Osceola National Forest
Discover Osceola National Forest
The years 1565 to 1763 marked the period of Spanish occupation in Florida. Spanish activities during this time centered primarily in North Florida included the development of the mission system and establishing trade with the native Floridians. The Native Americans living in the area were the Northern Utina, a Timucuan tribe. During the 20-year British occupation, 1763-1783, the Osceola was included in the "land claimed by the Creek Indians." It was not until after the Revolutionary War that individuals began to settle in the Forest establishing an agricultural based economy. Less than ten years after Florida's entrance into the United States (1845) there were 14 sawmills around Jacksonville receiving timber harvested from the Forest.
What to Experience in Osceola National Forest
Taste of Osceola National Forest...
There are no hotels or motels in Osceola National Forest. Try nearby Lake City or Macclenny if you need traditional lodging. Ocean Pond Campground is located on the north side of Ocean Pond, a 1760-acre natural lake. 67 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 to $18 depending on campsite. 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 where your 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 +1 386 752-0147. The fee is $50 per 24-hour period. Hunting is a very popular activity on the Osceola National Forest. 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.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Osceola National Forest into what it is today.
The years 1565 to 1763 marked the period of Spanish occupation in Florida. Spanish activities during this time centered primarily in North Florida included the development of the mission system and establishing trade with the native Floridians. The Native Americans living in the area were the Northern Utina, a Timucuan tribe. During the 20-year British occupation, 1763-1783, the Osceola was included in the "land claimed by the Creek Indians." It was not until after the Revolutionary War that individuals began to settle in the Forest establishing an agricultural based economy. Less than ten years after Florida's entrance into the United States (1845) there were 14 sawmills around Jacksonville receiving timber harvested from the Forest. The Battle of Ocean Pond (Olustee), fought in 1864, took placed within the Forest on the Olustee Battlefield Historic Site. During this encounter Union soldiers attempted unsuccessfully to cut off major railroad supply lines to confederate troops. The Osceola was proclaimed a National Forest by Presidential Proclamation on July 10, 1931 and is one of 154 National Forests managed by the USDA Forest Service for the benefit of the American public. This new "forest" had been cutover and heavily burned. A management plan was developed that focused on establishing new growth through reforestation. Fire controls were implemented to ensure the survival of the young trees....
Climate
The temperatures for the dry months of November through February range from a daily average of 50 °F (10 °C) to a high of 72 °F (22 °C). The summer season is much warmer and wetter. Short afternoon thundershowers often raise the humidity to about 90%, while the temperatures range from 80 °F (27 °C) to 95 °F (35 °C). The average rainfall is approximately 55 in (1,400 mm) per year. The Osceola National Forest is in the northeastern portion of Florida between Lake City and Jacksonville near the crossroads of I-10 and I-75 and the crossroads US 90 and US 441. There are no hotels or motels in Osceola National Forest. Try nearby Lake City or Macclenny if you need traditional lodging. Ocean Pond Campground is located on the north side of Ocean Pond, a 1760-acre natural lake. 67 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.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe Osceola National Forest is in the northeastern portion of Florida between Lake City and Jacksonville near the crossroads of I-10 and I-75 and the crossroads US 90 and US 441. There are no hotels or motels in Osceola National Forest. Try nearby Lake City or Macclenny if you need traditional lodging. Ocean Pond Campground is located on the north side of Ocean Pond, a 1760-acre natural lake. 67 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 to $18 depending on campsite. Large families and small groups will enjoy the secluded "Landing Group Area" which is available by reservation only....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
There are no hotels or motels in Osceola National Forest. Try nearby Lake City or Macclenny if you need traditional lodging. Ocean Pond Campground is located on the north side of Ocean Pond, a 1760-acre natural lake. 67 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 to $18 depending on campsite. 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 where your group may enjoy swimming, boating, camping, picnicking, or just visiting with friends and family.
Where to Stay
There are no hotels or motels in Osceola National Forest. Try nearby Lake City or Macclenny if you need traditional lodging. Ocean Pond Campground is located on the north side of Ocean Pond, a 1760-acre natural lake. 67 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 to $18 depending on campsite. 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 where your group may enjoy swimming, boating, camping, picnicking, or just visiting with friends and family.
Money & Budget
There are no hotels or motels in Osceola National Forest. Try nearby Lake City or Macclenny if you need traditional lodging. Ocean Pond Campground is located on the north side of Ocean Pond, a 1760-acre natural lake. 67 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 to $18 depending on campsite.