ocalanationalforest

Fore Lake Recreation Area

Looking for the perfect outdoor getaway? Look no further! Fore Lake Recreation Area is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Florida. Located within the Ocala National Forest, this beautiful spot offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Get ready to explore the wonders of Fore Lake! Launch your non-motorized boat, Swim in the designated area, birdwatch, or enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Experience the magic of sleeping under the stars! The recreation area offers 31 campsites and camping facilities for those seeking a memorable outdoor adventure.

Fore Lake has something to offer all year round, whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter. Each season brings its unique charm and opportunities for unforgettable experiences.

Planning a family outing? Fore Lake Recreation Area is perfect for family gatherings, picnics, and creating lasting memories together.

Nature photographers, get your cameras ready! The area is a paradise for capturing stunning landscapes and wildlife shots.

Let’s help preserve this natural wonder! Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment during your visit.

For more details and directions, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/florida/recarea/?recid=83686

Experience nature at its best – plan your Fore Lake Recreation Area trip now!

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Ocala National Forest

There are plenty of wild spaces to explore in the 387,000 acres that make up Ocala National Forest. More than 600 lakes, springs, and rivers make it a water lover’s paradise. As the southernmost forest in the continental United States, it is home to the world’s largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest.

Middens left behind by the earliest inhabitants of the Ocala National Forest are proof of the Timucuan making their homes in the forest. From 1890 – 1920, timber and turpentine from the Ocala forest supported the local communities. However, the land was not managed well, and deforestation, overburning, and other practices led to the demise of the industry and loss of property values.

President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed the Ocala Forest the first National Forest east of the Mississippi in 1908. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps was created as part of the New Deal. People happy to return to work constructed a dining hall, campgrounds, a mill, cabins, swimming areas, and monuments. These structures still exist today.

When the sea retreated 25 million years ago, it left behind Big Scrub. The plants and animals who live in the sand pine scrub depend on fire to thrive. Look for gopher tortoises and scrub jays. Backpackers will enjoy the 72-mile section of the Florida Trail, complete with designated campsites along the way. There are multiple shorter trails throughout the forest and equestrian trails. Watch for wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, alligators, and bald eagles. Many iconic Florida Black Bears live in the Ocala National Forest, along with threatened Eastern Indigo Snakes and endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers.

Cool off when you dip in one of the four springs with a year-round temperature of 72*. Bring your snorkel to see what lies beneath the water. For a closer look, dive into one of three magnitude springs. Explore the wilderness by kayaking or canoeing through a waterway. Hike or bike through the scrub and discover the wildlife who make their homes there. Spend a night, a day, or a week when you camp at a primitive or developed campsite, in your RV, or in one of the cabins.

Plan your trip to the Ocala National Forest. For more information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/ocala/home

Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain, Dan Kon

Clearwater Lake Recreation

Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day at the beach at the Clearwater Lake Recreation area. Located at the southeastern edge of the Ocala National Forest near Paisley, Clearwater Lakes serves as a peaceful respite from the stresses of everyday life. Hike, bike, or camp in the pinewoods and scrub habitats. Canoe on Clearwater Lake or enjoy the swimming beach.
There are 42 shady camping sites along the lake where you can pitch your tent or hook up your trailer. Rent a canoe or bring your own canoe or kayak and paddle on the peaceful Clearwater Lake.

Hike the 1.3 mile Clearwater Lake Nature Trail Loop. Interpretive signs will guide you on a leisurely stroll through oak scrub, pine flatwoods, and a freshwater marsh. Rest on one of the benches as you take in the sights and sounds of Nature.

The 22- mile Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail Loop runs between Clearwater Lake Recreation Area and Alexander Springs Recreation Area. Park your car at Clearwater Lake Recreation Area and begin your backpacking hike through the Ocala Forest on the 62-mile Florida Trail.

Whether you are spending an afternoon or a few days, Clearwater Lake Recreation Area is a place where people of all ages can immerse themselves in Nature and learn to connect, respect, and coexist with our wild friends and within our shared ecosystems.

National Parks and Coronavirus: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/public-health-update.htm

For more information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ocala/null/recarea/…

Photo Credit: With gratitude to IOF Contributor
Jonathan Holmes. Images captured early Feb 2020