Ocean Pond Campground

This campground is situated on the north shore of Ocean Pond, a large lake (2-mile diameter) popular with boaters, swimmers, and anglers. The campground perimeter is composed of pine flatwoods and cypress wetlands.

Recreation: Boating is very popular on Ocean Pond, and multiple campsites provide lakeside access for swimming, boating, and fishing. Speckled perch and largemouth bass are popular targets for anglers. A boat ramp is also available here. A picnic pavillion area includes a BBQ grill and picnic tables, a swingset, and beach area for swimmers. The Florida National Scenic Trail traverses the entrance road to this campground, and is maintained annually for hikers. Public hunting is available 8 months of the year on Osceola Wildlife Management Area (see myfwc.com/hunting for more information). The use of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) is prohibited inside this campground, but many "mixed use" OHV roads are open for riding on this forest.

Nearby: The town of Olustee is located on the south side of Ocean Pond, and is the site of the historic Battle of Olustee. This Civil War battle is reenacted right here on Osceola National Forest each February during the annual Olustee Festival. Dining, shopping, entertainment, and mail and medical services are available in Lake City, a 20-minute drive from this campground. The cities of Gainesville and Jacksonville, Florida and Valdosta, Georgia are within driving distance (about 1 hour drive), as well as multiple first-magnitude freshwater springs (Alachua and Gilchrist Counties). The annual National Hot Rod Association's Gatornationals race takes place each March in Gainesville.