Forest Camp

(Olustee FL)
It rained for a week straight, and I needed to charge the batteries and empty the holding tanks. The plan was to stay at a state park near the beach. With poor weather I reasoned that it would be simple to find a spot. Then I remembered the annual Shrimp Festival was being held nearby. Change in plans.

Instead, I headed about 50 miles inland to a National Forest Campground that I’d heard was pretty good. I stopped at the store to replenish supplies en route. It was paved roads all the way, and even into the camp. I arrived just after noon, and easily got a lakeside site at Ocean Pond Campground with electric-water hook-up (30 and 50 amp).

Tardis at Osceola National Forest

The sites were generously spaced, with level paved pads that were angled to the road for easy back-in. This also meant you were not looking out at your neighbor. Each had a picnic table, fire ring, grill and its own access to launch a boat or canoe. Mine backed up to the woods too.

Boat ramp to Ocean Pond Lake

The CG also had a general boat ramp, a beach area for swimming with a pavilion and playground for the kids. It also had three bathhouses with laundry spaced throughout the park. A dump station is conveniently located as you leave. Out of 67 sites only 20 have electric and there are no reservations.

Beach and pavilion by the lake

The first day it was still raining lightly, but the second was sunny and very pleasant. Despite the rural setting I got 5 bars of 4G LTE cell-data signal. It was very quiet and laid back. Cost with senior discount $12 per day. I consider it a great find!

Camp: Osceola NF-Ocean Pond CG
Scene: Wooded site next to lake