Ocean Pond Campground, Osceola National Forest
When you arrive at Ocean Pond campground, you will notice that the pond is actually a 1,760-acre lake. This campground has 67 campsites, all of which may be used either for tent, RV or trailer camping. Only 19 of these sites offer electrical hookups.
This campground was ranked as one of the best campgrounds in Florida by the Triple Blaze list of most popular Florida campgrounds, and visitors point out the cleanliness of the facilities and beauty of the nature trails as main reasons for returning year after year.
Ocean Pond campground's amenities are hot showers, potable water spigots, flush toilets, a boat ramp, a beach and a playground. Anglers fish for crappie, bluegill and bass. Boaters may sail, power boat or drag water skiers. A number of hiking trails allow for easy to moderately challenging hikes.
In 2009, the camping fees are $8 to $18 per night, depending on the campsite you choose.
Osceola National Forest
24874 US Highway 90
Olustee, FL 32072
(386) 752-2577
www.stateparks.com/osceola.html
Bear Island Campground, Big Cypress National Preserve
Primitive campers should take a closer look at Bear Island campground in the Big Cypress National Preserve. Ranked sixth on the Trails.com listing of Florida's best campgrounds, this locale offers 40 sites. There are no potable water outlets and no toilets. Although four-wheel-drive cars are not required for access to Bear Island campground, campers who want to explore other nearby areas should bring a four-wheeler, because some places are only accessible in this manner.
This campground is open year-round and is a perfect base camp for extensive hiking expeditions. As there are bears and alligators in the preserve, extreme caution is advised, especially when hikes take you through deeper waters. There is no fee to enter the preserve or to camp at Bear Island, but if you are planning on doing some off-road driving, you need to purchase a permit at the main visitor center. The cost for this permit in 2009 is $50.
Big Cypress National Preserve
33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, FL 34141
(239) 695-1201
www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
Chattahoochee/Tallahassee West KOA Campground
The Chattahoochee/Tallahassee West KOA campground is an excellent choice for RV campers. It features 46 pull-through sites measuring 75 feet each, which make it a good choice even for bigger rigs. RV owners may receive propane gas, free wireless Internet, 50-amp electrical hookups and telephone hookups. A swimming pool that is open year-round and a nearby playground and basketballs courts make this a great experience for kids, while horseshoe pits and on-site pizza shop/burger joint and camping kitchen are also available.
This is a family-oriented campground that is also pet-friendly. Nearby fishing at Lake Seminole and canoeing at the Chipola River provide fun activities away from camp. Costs vary, depending on the amenities you choose and the hookups you require.
Chattahoochee/Tallahassee West KOA
2309 Flat Creek Road
Chattahoochee, FL 32324
(850) 442-6657
www.koa.com/where/fl/09323
