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The Apalachicola National Forest is home to some of the most unique animal and plant species in the world. Here, visitors can enjoy safe, family-friendly activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking and trail-riding while surrounded by tranquil, diverse ecosystems.
Surrounding one of the few crystal-clear lakes in the Apalachicola National Forest, Camel Lake Recreation Area provides a quiet place to relax and take in the beauty of the longleaf pine forest. Seepage slopes in the forest create pitcher plant bogs, easily visited along the Florida National Scenic Trail headed west to Memory Island.
Boating
Electric trolling motors and paddle boats are welcome on the lake.
Camping
Above the lake's rim, the focal points of this recreation area are the well-shaded, 10-site campground, suitable for RVs or tents.
Picnicking
The day-use area has both picnic tables and a picnic shelter for visitors to enjoy.
Swimming
A beautiful sandy beach is available for swimming.
Visitors most often come to the largest recreation area on the Apalachicola National Forest to swim off the 250-foot white sand beach, walk the mile-long interpretive trail or picnic at one of 45 picnic tables, each of which comes with an individual grill. This family-friendly destination just outside Tallahassee is ideal for a family day of fun in the sun!
Boating--Non-motorized
Non-motorized boats float on the 15-acre lake angling for largemouth bass, brim or catfish. The landscape is a mostly longleaf pine and hardwood hammock forest.
Fishing
Fish from banks of the lake, which are accesible in many spots via the hiking trail.
Nature Watching
Bald eagles and songbirds are at home in this longleaf pine forest that also makes room for cypress, tupelo trees, turkey oak and palmettos. Rare species of plants and animals can be found at Silver Lake, but the observant visitor is more likely to see turtles, alligators, bears, turkeys and armadillos.
Silver Lake is in the Munson Sandhills, which are composed of deep dry sands that have accumulated over limestone. Because the sand absorbs rainfall so completely, wetlands are relatively rare in this part of the forest. In places, the limestone dissolves and collapses, forming the depressions and ponds, lakes and sinkholes that are common in the area.
Walk the Trail
The gentle one-mile loop Silver Lake Trail circles the lake.
Wright Lake is a quiet scenic lakefront recreation area that offers a host of amenities and activities for campers and day-trippers. The area around the clear, spring-fed lake offers both a day-use area for swimming, picnicking hiking, and a campground in a beautiful forest setting along one portion of the lakeshore. It is perfect for fishing and boating. Swimmers can also enjoy the white sand beach, and a nearby bathhouse includes flush toilets and hot showers. Picnic tables and grills are scattered among trees with views of the lake.
Boating
Electric trolling motors or paddle boats are welcome on the lake
Camping
The campground includes 18 campsites with picnic tables, grills, tent pads and fire rings. Each site also has a lantern post.
Fishing
Wright Lake is the perfect place for fishing.
Nature Viewing
The area around Wright Lake is one of the best places in the Apalachicola National Forest to see pitcher plants, which bloom en masse in late March / early April.
Walking / Day Hiking
Two trails are available at Wright Lake: a short nature trail and a 4.6-mile interpretive trail that circles the lake and showcases the full spectrum of habitats in this part of the Apalachicola National Forest.
Nestled between well-known theme parks and white, sandy beaches, the jewels of the Ocala National Forest attract visitors from around the world.
A travel destination in its own right, the Ocala features more than 600 lakes and rivers where visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, snorkeling, canoeing and boating.
From migratory birds and playful manatees to delicate freshwater springs and some of the world's rarest plants, the Ocala is a haven where people (and animals) escape to one of Florida's remaining wild places. Here, opportunities abound for all to bask in the wonders of Mother Nature 365 days a year.
Enjoy a quiet getaway along the southeastern edge of the Ocala National Forest, just outside the community of Paisley. A longleaf pine forest and wiregrass ecosystem surrounds the 32-acre lake and provides a beautiful, shaded, wooded setting for the campground, a day-use picnic area, beach and a nature trail.
Boating
Paddle your canoe or kayak across our placid waters in search of a quiet spot along the reedy shoreline. It's slightly more than a mile circuit around the edge.
Camping
Nicely shaded, the 42-space Clearwater Lake Campground provides breezy lakefront sites. It accommodates both trailers and tents, and has bathhouses with showers.
Fishing
Cast a line from your campsite or wade out into the grassy shallows for a chance to catch both bream and catfish.
Hiking & Backpacking
The Clearwater Lake Nature Trail is a 1.3-mile loop starting at the day use area. It is an easy walk that traverses the major habitats around the lake, including pine flatwoods, freshwater marsh and oak scrub, providing interpretive information and numerous benches for birding or resting.
Mountain Biking
Explore 22 miles of singletrack along the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail between Alexander Springs Recreation Area and Clearwater Lake Recreation Area.
Swimming
A swimming beach along Clearwater Lake provides a place for families to frolic in the water.
The Doe Lake Recreation Area is centered around a classic 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps dining hall that has been historically restored. This beautiful building sits atop a grassy hill overlooking the clear waters of Doe Lake. Restoration efforts are the result of an agreement between the Friends of Doe Lake and the Forest Service. A bath house, including showers, was built in the same architectural style.
Boating
Low-powered boats, canoes and kayaks can be launched from an unimproved boat ramp. Open to visitors under a group reservation only.
Camping
Doe Lake is a designated group campsite with a variety of activities on site. Centered around a historic lodge with a large group kitchen, it's an ideal place for major outdoor gatherings of up to 250 people. A maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive days is allowed within a 30-day period.
Fishing
Launch a canoe or low-powered boat and drop a line in the middle of Doe Lake for an afternoon of fishing. Bank fishing is possible along parts of the shoreline as well. Open to visitors under a group reservation only.
Horseback Riding and Primitive Camping
The LAM Equestrian Trail starts at Doe Lake and extends north for 34 miles, paralleling the Ocklawaha River, towards Eureka. Primitive camping is permitted along the trail except during hunting season. You must be a part of the group renting this group recreation area to camp here with your horse.
In the stillness of the morning fog, a red-shouldered hawk calls out with an echo across Fore Lake. Bounded by marshes, this lake in a scrub ecosystem is an excellent spot for birding from the shores of Fore Lake Recreation Area, where visitors can picnic and swim, or make a night of it in one of the 31 campsites tucked away between the saw palmetto and oak trees. Bring your fishing gear to make full use of the pier and canoe launch area.
Boating -- Non-motorized
Canoes and kayaks welcome.
Camping
Tents and camping trailers welcome. Maximum stay of 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period.
Visit Fore Lake Campground website for more information.
Nature Viewing
Birding is excellent around the lake.
Picnicking
Picnic tables sit in a shaded area overlooking the lake. Grills provided.
A large picnic pavillion is available for group use. Reservations are required.
Swimming
A designated swimming area with a small beach is part of the allure of Fore Lake on a hot summer's day.
A massive patch of blue in a sea of green - that's Lake Dorr, one of the prettiest big lakes in the Ocala National Forest. Experience outdoor recreation at either the Lake Dorr Recreation Area - campground or day use - or by renting the cabin for your family or group. Along the northwest shore of the lake, the recreation area is set under the deep shade of an oak hammock. Offering RV camping, we also have a boat ramp and picnic area overlooking the view.
Camping
Bring the family out and get back to nature in this picturesque setting. with campsites for tents, campers and RVs.
Reservations may be made by phone at 1-877-444-6777 or online at Recreation.gov.
Boating
Bring your boat, kayak or canoe and enjoy a day of fishing or exploring.
Fishing
Cast for bass in the middle of Lake Dorr or drop a line in from the shore. Boat ramp available.
Waterskiing
Interested in getting on the water while gliding across the surface at high rates of speed? Sounds fun doesn't it? Bring your boat and get out there.
Lake Door Cabin
Set along the south shore of beautiful Lake Dorr, this secluded cabin is ideal for a family getaway. The cabin is situated with two bedrooms (including bunk beds) and a sofa bed, it can sleep up to 10 people. With a private boat ramp, fishing dock and canoes, it's a great destination for small groups that love being on the water.
A large, shallow lake cradled by the Big Scrub, Lake Eaton offers many distinctive faces. As a seasonal access area, the Lake Eaton Campground has only 14 sites. At the end of the road, the Lake Eaton Boat Launch and Pier offers opportunities for boating and fishing.
Boating
Access to Lake Eaton for anglers and birders at the end of the entrance road for the Lake Eaton Campground. You do not need to be camping to enjoy lake access, which is open year-round.
Camping
Open seasonally, the Lake Eaton Campground provides access for campers and day use visitors to Lake Eaton via a boat ramp and accessible fishing pier. No hookups available.
Fishing and Nature Viewing
Shallow and broad, Lake Eaton covers 308 acres and is accessible from several points along its extensive shoreline for fishing, birding and wildlife watching. Fish from the pier at the adjacent Lake Eaton day use area or drop your boat in at the ramp.
Mill Dam has been a popular destination for generations. In the shade of live oaks overlooking the 168-acre Mill Dam Lake, Mill Dam Recreation Area offers two different experiences.
October 1 -- March 15 isfor group camping by reservation only through Recreation.gov.
March 16 -- September 30 the site is open to daily visitors for picnicking and swimming (no camping/overnight use during these months). Expect crowds on weekends during summer months.
The Salt Springs Recreation Area is one the recreational jewels of the Ocala National Forest, with a spectacular natural mineral spring giving the area its name. Plenty of outdoor activities keep campers and day-use visitors busy, including swimming in the springs, fishing, snorkeling, hiking and boating. In the early 1900s, many people came to the spring, believing it had medicinal healing powers. Today's visitors will find Salt Springs gushes forth 52 million gallon of water daily at a constant 74° Fahrenheit.
An unimproved boat launch is located at the end of the campground closest to Salt Springs Run. It is directly across the run from the Salt Springs Marina. Follow the signs.
Camping
The campground is the largest in the Ocala National Forest and the only one with full hookups for RVs. The facility offers spacious campsites for RVs and trailers, as well as a designated tent-only area, which is a short walk from the parking area. Sites are nicely shaded and well away from the busy day-use area. Reservations for the campground may be made by phone at 1-877-444-6777 or online at Recreation.gov.
Fishing
Salt Springs Run is a relaxing place to fish, with small coves along the cypress-lined shoreline.
Hiking
The Salt Springs Trail is a pleasant loop of less than two miles through an intricate web of habitats surrounding the Big Scrub of the Ocala National Forest. While the trail includes some sharp climbs and a long boardwalk, it's a good walk for families with a big payoff at the end - an observation deck for birdwatching.
Nature Watching
The Salt Springs Trail is an excellent place to familiarize yourself with the common native trees and shrubs of the Big Scrub, including sand live oak, Chapman oak, myrtle oak, southern magnolia and saw palmetto. Interpretive information at the kiosk and along the trail aids in your understanding of the flora of this unique landscape
Swimming
Swimmers enjoy the clear waters of Salt Springs Run nearest its source at Salt Springs. A cluster of boats just past the floats marks the recreation area, with families frolicking in the shallows.
The Osceola National Forest is a peaceful place where people come to escape their busy lives and reconnect with the land. Flatwoods and swamps transport visitors back in time, and provide a tranquil setting for first-rate hunting, fishing and swimming opportunities.
Come join the fun! Swim along a shallow sandy beach and watch the water birds wade through the cypress. You may also enjoy fishing on the pier, picnicking under the hammock, or walking the Trampled Track Trail, which tells the story of Osceola's turpentining history.
Boating
Kayaks, canoes and low-powered boats can enjoy the cypress that line the lake's perimeter. Enjoy the boat launch for easy access into the water.
Fishing
Fish from either the shoreline or drop your boat into the water for deeper lake fishing. Anglers are sure to enjoy the barrier-free pier at the boat launch and parking area.
Hiking
While less than 0.5-mile long, this barrier-free trail takes you back more than a century through the history of a sawmill and community that thrived along the Ocean Pond shores in the early 1900s. The reward for your short trip is a beautiful observation point overlooking Ocean Pond.
Swimming
The sandy beach at Ocean Pond offers a chance to cool off on hot summer days.
Waterskiing
Waterski along the glassy lake or watch the white caps roll in on windy days.
