Osceola National Forest

About Osceola National Forest

When exploring the Osceola National Forest, do not wait any longer; no activities require a pass or permit. The forests and swamps offer beautiful views of the Florida Panhandle, the Florida Keys and the Gulf of Mexico.

The new forest, created by a presidential proclamation on July 10, 1931, was heavily burned and logged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The flat forest is a mixture of low pine ridges separated by cypresses, laurels and marshes. Visitors enjoy a tranquil forest named after the famous Seminole Indian Osceola.

A management plan has been developed that focuses on creating new growth through afforestation. Fire prevention measures are being implemented to ensure the survival of young trees, and management plans focus on preserving old growth trees and the ability to generate new growth through afforestation.

With wise management, the Osceola National Forest has an abundance of natural and cultural resources. The USDA Forest Service has expanded its forest management from timber management to land, water, recreational and wildlife management. In the 1940s, a new concept was developed that required fire, and controlled fires began to reduce the risk of forest fires burning fuel. Since then, forests have been managed in many ways, from land management to service to people.

Ocean Pond Campground is located in Osceola National Forest, south of Lake Okeechobee, about 30 miles west of Orlando. Sixty to seven campsites are available for tents, caravans and campers, and many of the campsites are located right on the water. Guests can enjoy the water at Ocean Pond, as well as their campsites near the shore or in the shade of a tree or tree line.

Electricity connections are available at 19 locations and charges vary from $8 to $18 depending on the campsite. There is no drainage connection, but there is a drainage dump at the entrance of each campsite. Each campsite has a toilet flush and there are no waste water dumps near the entrances of the campers.

Hunting is a very popular activity in Osceola National Forest, and nine hunting camps are located throughout the forest and are open to the public year-round. Sometimes camping is limited to designated hunting grounds, but all nine hunt during the hunting season. During the year, two hunting camps have toilets and water facilities, and toilets are available in the other seven camps during the hunting season.

The primitive lodgings are located along the Florida National Scenic Trail and are available on a "first come, first served" basis. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere in the national forest, except on Olustee beach. During hunting season camping is limited to designated hunting areas, and primitive camping allows camping anywhere in the national forest, except on the beach of Olusee.

Large families and small groups will enjoy the seclusion, but only by reservation are the primitive accommodations along the Florida National Scenic Trail and Olustee Beach Lodge available.

A maximum of 50 people can swim or visit friends and family, and the fee is $50 for a 24-hour period. The facilities include showers, toilets, showers and toilets for up to 10 people, a pool, picnic area and picnic tables. Reservations must be made in advance at Olustee Beach Lodge or Florida National Scenic Trail Lodge, both on reservation.