The Ocala National Forest is Florida's top destination for backpacking, thanks to nearly 100 miles of the Florida Trail, our National Scenic Trail in Florida, entering the forest from three different directions.

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.

The Ocala offers the most diverse range of camping opportunities of all three national forests. From Civilian Conservation Corps cabins to primitive camping opportunities, the Ocala has something for everyone.

Ocala National Forest ** IMPORTANT PUBLIC SAFETY NOTE: Several Ocala National Forest campsites, day-use areas and trails remain temporarily closed for hurricane damage assessment and recovery efforts.

Recreation guides are simplified forest-wide guides showing recreation opportunities on each forest. Apalachicola National Forest Recreation Guide; Ocala National Forest Recreation Guide; Osceola National Forest Recreation Guide; Prescribed Burn Maps. Prescribed burn maps are available online here. Paper Maps

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 Ocala National Forest offers two Civilian Conservation Corps cabins for rent. The Lake Dorr Cabin is nestled on the south end of Lake Dorr and can accommodate 10 people. The Sweetwater Cabin overlooks Sweetwater Spring, a freshwater spring that flows into Juniper Run, and can accommodate 12 people.

Juniper Springs is one of the oldest and best-known recreation areas on the East Coast. Located between Ocala and Ormond Beach along SR 40, this complex of swimming and picnic area, campground and trails was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Alexander Springs is one of the best swimming holes in the Ocala National Forest, with a gently sloped beach leading into the gently sloped spring basin. Walking the Trail Day hikers will appreciate the shady Timucuan Trail, a 0.9-mile interpretive loop with a boardwalk through a jungle of palms along the spring run and more challenging terrain ...

Get a Christmas Tree permit for the Ocala National Forest at Recreation.gov! Special Uses Permits The Forest Service manages over 192 million acres of national forests and grasslands that comprise the National Forest System (NFS).