National Park Service

National Forests / National Park Service Areas

The following map will lead you to detailed information covering NE Florida's National Forests and other recreational areas managed by the National Park Service, the USDA Forest Service, or other National government branches.

Click on the area you wish to locate information for, or page down for the complete listing.

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Osceola National Forest

Description:

The Osceola National Forest comprises more than 197,000 acres, at the most northern tip of Florida, about 15 miles west of Jacksonville, and about 10 miles east of Lake City.

Despite its excellent natural and recreational value, the Osceola National Forest is very sparsely visited by people other than locals. President Herbert Hoover dedicated the forest in 1931, and tracts of land are still being added today, making this the fastest growing of all Florida's national forests.

Much of the forest's area is made up of gentle, pine flatwoods, but it also includes large areas of hardwood swamps and wetlands. The most popular recreational area of the forest is Olustee Beach, which is located on Ocean Pond, a 1,750 acre nearly circular freshwater lake that is easily accessible.

How to get there:

From Jacksonville, take Interstate 10 WEST toward Lake City. Exit at US Route 90, look for a sign that tells you about "Olustee Battlefield Monument." Take US Route 90 WEST for about two miles to the entrance to the forest. The ranger office will be on the SOUTH side of US 90, just past the main entrance to the forest, which goes toward the NORTH.

What to do there:

Developed Camping: A developed campground with around 50 campsites is located at the northern shore of Ocean Pond. The campground is in a good location, with plenty of pine and hardwood trees in close proximity. There is a boat launch and swimming area at Ocean Pond. Adequate restrooms are centrally situated within the campground.
Wilderness Camping: There are many miles of trails within the Osceola National Forest. Overnight camping along the trail is permitted with a permit, available at the Ranger Station outside the park's entrance (call them at 904-752-2577). As with all wilderness camping, always set up your camp at least 100 feet from the trail and try to disturb as little natural fauna as possible. Check with the Ranger Station to find out if fires are permitted along the trail.
Canoeing: Ocean Pond is a large lake that can be navigated by novice and experienced canoeists around the edges. Being such a large body of water, the interior of the lake tends to become a bit rough in windy weather. Only experienced paddlers should venture very far from shore. The Middle Prong of the St. Mary's River is, during periods of sufficient rainfall, also a good paddling stream. Check with the Ranger's Station to find out if the river's level is sufficient for canoeing. As with all freshwater bodies of water in Florida, always be on the lookout for alligators. They seldom approach humans, but small pets and young children could be at risk for an encounter.
Hiking: The Osceola National Forest is a large, untamed area. The vast majority of the forest is not accessible to hikers without considerable "bushwhacking" skills. That said, however, there is a 22 mile section of the Florida National Scenic Trail that passes through the forest, which offers marked access to seeing a good cross section what the Osceola Forest has to offer.
Nature Study: The Big Gum Swamp Wilderness, the Osceola Research Natural Area, and the Pinhook Swamp offer nature enthusiasts fantastic opportunities to view a tremendous variety of North Florida landscapes and wildlife. If you are willing to scramble off-trail into these regions, you will be rewarded with sights, sounds and smells of what Florida was like hundreds of years ago.

When to Visit:

Anytime of the year is a good time to visit the Osceola National Forest. The best times would be in the Fall, Winter and Spring. Some parts of the forest are open to hunting, so check with the Ranger Station as to which parts are the best to visit during hunting season. Bugs are at their worst from late Spring until late Fall and their intensity depends on the amount of rainfall. It is advised that you bring bug repellent and mosquito netting no matter which time of the year you visit.

Contact Information:

USDA Forest Service
Osceola Ranger District
P.O. Box 70
Olustee, Florida 32072

904-752-2577

National Forest Service - Osceola National Forest

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Fort Matanzas National Monument

Description:

Fort Matanzas National Monument is located about 14 miles south of historic St. Augustine, Florida. This monument, at Matanzas Inlet, represents a critical point in the eventual Spanish colonization of the New World. In 1565, Spanish Conquistadors defeated French soldiers at Matanzas Inlet, and thus began nearly two hundred years of occupation of the area. Fort Matanzas was built near the end of Spain's dominance of the area, in 1740-1742, in a futile effort to put an end to British encroachments in the area.

If you are visiting beautiful St. Augustine (U.S.'s oldest city), it is a worthwhile extension of that trip to take the short drive further south to check out Fort Matanzas, which is open every day of the year except for Christmas.

How to Get There:

A1A is the road that parallels the ocean, and runs right through St. Augustine. Follow A1A across the Bridge of Lions and 14 miles SOUTH. Look for signs that will direct you to the monument. You will need to board a Ferry Boat to reach the monument, which runs daily when the monument is open, from 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

Contact Information:

Fort Matanzas National Monument
8635 Highway A1A South
St. Augustine, Florida 32086

904-471-0116

National Forest Service - Fort Matanzas National Monument

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Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Description:

St. Augustine is perhaps the jewel in the crown of beautiful Northeast Florida. And within this historic city proudly sits the oldest remaining European fortification in the United States. The Castillo is an immense masonry/cochina structure that is open to visitors every day of the year except Christmas day (entrance fee required). Visitors are encouraged to walk about the haunting interior corridors and earthy rooms that echo hundreds of years of proud Spanish military occupation. The fort occupies about 25 acres adjacent to downtown St. Augustine, and includes many acres of open parkland with terrific views of St. Augustine inlet and the Atlantic Ocean just beyond.

Contact Information:

San Marcos Avenue, just North of downtown St. Augustine

904-829-6506

National Forest Service - Castillo de San Marcos Web Site

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Ocala National Forest

Description:

The great Ocala National Forest is truly one of the most remarkable recreational spots within Florida. This national forest was designated in 1908, and now comprises more than 380,000 total acres, including vast expanses of pine and hardwood forests, as well as many springs, rivers and other wetter sections. This is one of the, if not the most visited of all of Florida's national forests, hosting more than 2 million visitors annually. It's a big place, however, and only a few of the most visited portions of the forest ever feel close to crowded.

The Ocala National Forest is centrally located within North Florida (near the city of Ocala), about 1.5 hours drive Southwest of Jacksonville, and about 45 minutes drive South of Gainesville.

Nearly every recreational pursuit possible in Florida can be pursued within the Ocala National Forest. Developed roads and highways provide easier access to the forest's interior than other forests in Florida, like the Osceola. There are hundreds of lakes or ponds, and quite a few large freshwater springs that bubble up millions of gallons if fresh, cool water daily. If you are interested in sampling the wilder side of Florida, the Ocala National Forest can provide the most convenient way to do it.

How to get there:

From Jacksonville: Take Interstate 10 (I-10) WEST to Interstate 295 (I-295). Go SOUTH on I-295 for 9.5 miles to EXIT 4, State Route 21 (SR-21). Go SOUTHWEST on SR-21 for 27 miles to County Road 315 (CR-315). Go SOUTH on CR-315 for 52 miles to State Route 40 (SR-40). Go WEST on SR-40 for about 2 miles to the forest's main entrance. SR-40 crosses the forest from east to west, and SR-19 crosses it from north to south, with numerous park entrances and trail heads along each road.

From Orlando: Take Interstate 4 (I-4) WEST to the East West Expressway Toll Road (This exit is just West of downtown Orlando). Take the Eastwest Expressway Toll Road WEST for 10 miles to the Florida Turnpike (toll road). Take the Florida Turnpike NORTHWEST for 42 miles to Interstate 75 (I-75). Take I-75 NORTH for 22 miles to State Route 200 (SR-200), which is Exit 68). Travel NORTHEAST on SR-200 for 3.5 miles to US Route 27 (US-27). Go NORTH on US-27 for 1/2 mile to State Route 40 (SR-40). Take SR-40 EAST for 6.5 miles to the main forest entrance. SR-40 crosses the forest from east to west, and SR-19 crosses it from north to south, with numerous park entrances and trail heads along each road.

Visitor's Centers are located in three different areas of the Ocala National Forest. One is located across from Salt Springs on SR 19. The main visitor's center is located on SR-40, just east of Silver Springs. Another center is located along SR-19 a few miles north of Altoona.

What to do there:

Camping - There are more than 20 developed camp grounds available by vehicle in the Ocala National Forest. Most of these offer bath facilities, boating, fishing, swimming and a variety of scenic day-hike opportunities. There are more than 30 additional undeveloped campgrounds that are (for the most part) accessible by vehicle, but are generally located in more remote areas of the park. If you are a backpacker, you can camp nearly anywhere along the forest's major trails. Always observe proper backwoods camping etiquette by setting up camp at least 100 feet from the trail, preferably on established sites. Pack out what you take in and always check with the Ranger's station for fire precautions and permit requirements.
Watersports - Ocala National Forest is located in the middle of Florida, far from either the Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico. However, when it comes to the abundance of fresh water-related activities, this forest is the crown jewel. There are several designated Florida Canoe Trails within the Ocala National Forest, which offer everything from relaxing downstream cruising, to pulse quickening "Florida rapids." There is truly no better way to experience the real Florida than by a motorless boat. Add to that the unequaled experience of swimming in a cool freshwater spring, and you won't want to leave this beautiful and wild portion of the state.
Hiking - From two-hour day hikes to week-long backpacking excursions, the Ocala National Forest has a trail to satisfy every wilderness walker. The Ocala Trail is 66 miles of absolute splendor. This trail is contained entirely within the forest's boundary and passes through varying terrain. The Ocala Trail is the longest section of continuous trail located on public property in Florida. The best way to learn more about this and other Ocala National Forest trails, is to purchase a guidebook / map from our on-line recommendations page.
Other Activities - In addition to the above listed activities, the Ocala National Forest offers extensive wildlife and birdwatching opportunities, on and off road bicycling, seasonal limited hunting, horseback riding, and botanizing. Silver Springs Park, located just outside the western side of the forest, is a great place to spend the day, and offers non-wilderness explorers the best opportunities for getting a peek into the remote areas of this region.

Contact Information:

USDA Forest Service
Lake George Ranger District
17147 State Highway 40 E
Silver Springs, Florida 34488

352-625-2520

USDA Forest Service
Seminole Ranger District
40929 Highway 19
Umatilla, Florida 32784

352-669-3153

National Forest Service - Ocala National Forest

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Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge

Description:

Established in 1964 to provide protected habitat for wading birds, and other waterfowl, this 19,500 acre national wildlife refuge is typically only partially explored by visitors. The majority of the area, or nearly 19,000 acres, is made up mostly of hardwood swamps, freshwater marshes, streams, lakes and other waterways. Most of this water-dominated area is only accessible by boat, and navigable by experienced explorers.

The 500 or so acres that experience the most public use, however, include several miles of very enjoyable hiking trails, and scenic views that are unique to this area of Florida. If you own or are willing to rent a canoe, or if you have a powerboat or kayak, the secluded interior of this refuge can offer nearly endless exploration potential.

How to Get There:

The Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is located just east of the Ocala National Forest. The easiest way to get there is to take U.S. Route 17to DeLeon Springs, head WEST on either Wheeler Street or Retta Street, then turn LEFT onto CR 4053, also called Grand Avenue. The refuge headquarters is located on the WEST side of CR 4053. To get to the entrance to the refuge's public use area, go WEST on Mud Lake Road (just SOUTH of the headquarters). This road will take you to a parking area that offers easy access to nature trails and other recreational pursuits within the refuge.

What to Do There:

Hiking - Several trails are accessible just within the refuge's public use are entrance (Mud Lake Road). These trails vary in length from several hundred yards up to a recommended 6 mile loop trail that meanders through lush oak and pine forests and offers year-round nature observance.
Boating and Canoeing - If you bring your own boat, you can either portage it to the many put-in spots just inside the refuge's entrance, or you can make a short trip north to the DeLeon Springs State Recreation Area, inside of which, is good waterway access points as well as canoe rentals. Many of the area's most remote sections are only accessible by boat. Visit the refuge headquarters for trip information and safety advisories.
Bird and Wildlife Watching - The Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is home to a diverse range of native Florida waterfowl and other mammals and animals. More than 200 different species of birds are said to live within this pristine area, including Osprey, Hawk, Kingfisher, Snowy Egret and many others. Blackbear, Florida Bobcat, Raccoon, and of course Alligators, are present within the refuge. The highly endangered Manatee use portions of this refuge's waterways during early Summer.

Contact Information:

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters
4490 Grand Avenue
DeLeon Springs, Florida 32130

904-985-4673

Florida Game and Fish Commission Site: www.state.fl.us/gfc/viewing/sites/site29.html

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Fort Caroline National Monument / Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area

Description:

Ft. Caroline and the Teddy Roosevelt Recreation Area are minutes from bustling Jacksonville, but inside this naturally beautiful and historical area, you will feel as if you are hundreds of miles from civilization. This National Forest Service-maintained area includes three distinct destinations. First, Ft. Caroline itself is a short trail's walk from a visitors center that includes an impressive collection of Spanish and French armaments, as well as a great variety of written material, some free and some for sale. The fort itself is a recreation of the French occupation of this area around 1564 (the original was washed away in the 1880's). Several remaining French cannons are situated here, likely much as they were hundreds of years ago, awaiting British and Spanish invaders.

About 3/4 of a mile from Ft. Caroline you will find the Ribaut Monument, erected to honor French explorer Jean Ribaut, one of the first Europeans to set foot on this portion of Florida. The monument includes a walkway to the top of the high bank of the St. Johns River, providing a scenic view of the river's course to the ocean.

The Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area, located about a mile from Ft. Caroline, comprises more than 600 acres of wonderfully diverse native Florida semi-wilderness. Several miles of trails take visitors through thick hardwood groves, tidal marshlands, and sea shell encrusted steep riverbanks. This land was donated to the Forest Service by Florida native Willie Brown, who turned down rich offers from Condominium developers in order to protect this area for later generations. The Willie Brown Trail takes you past a small cemetery where Willie and other members of his family are buried.

How to Get There:

The fort, monument and nature areas are about 13 miles east of downtown Jacksonville. From Jacksonville, take the Arlington Expressway (FL-115/Alt US-1/90) to Atlantic Blvd. (FL-10). Follow Atlantic Blvd. to Monument Road, turn left (North) and then turn right (East) on Ft. Caroline Road, following signs to the parks.

Contact Information:

National Park Service
12713 Fort Caroline Road
Jacksonville, FL 32225

904-641-7155 or 904-641-7111

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Lower Suwanee River / Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

Description:

The Lower Suwanee River / Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges comprise two separate areas, both managed by the same U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service unit.

The Cedar Key Refuge was set aside in 1929 as part of a Presidential Act (by President Hoover) that included other refuges in the Cedar Key area. More have been added since then, and this important group of preserved areas includes more than 16 islands that are home to hundreds of diverse species of waterfowl and seasonal wildlife. The Cedar Key Refuge, being comprised of mainly off-shore islands, is not extremely accessible for those without a boat and navigational experience of the area. For more information on accessing this area, contact the management headquarters listed below.

The Lower Suwanee National Wildlife Refuge, which is much larger than the Cedar Keys Refuge, is also much more accessible to the casual visitor. Starting from the mouth of the famous Suwanee River at the Gulf of Mexico, this preserve protects more than 25 miles of adjoining coastal wetlands and tidal saltmarshes.

What to Do There:

Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge is accessible only by boat, via only a few landings in and around the town of Cedar Key. The interiors of islands within this preserve are always closed to the public in order to protect the sensitive breeding grounds of dozens of waterfowl species. Between March 1 and June 30 of each year, all of Seahorse Key and a 300 feet buffer around it are closed to human visitation.

The best way to non-intrusively enjoy this preserve is via kayak paddling excursion in the spring or early fall. Be aware, however, that coastal conditions in this part of the gulf require a high level of understanding of tides and seasonal tide variances. It is not unheard of for fall and winter winds to push even high tide water levels far out into the gulf and leave only muddy flats.

Lower Suwanee National Wildlife Refuge: The Lower Suwanee National Wildlife Refuge is a terrific place to take in Northern Florida's Gulf Coast wild areas. A 9 mile loop road bisects most of the interesting portions of the refuge, and has numerous spur routes that provide further access to the refuge's remote interiors. This road can accommodate most vehicles, but for a more ecological fulfilling adventure, bring along bicycles, or a good pair of hiking boots and make a day of it.

The many activities to be enjoyed in this wonderful refuge include hiking, bird and wildlife observation, canoeing and sea kayaking, bicycling and botanizing. One especially interesting foot path here is the Shell Mound Trail, which traces areas once occupied by very early (2500 B.C. to 1000 A.D.) Indians. These probable forerunners of the Timucuan Indians built a 25 foot high, five acre shell mound which is the largest one of its type on the central Florida Gulf Coast.

How to Get There:

Prior to entering these refuges, check in with the management headquarters, which is located about 12 miles south of Chiefland, in Levy County on CR 347. The entrance to the headquarters is marked.

Contact Information:

Lower Suwanee River and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges, Manager
Rt. 1, Box 1193C
Chiefland, Florida 32626

Telephone: 904-493-0238

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