Camping
Overview and Background
Camping can be enjoyed during all seasons on the Osceola. - Visitors are welcome to stay as long as fourteen days in most campgrounds and even longer in other campgrounds, depending on the season.
- The majority of camping is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- The group campground is by reservation only.
Camping can be divided into three classes based on the type of facilities offered and fees charged:
- Ocean Pond Campground
Ocean Pond provides a variety of recreational experiences such as fishing, boating, skiing and camping. - Hunt Camps
Provide no amenities except portable toilets during hunting season. The campsite are free.
- Group Camping
Group camping at The Landing is by reservation only for a maximum of 50 people. Restrooms and picnic pavillion are available. - Primitive Camping
Ocean Pond Campground
Ocean Pond Campground is located on the north side of Ocean Pond, a 1760-acre natural lake.
Sixty-seven campsites are available for tents, trailers, or motor homes.
Many of these campsites are waterfront sites allowing guests to enjoy the water or fish right from their campsite. A beach area, boat ramp, drinking water, hot showers, and flush toilets are located in the campground.
No sewer hookups are available; however, a sewage dump station is located near the campground entrance.
Electrical hookups are available at 19 of the sites.
Fees vary from $8.00 to $18.00 depending on campsite. Click here for a map of the area.
Hunt Camps
Hunting is a very popular activity on the Osceola National Forest.
A total of nine hunt camps are located on the forest and are open year round to the public.
One of the hunt camps has a toilet and water facilities year round and toilets are provided at the remaining eight camps during the hunting season.
General gun season runs from mid November to early January and during that time all camping is restricted to designated hunt camps and Ocean Pond Campground.
Click here for a map of the Hunt Camps.
Group Camping
Large families and small groups will enjoy the secluded “Landing Group Area” which is available by reservation only.
A maximum of 50 persons is allowed at this area.
Your camping group may enjoy swimming, boating, camping, picnicking, or just visiting with friends and family.
Facilities include a sand beach, boat launch for small boats, picnic shelter, large group grill, and restrooms with showers.
Reservation can be made by calling the Olustee Depot Visitor Information Center at (386) 752-0147. The fee is $50.00 per 24-hour period.
Click here for camping locations throughout the forest.
Primitive Camping
Primitive camping is allowed anywhere on the national forest except at Olustee Beach. However, camping is restricted to designated hunt camps and Ocean Pond Campground during hunting season. A primitive camp shelter is located along the Florida National Scenic Trail and is available on a first come first served basis. Click here for a map of the area
