Shanty Pond Campground

For many Floridians, the allure of the great outdoors lies in finding those untouched, truly wild spaces where nature takes center stage. Shanty Pond Campground, located in Fort McCoy, Florida, has historically been one of those places – a primitive campground nestled deep within the Ocala National Forest. However, based on recent public feedback, its current status presents a unique scenario for those seeking a rustic adventure. This article aims to provide a clear, factual, and engaging overview of Shanty Pond Campground, helping locals understand what to expect from this site, which appears to be in a state of disuse and potential disrepair, but still draws interest from intrepid explorers.

Florida offers a spectrum of camping experiences, from luxurious RV resorts to basic, undeveloped sites. Shanty Pond Campground falls squarely into the latter category, and based on recent observations, it leans heavily towards a wilderness experience where self-reliance is paramount. We'll delve into its location, what amenities (or lack thereof) have been noted, and the overall condition, drawing directly from real customer reviews to paint an honest picture. While it's vital to note the site's apparent closure to the public and its abandoned state, understanding its historical context and current condition is crucial for any local considering a visit to this intriguing, albeit challenging, location.

Shanty Pond Campground is officially located at FR 33, Fort McCoy, FL 32134, USA. This address places it within the vast and beautiful Ocala National Forest, a prominent natural preserve in Central Florida. Historically, being in this area would suggest easy access to various outdoor activities like hiking, hunting, and exploring the diverse ecosystems of the forest. However, its accessibility, as described by recent visitors, is a significant point of consideration.

According to customer reviews, the entrance to Shanty Pond Campground is approximately "1,000 feet west of Florida-19." This suggests it's just off a main state road, but the challenges begin immediately. The road leading to the entrance is described as "dirt and not taken care of," and the road leading in from the gate is "just as rough." One reviewer even stated, "I never would have driven this road" with a big rig, despite the campground once being able to accommodate them. This strongly indicates that the access roads are unpaved, potentially heavily rutted, and difficult for standard vehicles, let alone larger RVs or trailers. A 4WD vehicle might be necessary, with one reviewer explicitly stating, "access is plenty easy with 4WD (look for the vehicle width-sized short loop through the brush to the right of the gate. Very short, curves around left sharply. Rather bumpy.)." This detail is crucial for any Floridian planning a visit.

Furthermore, a critical aspect of its current status is that the "gate was closed" with a "sign posted said Closed To Public." This directly impacts accessibility for lawful entry. While some visitors have apparently found ways to enter, this suggests that the campground is not officially open or maintained for public use. The presence of overgrown trees and obscured major vehicle pathways further reinforces the idea of limited and challenging access, consistent with a site that has been "left to rot" and is "abandoned." For locals considering this location, understanding that official access is currently denied and the roads are significantly degraded is paramount for safety and adherence to regulations.

Based on the provided customer reviews, the services offered at Shanty Pond Campground are minimal, reflecting its primitive nature and current state of abandonment. It's important to understand that what was once available may no longer be functional or maintained.

• Campsites: The campground contains designated campsites, and while "sites still have picnic tables," these are likely weathered and unmaintained. The sites were historically capable of accommodating "big rigs" according to older information, though current road conditions make this highly improbable.
• Pit Toilet: There is mention of "only one pit toilet" in the campground. While it exists, its condition and usability are questionable given the overall state of disrepair described by visitors, including "some trash around the dump station/toilets."
• Hand-Cranked Water Pump: A "hand-cranked water pump" is supposedly present, but one reviewer "could not find it," suggesting it may be missing or non-functional. Therefore, reliable potable water should not be expected.
• Bear-Proof Trash Bins: While not explicitly mentioned for Shanty Pond in the provided reviews, primitive campgrounds in national forests typically have bear-proof trash facilities. However, given the "trash around the dump station/toilets" and the general neglect, it's highly unlikely these are maintained or effective.
• No Amenities at All: A direct quote from a reviewer states, "No amenities at all," which encapsulates the current lack of services. This means no showers, no flush toilets, no hookups (electric, water, sewer), and no on-site staff or host.
• Abandoned State: Reviews explicitly state the place "is abandoned," "has been left to rot," and the gate is "Closed To Public." While an "electric meter shows it is on" at the old camp host site, this does not translate to services for public use.

In summary, anyone considering Shanty Pond Campground should prepare for a completely self-sufficient experience, bringing all necessary supplies, including water, and making arrangements for waste management.

The "features" and "highlights" of Shanty Pond Campground, in its current state, lean more towards its unique, albeit challenging, characteristics rather than conventional amenities.

• Extreme Primitive Camping Experience: For seasoned, self-sufficient campers who truly seek solitude and a raw wilderness experience, the campground offers an extremely primitive setting. The lack of maintenance and official closure contributes to a feeling of being truly off-grid.
• Historical Remnants: The presence of an "information board still stands," and an "old iron ranger is still here," along with picnic tables at each site, offers a glimpse into what the campground once was. These remnants contribute to a "spooky" atmosphere, as described by one visitor, which might appeal to those interested in exploring abandoned places.
• Potential for Reopening: Reviews note that it "would not take much to re-open," suggesting that with road grading, tree clearing, and prescribed burns, the campground could be restored. This might be a "highlight" for locals who envision its potential future.
• Secluded Location: Being deep within the Ocala National Forest, away from maintained roads and public access, ensures a high degree of seclusion, ideal for those who want to avoid crowds entirely.
• Wildlife (unconfirmed): While not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews for Shanty Pond, primitive areas within national forests are generally rich in wildlife. However, given the overgrown nature, direct observation might be challenging.
• Access for Off-Road Vehicles (Informal): The mention of "access is plenty easy with 4WD" suggests that for those with appropriate vehicles and a desire to explore unmaintained forest roads, the site is reachable, albeit unofficially.

It is crucial to reiterate that these "features" come with significant caveats, primarily the campground's closed and abandoned status, making any visit an unofficial and potentially risky endeavor.

Given that Shanty Pond Campground is currently "Closed To Public" and described as "abandoned" and "left to rot" by recent visitors, there are no promotions or special offers available. The concept of pricing or deals is entirely irrelevant for a site that is not officially open or managed.

Historically, as a primitive campground within a national forest, it might have had very low or even free daily rates. However, any past fee collection or management system (like an "iron ranger") is now defunct due to its closure.

For any inquiries related to potential future reopening or status updates, contacting the U.S. Forest Service (using the phone numbers provided, which typically route to the Ocala National Forest Ranger District) would be the only avenue for information, though the reviews suggest the closure has been in effect for "4-6 years." There are no active promotions, and any attempt to "camp" there would be at one's own risk, outside of official capacity.

For any inquiries about Shanty Pond Campground, particularly regarding its current operational status or potential future plans, the following contact information for the U.S. Forest Service, which typically manages campgrounds within national forests, is provided:

Address: FR 33, Fort McCoy, FL 32134, USA

Phone: (877) 444-6777

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777

It is imperative to understand that contacting these numbers will likely connect you with a general reservation or information line for national parks and forests. You will need to specifically ask about Shanty Pond Campground within the Ocala National Forest. Given the recent reviews indicating the site is "Closed To Public" and abandoned, the most accurate information you will receive is likely confirmation of its closed status. Do not expect to make reservations or inquire about amenities as if it were an active campground. This contact information is primarily for official inquiries about the site's status or potential future plans.

For Floridians, Shanty Pond Campground, in its current state, is suitable only for a very specific and niche group of individuals: those who are highly experienced in primitive camping, possess self-sufficiency skills, and are fully aware of and willing to undertake the risks associated with visiting an abandoned and unmaintained site. It is not suitable for casual campers, families, or those seeking standard campground amenities.

The primary appeal for locals would lie in the prospect of an extreme wilderness experience, where solitude is guaranteed due to the site's inaccessibility and official closure. For adventurers with 4WD vehicles and a desire to explore forgotten corners of the Ocala National Forest, the challenge of reaching Shanty Pond and observing its abandoned state could be a draw. The "spooky as hell even in broad daylight" atmosphere might also appeal to those interested in urban exploration within a natural setting, or simply curious about the passage of time on human-made structures within the wilderness.

Furthermore, for locals with a strong interest in conservation or potential future rehabilitation of natural spaces, understanding the current condition of Shanty Pond Campground could be valuable. The observation that it "would not take much to re-open" might spark community interest in future restoration efforts, if any are ever considered by the U.S. Forest Service.

However, it cannot be overstated that any visit to Shanty Pond Campground in its current condition carries significant risks. The roads are rough and unmaintained, official access is denied, and there are no operational amenities or on-site support. Tick issues are common in the Florida wilderness, and overgrown areas can harbor hazards. Therefore, while it might pique the interest of a very resilient and adventurous local, it should not be considered a viable camping destination for the general public. Instead, it serves as a stark reminder of the wild and untamed aspects of the Ocala National Forest and the need for Floridians to always prioritize safety and respect official closures when exploring our natural treasures.