Ocala Natl. Forest at Thanksgiving

[7ofus]

Our family (infants, teenagers, and us parents) are planning on Ocala National Forest this thanksgiving. Right now, we are looking at Salt Springs campground, but are open to alternative suggestions. We will be in a motorhome and are willing to dry camp or boondock if there is somewhere better to stay.

I would like to hear suggestions on campgrounds and things to do.

Thanks in advance.

[The_Texan]

Another vote for Juniper Springs. Nice large sites and plenty of activities.

Regardless of which one you opt for, make SURE you do a tick check on every person every night. That area is a hot bed for ticks.

[7ofus]

Thanks all for the first hand information. This is the kind of stuff I was hoping for.

It looks like the Salt Springs campground has some sites that are first come first served in November, so we may go down a little early just to make sure we get a spot.

[lap527]

The Bears will be less and less, Florida is having bear hunt for the first time in 20 years. It started this morning and will continue for 7 days. I read they only sold 360 or so licenses. Enjoy your camping trip.

[re_tired]

Watch out for the bears. We spent the 2011/2012 winter in a private campground at Half Moon Lake in Ocala Natl Forest. The bears arrived almost every night despite the campground's best efforts to keep them away. I'm talking trying to look in our windows! Sure wouldn't want to surprise one of them when taking the dog out in the evening.

[NanciL]

If you are into canoeing or kayaking; Juniper Springs is the very best.
There is a National Forest Camp Ground there, but I don't know if you can fit a motor home in the sites
The spring run is like being in The Garden of Eden and there is also swimming at the head spring.
I have canoed and kayaked in every spring run in Florida and I like the wilderness Juniper Springs the best

Alexander Springs is another that is similar.

The Silver River used to be awesome, for it's entire length, but now the state has ruined half of it, and after the first several miles it is no longer clear.
The Silver Springs State Park is closed to camping right now

There is a very nice private RV park with full hookups, (Wilderness RV Resort) close to the above that is right on the Withlacoochee River near where the Silver River Enters it

Jack L

[agesilaus]

Alternatives are Alexander Springs and Juniper Springs. I think Salt Springs has the largest CG but I'm not sure of that. There are distributed (boondocking) sites in the forest but beware of the 'sugar sand' which can be a problem if you don't have 4WD. For the developed CG make your reservation right away, it could be too late but hopefully not. There are many private CG too but I'm not familiar with them.

As for what is there to do, most activities will center on the three big springs. Swimming, canoeing and kayaking. Alexander is popular for newbie Scuba diving and you can snorkel in all three springs. Not too far away in Ocala you can visit Silver River State Park and Silver Springs SP. The state has taken Silver Springs back from the private contractor who was running it. They have a glass bottom boat ride.

There are many other state parks, most with water: either springs or rivers within easy driving distance. The Atlantic beaches aren't that far away either. St Augustine is good for day trips too.

[cyntdon2010]

Silver springs state park,ocala florida. large lots, nice bathrooms.

glass bottom boat rides,canoe kayaks rental. plenty of stores within a few miles