Big Scrub Campground

About this campsite

Overview

Perennially popular with off-road vehicle enthusiasts, Big Scrub Campground sits in the Ocala National Forest in central Florida. A trailhead within the facility offers riders campsite-to-trail access.

14 day stay limit in a 30 day period in ALL Ocala National Forest Campgrounds

For reservations or refund request please call (877) 444-6777

Recreation

Big Scrub Campground offers direct access to the 47-mile Ocala Adventure Trail. All off-road vehicle riders will enjoy exploring the Tread Lightly Four Wheel Drive Way. A permit is required for use of the trail system.

Learn more about off-road vehicle use in Ocala National Forest.

Facilities

Big Scrub can accommodate tents, campers and RVs. The campground is equipped with showers, restrooms and drinking water.

Natural Features

The Ocala National Forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest.

Miles of trails offer plenty of open space and blue skies for off-road vehicles.

Contact Info

This location has limited staffing. Please call (352) 625-2520 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

The warm, turquoise waters of Alexander Springs are a short drive away. Visitors can swim, canoe and dive in a natural spring-fed lake and creek.

Location

BIG SCRUB CAMPGROUND•FL

Explore on our map Get Directions Open in Maps

Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

TODAY🌦️

32° / 23°

💧 35%

SAT🌦️

28° / 24°

💧 54%

SUN🌦️

33° / 24°

💧 69%

MON🌦️

27° / 23°

💧 77%

TUE🌦️

26° / 23°

💧 87%

Common questions about BIG SCRUB CAMPGROUND

Can you book BIG SCRUB CAMPGROUND online?

We hold no online booking link for BIG SCRUB CAMPGROUND, so it is not bookable through this page. For sites like this, turning up early in the day is the surest way to get a spot, particularly in peak season.

Where is BIG SCRUB CAMPGROUND?

BIG SCRUB CAMPGROUND sits in FL. The map on this page shows the exact spot, and the coordinates travel straight into your navigation app. Check road conditions before you set out if you are towing, since access tracks can change with the weather.

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

5.7 km away

DOE LAKE GROUP SITE

Overview Doe Lake is a group campsite with a variety of activities. Centered around a historic lodge with a large group kitchen, it's an ideal place for major outdoor gatherings of up to 250 people. The site is a favorite among equestrian groups, but can also accommodate weddings and other social events. Please read before making reservations Doe Lake Rules and Regulations Agreement For reservations or refund request please call (877) 444-6777 Recreation Equestrian camping, canoeing, boating and fishing are some of the popular activities around Doe Lake, and can be enjoyed exclusively by visitors with a group reservation. Campers can launch a canoe or low-powered boat and drop a line in the middle of Doe Lake for an afternoon of fishing. Facilities This site is centered around a classic 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps dining hall that has been historically restored. Tent camping is most common at this facility. RVs and horse trailers are allowed, but limited to specific areas that do not offer hookups. Restrooms with flush toilets and showers are provided, as are hitching posts for horses. Natural Features Located in north central Florida, the Ocala National Forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. The camping area sits beneath a shady grove of oaks and pines overlooking Doe Lake, and the dining hall sits atop a grassy hill with a view of the water. Nearby Attractions The Ocala National Forest is notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to both ATV enthusiasts and Jeeps, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters. These opportunities are available in designated areas throughout the forest.

7.6 km away

Big Bass Campground (FL)

Overview Spend your next short- or long-term camping trip at Big Bass. With the occasional black bear sighting, this the perfect location to escape the hustle of the city and get back to nature. We offer both tent and RV camping on the south edge of the Ocala National Forest, not far from the Ocklawaha River. Big Bass is a seasonal campground in the southern part of the Ocala National Forest, not far from Doe Lake Recreation Area. 14 day stay limit in a 30 day period in ALL Ocala National Forest Campgrounds For reservations or refund request please call (877) 444-6777 Contact Info This location has limited staffing. Please call (352) 625-2520 for general information.

12.1 km away

BUCK LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND

Overview Buck Lake is a group camping facility in the heart of Ocala National Forest in Florida. Great for family reunions and social gatherings, the campground can host a group of up to 50 guests along the shores of Buck Lake. Activities include fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and simply relaxing and enjoying the breeze. Recreation The sandy swimming beach provides a great place to relax and picnic. Campers have access to Buck Lake to enjoy fishing for panfish, bass and crappie, as well as boating. Hikers can access a segment of the 1,400-mile Florida Trail via a scenic trail that loops around the lake for 1.7 miles. Facilities This campground provides primitive camping for groups. Amenities include a vault toilet, a hand pump for drinking water, six picnic tables and a group campfire ring. Group get exclusive use of the facility during the reservation. Natural Features Located in north central Florida, the Ocala National Forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. The forest is also rich in water resources with more than 600 lakes, rivers and springs, several of which are near Buck Lake. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (352) 669-3522. Nearby Attractions Buck Lake is near the beautiful, turquoise waters of Alexander Springs Recreation Area, where visitors can swim, dive and snorkel in a warm, spring-fed lake and canoe on a 7-mile run.

12.6 km away

Lake Dorr Campground

Overview A massive patch of blue in a sea of green - that's Lake Dorr, one of the prettiest big lakes in the Ocala National Forest. Experience outdoor recreation at either the Lake Dorr Recreation Area - campground or day use - or by renting the cabin for your family or group. Along the northwest shore of the lake, the recreation area is set under the deep shade of an oak hammock. Offering RV camping, we also have a boat ramp and picnic area overlooking the view. 14 day stay limit in a 30 day period in ALL Ocala National Forest Campgrounds Camping: Bring the family out and get back to nature in this picturesque setting. with campsites for tents, campers and RVs. Boating: Bring your boat, kayak or canoe and enjoy a day of fishing or exploring. Fishing: Cast for bass in the middle of Lake Dorr or drop a line in from the shore. Boat ramp available. Waterskiing Interested in getting on the water while gliding across the surface at high rates of speed? Sounds fun doesn't it? Bring your boat and get out there. For reservations or refund request please call (877) 444-6777 Contact Info This location has limited staffing. Please call (352) 625-2520 for general information.

15.5 km away

JUNIPER SPRINGS REC AREA

Overview Juniper Springs Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest. The location offers deeply shaded sites within walking distance of some of Florida's most beautiful natural springs. The surrounding recreation area has plenty of activities to entertain visitors, including swimming, picnicking, canoeing, snorkeling, hiking, birding and wildlife viewing. This campground was named one of Reserve America's Top 100 Family Campgrounds in the United States. Recreation Visitors love swimming in a 72-degree, natural pool found in the day use area. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it is more developed with a pool-like look. Paddling Juniper Run is also extremely popular year-round. Juniper Run is recognized as one of the top 25 canoe runs in America by ReserveAmerica. This 7-mile waterway winds through a scenic landscape, surrounded by a dense canopy of ancient trees in an old-growth forest. While the journey offers picturesque scenery, it's important to highlight that Juniper Run is not suitable for beginners due to its challenging course and changing conditions . The run travels through a National Wilderness Area, and as defined in The Wilderness Act of 1967 Section 4(c): "There shall be no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or motorboats, no landing of aircraft, no other form of mechanical transport, and no structure or installation within any such area." So, clearing the run is limited to hand tools only. The run often has hazards overhead and underwater that make navigation difficult - even for seasoned paddlers. Learn more about Juniper Run and our rental kayaks & shuttle service: https://www.naventure.com/juniper-run Back on land, campers can spend a day in the woods on a segment of the statewide Florida National Scenic Trail, or walk a shorter nature trail within the facility. Interpretive programs are available during summer months. Facilities The facility is divided into a day use area and campground. Campsites are arranged into three loops near the creek and springs. All sites are shaded and equipped with a picnic table, grill, campfire ring, lantern post and space for tents. There are no sites with full hookups. Other amenities include hot showers, flush toilets and dump station. A convenience store with camping supplies, beach supplies, drinks and ice cream is nearby. Restaurants, shopping and gas are just 10 miles from campground. Natural Features The natural springs are at the heart of this recreation area. Hundreds of bubbling springs emerge from crevices in the earth beneath a dense canopy of palms and oaks - an oasis within the heart of the desert-like Big Scrub ecosystem for which the national forest is known. Abundant wildlife inhabitant the area, including alligators, turtles, deer, black bear, turkey, raccoons and numerous species of birds, as well as uncommon species like the albino gray squirrel, river otters and American eels. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (352) 625-3147. Nearby Attractions Lake George and its many activities are just a short drive away. The Ocala National Forest is also notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to both ATV enthusiasts and Jeeps, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters from around Central Florida. These opportunities are available nearby. Charges & Cancellations Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation. <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-polici