Buck Lake Group Camp


Area Status: Open

A man standing in the forest with a long gun.

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.

Boating

  • Semi-private boating with a maximum 25 horsepower motor is allowed on Buck Lake.

Group Camping

  • This is a designated group campground and must be reserved in advance for a group of up to 50 people. Check in at 3 p.m. and check out at 11 a.m.

Hiking

  • A scenic blue-blazed trail leads around Buck Lake for 1.6 miles.

Picnicking 

  • Picnic along the shores of Buck Lake with your group and enjoy the cool breeze.

 

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Please note - Reservations are required for this single group campsite.  
Operational Hours: Check in is at 3 p.m. Check out is at 11 a.m. Gate has a combination lock.
Reservations: Reservations should be made through recreation.gov or by calling by phone at 1-877-444-6777. A two-night minimum stay is required to reserve this facility. 
Fees: For more information on fees and how to reserve your site, please visit the concessionaire Naventure.
Restrictions:
  • Available for group reservations only.
  • All Ocala National Forest campgrounds allow pets, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet, and are not permitted in designated swimming and picnicking areas.
  • A maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive days is allowed in a 30-day period.
Closest Towns: Altoona
Passes: Group campgrounds do not qualify for Pass discounts.
Information Center: Reservations should be made through recreation.gov or by calling by phone at 1-877-444-6777. A two-night minimum stay is required to reserve this facility. 

General Information

General Notes:

Buck Lake also serves as a stopping point for backpackers along the Florida National Scenic Trail who are looking for a water source between Alexander Springs and Farles Prairie. Water from the pump should be filtered. Backpackers may not stay here overnight.

Amenities

  • Toilet (Vault)
  • Picnic tables
  • Fire rings

Licenses and Passes

Boating 

  • Boating in the National Forests in Florida is regulated by the state of Florida. Please visit our boating web page before you grab your personal floatation device and head out onto the water.  

Camping – Dispersed/Primitive Camping 

  • Many people enjoy this solitude and primitive experience, but knowing your limits, skills and abilities is a must. Following certain rules and regulations will help make your experience safer and ensure settings remain unspoiled.  

Fishing 

Hunting 


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Group Camping

Buck Lake is a designated group campground and must be reserved in advance for groups of up to 50. Check in at 3 p.m. and check out at 11 a.m.

Lake and Pond Fishing

A maximum 20 horsepower motor is allowed on Buck Lake. Access to Buck Lake is reserved only for those people staying at the group campsite.

Day Hiking

A scenic blue-blazed trail leads around Buck Lake for 1.6 miles, with connections to the Florida Trail at both ends. Use the Florida Trail to complete the loop.

Picnicking

Picnic along the shores of Buck Lake with your group and enjoy the cool breeze.

Boating - Motorized

Semi-private boating with a maximum 25 horsepower motor is allowed on Buck Lake.

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
29.098438

  Longitude : 
-81.650740