Passes & Permits

Stewardship of your natural and recreational resources in the Ocala National Forest means that many of those resources must be carefully managed. Whether it's a limit of how many Christmas trees can be removed each season, or what a reasonable capacity of users is on a specific trail, care is taken to manage the forest's resources through certain passes and permits.

Passes and permits fall into four major categories:

  • Recreational - Access to recreation areas and certain trails.
     
  • Forest Products - Such as Christmas trees, deer moss, saw palmetto berries, and crooked wood
     
  • Events - Holding a large special event in the Ocala National Forest, such as a ribbon-cutting or jamboree
     
  • Commercial - Uses such as filming a television commercial using one of our springs as a backdrop.

    In addition, other uses, such as easements and residences, require special permits.

Recreation Areas and Trails

The recreation areas and trails shown below charge day use fees. If you're a frequent visitor, a weekly or annual pass may be a good alternative option for you and your family. Please see the Recreation Passes & Permits section for specific details.

Forest-managed*
Farles Prairie
Fore Lake
Lake Delancy West
Lake Dorr Boat Ramp & Pier
Lake Eaton Boat Ramp & Pier
Mill Dam Boat Ramp & Day Use (in season)
*when fee-free days are offered, they apply only to forest-managed day use areas. These sites are included in the America the Beautiful Pass.

Concessionaire-managed
Alexander Springs
Juniper Springs
Salt Springs
Silver Glen Springs
Wildcat Lake


Concessionaire sites have an annual pass available that provides access to all concessionaire sites.