Forum Discussion

beemerphile1's avatar
beemerphile1
Explorer
Mar 29, 2018

Recommendations for Ocala National Forest?

In a Georgia RV park today and heading for a Florida RV park tomorrow. We would like to spend some time in Ocala National Forest about a week from now.

Would anyone be willing to share some favorite spots in Ocala?
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    I like free diving the springs in that area the water is about 72 degrees all year. Also if you like to shoot there is a NFS range that is free about 3 miles west of Juniper Springs CG, it is not crowded during the middle of the week. There is a nice boardwalk inside the CG and some hiking trails around it.
  • Back in 1977 we camped in one of the national forest parks near ocala, my parents are 90 and 94 and can't remember the name, nor can I. I do remember that the foliage was like prehistoric. Palms, yuccas, things like that. It may have had a cement swimming area with vegetation and eels in it. At night around the campfire we could see planes practicing dive bombing. We are going to be in that area soon and want to go look at the campground again. Can anyone help me figure out which park it may be. Thanks in advance.
  • The concrete swimming area could be Juniper Springs. Federal Park.
    Salt Springs has a concrete retaining wall. Another Fed park. Both are near Lake George bombing range.

    Eels are abundant on the St. John’s and Lake George. I’d think more likely at Salt Springs. They had an observation window back then when it was privately owned.

    Salt Springs has hookups. Juniper is dry camping.
  • I started this thread, I did stay a week at Salt Springs, it was great. They have full hookups and although they are concessionaire operated they do give a discount for the America The Beautiful Pass.

    I stopped at the forest ranger station and discovered that there is no disbursed RV camping in Ocala. The only disbursed camping is for tenters.
  • Thanks, not looking to camp, just want to check out the park for old times sake.
  • Thanks for the information, last Thursday we went through Juniper springs and while driving through I found the area where we camped in 1977. And when we went and looked at the springs it brought back memories of many years ago.Thanks again