.

Any info would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks.

My recommendations, then, would be Juniper Springs and Clearwater Lake.

Juniper is very pretty; it has a spring swimming area there. I've not been in the campground proper there, but according to the website, it doesn't have water or power at the sites proper. However, it does have water and showers at the springs; I've been into that area of Juniper. Juniper Springs sits right on SR 40, which will run straight into I 95, US 1 and A1A if you head east, just north of Daytona.

I've not been into Clearwater Lake. However, from the photos of the campsites, it might be easier to hang there. According to the site, it doesn't have showers; however, it does have a swimming area and running water. It sits right on CR 42, which feeds directly into SR 44, which will run into I 4, which takes you straight into Daytona.

Both of them are right off of paved roads and fairly easy to find (Juniper moreso than Clearwater, in my opinion). As far as I know, the pavement extends back into the campsites (if not, it's less than half a mile of dirt).

Hope it helps!