Ocean Pond
Ocean Pond Overview
Rating
Address Florida 32087, USA
Hours
Ocean Pond Location & Map
Ocean Pond About
For Floridians seeking a classic outdoor adventure with the beauty of a vast, clear lake as their backdrop, Ocean Pond Campground in the Osceola National Forest is a true gem. This welcoming destination offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, inviting you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. Whether you're a seasoned RVer, a traditional tent camper, or simply looking for a peaceful lakeside retreat, Ocean Pond provides diverse options to suit your style.
Known for its two-mile wide lake with a shallow, sandy beach, Ocean Pond Campground has been a beloved spot for generations of campers. It's a place where memories are made, from waking up to beautiful sunrises over the water to enjoying evenings by a crackling campfire. With its mix of amenities and a focus on natural recreation, it promises a comfortable and fulfilling experience for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike. If you’re ready to discover a refreshing side of Florida’s outdoors, Ocean Pond Campground awaits.
Ocean Pond Campground is nestled within the scenic Osceola National Forest, with its address being Florida 32087, USA. More specifically, it is near the town of Olustee and approximately 20 minutes from Lake City, Florida. This location places it conveniently for Floridians, being about an hour from the "First Coast" Atlantic beaches and just 30 minutes from multiple state parks, local springs, and caves.
To reach the campground, from Lake City, you would head east on US Hwy 90 for approximately 14 miles. Then, turn left (north) onto CR 250/FR 266 and drive for about 4 miles. Finally, turn left onto FR 268 (the campground entrance road) and follow it for approximately 1.1 miles until you reach the entrance. While the address given is a general Florida zip code, the detailed directions help ensure smooth navigation. The roads within the national forest leading to the campground are generally well-maintained, accommodating various vehicles, including RVs up to 50 feet in length. Its position within a national forest means it offers a true wilderness feel, yet remains accessible for weekend trips or longer vacations for locals across the state.
Ocean Pond Campground offers a variety of services and amenities designed to cater to different camping preferences, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Diverse Campsite Options: The campground features 67 sites in total, including 19 sites with electric and water hookups (30 and 50 amp available), 28 sites with water hookups only, and 20 primitive sites. This variety allows campers to choose the level of amenities that suits their needs.
Clean Restrooms and Hot Showers: Campers consistently praise the well-maintained bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers, a highly valued amenity after a day of outdoor activities.
RV Dump Station: An RV dump station is available on-site, free for registered campers and a $5 fee for non-campers, providing essential waste disposal facilities.
Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, complete with a lantern post, perfect for outdoor dining and cozy campfires.
Public Boat Launch: A public boat launch is available for easy access to Ocean Pond, popular for boating and waterskiing.
Designated Beach/Swimming Area: The campground features a shallow, sandy beach and a designated swimming area, ideal for families and anyone looking to cool off in the lake.
Laundry Machines: Some bathhouses include laundry machines (washers and dryers) for guest convenience, typically requiring quarters (e.g., $1.75 for wash and $1.75 for 45 minutes of drying).
Water Access: Potable drinking water is available throughout the campground.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome in the campground area, though they are restricted from the designated beach/swimming area.
Ocean Pond Campground stands out with several key features and highlights that make it a favorite among Florida campers looking for an authentic outdoor experience.
Gorgeous Lakeside Setting: The campground's prime location on the north shore of Ocean Pond, a two-mile wide lake, is a major draw. Reviewers consistently highlight the "beautiful lake access" and "awesome" views from campsites, with some spots being right on the water.
Abundant Water Activities: Ocean Pond is a popular destination for boating (motorized and non-motorized), waterskiing, swimming, and fishing. Anglers can target speckled perch and largemouth bass, and a public boat ramp makes launching easy.
Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, the campground maintains a "quiet atmosphere" and is often described as a "peaceful" and "relaxing" retreat, perfect for unwinding and soaking in nature.
Variety of Campsite Types: With primitive tent sites, water-only sites, and electric and water hookup sites, Ocean Pond caters to a wide range of camping preferences, from rustic adventurers to RVers needing full conveniences.
Accessible and Spacious Sites: Many sites, particularly those with hookups, feature paved spurs with a 50-foot capacity, and generally "level sites" that are "well spaced," offering privacy and ease of setup for both tents and RVs.
Friendly Camp Hosts: Multiple reviews mention the presence of "friendly camp hosts" who contribute to a welcoming and helpful environment, ensuring a pleasant stay for visitors.
Proximity to Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park: The campground is just four miles from the Olustee Battlefield State Park, site of Florida's largest Civil War battle. This offers a unique historical exploration opportunity, especially during the annual Olustee Battle Festival and Re-enactment held in February.
Access to Hiking Trails: The Florida National Scenic Trail and the Great Florida Birding Trail pass through or near the campground, providing excellent opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and birdwatching.
Year-Round Operation: Ocean Pond Campground is open year-round, allowing Floridians to enjoy its beauty in all seasons.
Ocean Pond Campground offers affordable rates and specific discounts, making it an accessible and attractive option for many Floridians.
The fee structure is tiered based on the type of campsite:
Primitive Sites: $12 per night.
Water-Only Sites: $20 per night.
Electric and Water Hookup Sites: $30 per night.
A significant special offer is the discount for holders of the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior or Access Passes. These passes provide a 50% discount on single campsites, meaning eligible individuals can camp at significantly reduced rates (e.g., $6 for primitive, $10 for water-only, and $15 for electric and water sites).
For the RV dump station, it is free for registered campers and costs $5 for visitors not staying overnight. Showers are typically free for campers; however, hikers on the trail may use showers for a small fee (e.g., $2 or $5, depending on the source, it's best to confirm on arrival).
Most sites at Ocean Pond Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis, especially the primitive and water-only sites. However, the limited number of electric and water sites may sometimes be reservable through Recreation.gov or by calling the Osceola Ranger District Office (phone: 386-752-2577). It's advisable to come early, especially for lakeshore sites, as they tend to fill up quickly. This blend of walk-up availability and affordable pricing, particularly with the senior/access pass discount, makes Ocean Pond a flexible and budget-friendly choice for Florida campers.
For inquiries about Ocean Pond Campground, including availability, fees, and general information about the Osceola National Forest, please use the following contact details:
Address: Florida 32087, USA (located within the Osceola National Forest, near Olustee and Lake City)
Phone for Osceola Ranger District: (386) 752-2577 (for campground inquiries and potentially reservations for some sites).
While a direct phone number for the campground itself isn't typically provided as it's managed by the Forest Service, the Osceola Ranger District office is the primary point of contact for information. When planning your trip, consider calling ahead, especially if you're aiming for a specific type of site or visiting during peak seasons, though many sites are first-come, first-served. Remember to bring cash for the self-pay station if you don't have a reservation, as well as exact change for showers or dump station use if applicable.
Ocean Pond Campground is an excellent choice for Floridians looking to connect with nature and enjoy a classic camping experience without venturing too far from home. Its location within the Osceola National Forest provides a genuine sense of wilderness, offering a peaceful escape from the state's more developed areas. For local families, the two-mile wide lake with its shallow, sandy beach is an irresistible draw, perfect for swimming, boating, and creating cherished memories by the water.
The variety of campsites, from primitive tent sites to RV sites with electric and water hookups, means that whether you're a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or new to camping, you'll find a suitable spot. The presence of clean restrooms and hot showers adds a layer of comfort, making it accessible even for those who prefer some amenities while roughing it. Furthermore, the affordable rates, especially with the 50% discount for Senior and Access Pass holders, make it a budget-friendly option for repeated visits throughout the year. With opportunities for fishing, hiking, and exploring nearby historical sites like Olustee Battlefield, Ocean Pond Campground offers a well-rounded outdoor adventure that's perfectly suited for Floridians seeking relaxation, recreation, and a deep appreciation for their state's natural beauty.
Customer Reviews
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