Buck Lake Group Campground

BUCK LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND in FL — photo 4

About this campsite

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.

Location

BUCK LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND•FL

Explore on our map Get Directions Open in Maps

Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

TODAY🌦️

33° / 24°

💧 30%

SAT🌦️

30° / 24°

💧 56%

SUN🌦️

34° / 24°

💧 71%

MON🌦️

26° / 23°

💧 82%

TUE🌦️

26° / 23°

💧 89%

Common questions about BUCK LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND

Can you book BUCK LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND online?

We hold no online booking link for BUCK LAKE GROUP 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 BUCK LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND?

BUCK LAKE GROUP 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

7.2 km away

Alexander Springs Recreation Area

Overview Alexander Springs Recreation Area is located in the Ocala National Forest near the beautiful, turquoise waters of Alexander Springs. With forested scenery and abundant water, the recreation area offers camping, swimming, canoeing, scuba diving (for certified divers), hiking, birding and wildlife viewing. The Ocala National Forest, located in north central Florida, 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. If you are planning to visit the weekend of Memorial Day through Labor Day on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, you will be required to obtain a Vehicle Access Reservation. Recreation Visitors can swim, snorkel and dive year-round in the crystalline waters of the spring. The spring is the only place in the Ocala National Forest where scuba diving is permitted, and a broad and naturally gently sloped spring pool becomes a natural water park where visitors can picnic, swim and play. If you are planning to visit the weekend of Memorial Day through Labor Day on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, you will be required to obtain a Vehicle Access Reservation. Fishing and canoeing are p opular outside the swimming area. Anglers can bring a rod and reel and head down to one of the platforms along the Timucuan Trail to drop a line in Alexander Run. Visitors can rent canoes or bring their own and paddle down Alexander Run into the Alexander Springs Wilderness. Day hikers will appreciate a short interpretive trail on a boardwalk over the spring and through the palm trees. They can also access two segments of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail, which runs through the entire national forest. Facilities The camping area contains four loops of campsites within an easy walk of the swimming and picnicking area. The sites are shaded with level parking pads for RVs and plenty of space for tents. No hookups are available. Restrooms have flush toilets and showers. Camping necessities and firewood are available at a small general store. Natural Features Alexander Springs is among 27 first-magnitude springs in Florida, and is by far one of the easiest for visitors to enjoy. The water is a constant 72 degrees and extraordinarily clear with a sandy bottom. The area is subtropical, surrounded by a floodplain forest of maples, sweet gum and cabbage palms. Alligators, turtles, deer, raccoons, black bear and numerous birds make their home in the national forest. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (352) 669-3522. Nearby Attractions Visitors can explore the surrounding Alexander Springs Wilderness Area. A paddle down the spring run is the best option to explore the mosaic of hardwood swamp, hardwood forest and scrub habitats and spot the animals that live there. 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 from around Central Florida. These opportunities are available within a short drive of Alexander Springs. 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. https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, ge

9.6 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.

11.1 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

12.1 km away

BIG SCRUB CAMPGROUND

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.

12.9 km away

LAKE DORR CABIN

Overview Lake Dorr Cabin is set along the south shore of beautiful Lake Dorr, ideal for a family getaway. The cabin is open year-round and creates a great setting for plenty of outdoor water fun. The rental includes a private boat ramp, canoes and a fishing dock. It's located just over an hour from popular amusement parks and other exciting attractions in Orlando. The cabin entrance and bathroom is accessible. A flat section on the property fits two tents if guests wish to camp outside. Recreation Boating, skiing, jet skiing, fishing and swimming are among the most popular activities for guests. The abundance of largemouth bass, crappie and pan fish entice anglers. A private boat ramp, fishing dock, picnic table, grill and three canoes with life vests are provided. Facilities Lake Dorr Cabin is a modern, newly restored facility with polished hardwood floors and large windows that overlook the lake. The cabin sleeps 10 guests, with a queen bed in one bedroom, two sets of bunk beds in the other bedroom and two sleeper sofas in the living room. Electricity and drinking water are available, along with a flush toilet and hot shower. Modern amenities in the kitchen include a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and electric stove. (The pictured fireplace is non-functional) Guests should bring food, bedding, dish soap, sunscreen, towels and all other basic camping supplies and lake gear. Click here for more cabin details. Natural Features The cabin rests on the south shores of the lake, with shady Palmetto palms and other tropical vegetation. Views of Lake Dorr, which spans 1,760 acres, are impressive from the cabin grounds. Ocala National Forest boasts more than 600 lakes, rivers and springs, including three first-magnitude springs. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (352) 669-3522. Nearby Attractions Altoona lies directly south of Lake Dorr, with gas stations and conveniece stores. Umatilla is a little farther south, offering grocery stores and pharmacies. The cabin is about 50 miles from Daytona Beach to the east and the city of Orlando to the south. Both trips take just over an hour and offer many opportunities for entertainment.