Water Activities

The National Forests in Florida offers many water activities from kayaking to scuba diving, and from waterskiing to swimming, there's something for everyone.

Scuba Diving

Alexander Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest is the only place in the National Forests in Florida for certified divers. Grab your tank, snorkel and fins and discover a mysterious underwater world like none you've ever experienced before. Open water diving only.

Boating - Motorized

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations boating in the National Forests in Florida. Be sure to visit their boating regulations web page before grabbing your personal floating device and heading out onto the water.

Swimming

With more than 600 lakes and rivers to choose from, the National Forests in Florida offers a variety of swimming opportunities available for visitors to enjoy year round. Visitors especially love Olustee Beach in the Osceola National Forest, the springs in the Ocala National Forest and Wright Lake in the Apalachicola National Forest.

Waterskiing

Waterskiing is a popular activity on Central Florida's lakes, including several in the Ocala National Forest. Skiers should observe all safety rules and be aware that all lakes and rivers in Florida are home to alligators.

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Recreation Opportunities

Boating - Motorized (50)

Boating - Non-Motorized (76)

Swimming (18)

Waterskiing (9)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 78 results

Alexander Run

Site Open

Bubbling forth from Alexander Springs into Alexander Creek, this popular canoe run starts at the Alexander Springs Recreation Area and continues for about six miles of paddling to the take-out on…

Alexander Springs Recreation Area

Site Open

   Only 27 first-magnitude springs exist in Florida, and Alexander Springs is by far one of the easiest to enjoy. A broad and naturally gently sloped spring pool is a constant 72°F and…

Alexander Springs Wilderness

Site Open

Encompassing 7,941 acres, this wilderness area between Alexander Springs and Lake Dexter - one of the many lakes in the St. Johns River chain of lakes - is a trackless place, with a paddle down the…

Apalachicola National Forest

Site Open

 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…

Apalachicola River

Site Open

 Forming the western boundary of the forest, the Apalachicola is a wide, curving river rolling down to Apalachicola Bay. It has the highest diversity of freshwater fish species in the state, which…

Beakman Lake

Site Open

Boat launch and fishing on Beakman Lake, one of the many lakes in the southern Ocala National Forest.

Billie Bay Wilderness

Site Open

Legend has it that the Seminole warrior Billie Bowlegs hid out in this swamp, from which the headwaters of Alexander Springs arises. Old-timers refer to swamps as "bays" and this one is a prime…

Bradwell Bay Wilderness

Site Open

 A swamp thick with titi trees, distinguished by their leathery leaves and fragrant white flowers, dominates the second largest Wilderness in Florida. Here, you'll also find a swampland of hardwoods…

Buck Lake Group Camp

Site Open

 Looking for a secluded camping spot, which can be reserved by a group (for up to 50 people)?The Buck Lake Group Camp provides primitive camping for large groups.BoatingSemi-private boating with…

Chain of Lakes

The Chain of Lakes runs north-south through the prairies and scrub of the Ocala National Forest, lying south of SR 40 and paralleling SR 19 to the west behind Sellers Lake and Beakman Lake. It…