Osceola National Forest

United States Department of Agriculture
Forest Service, Southern Region

Location
Ocean Pond is a bowl-shaped lake stretching two miles wide and only twelve feet deep. It is located off Highway 90 approximately twelve miles east of Lake City and 50 miles west of Jacksonville.

Olustee Beach
Come join us! Swim along a shallow, sandy beach and watch the water birds wade through cypress knees. Water ski along the glassy, windless lake or watch the white caps roll on windy days.

You may also enjoy fishing, picnicking, or hiking at this day-use area. Restrooms picnic tables, grills, drinking water, and a group picnic shelter are provided. Anglers are sure to like the barrier-free pier near the boat launch and parking area.

See what Ocean Pond was like 100 years ago and "step into a memory" - stroll through a shady pine and cypress canopy along a short, barrier-free interpretive trail. Buzzing saws and steam locomotives of yesterday will come alive as you meander along the boardwalk leading to the edge of the lake.

Hog Pen Landing
Looking for primitive camping? Hog Pen Landing offers you a small primitive site with a chemical toilet and public boat launch. Relish the quite moments while Spanish moss sways with the wind, and watch the great blue heron fish for dinner.

"The Landing" Group Area
A secluded group area is available by reservation only. Here you can admire the lake's tranquil beauty, swim along the beach shore, launch a boat, camp, or just visit with friends and family at the group picnic shelter. To make reservations, call the District Office at (386) 752-2577.

Ocean Pond Campground
The early bird gets the worm! Come early for lakeshore camping where you can keep your boat at your site. If you happen to miss out on these sites, there are many other sites with their own unique features.

A camping fee is required, but reservations are not accepted. Sites must be occupied the first night, and each has a five- person capacity. In each site you will find a lantern post, table, and fire ring, with convenient access to drinking water, restrooms and showers. All sites have tent pads; many also have room for various size trailers. Electricity is not available at any of the sites.

Campers can enjoy the boat launch and swimming area. If you are interested in day use activities, these are available at Olustee Beach on the south side of the lake.

For the hiker, nearby access to the Florida National Scenic Trail offers you an opportunity to get into the Osceola's back country.

Good Neighbor Camping
Pets are allowed, but they must remain on a leash and are not allowed in the swimming area.

For your own safety and to help us prevent resource damage, please do not ride motorcycles or ORV s in the campground.

Sound travels at night, so be courteous to your neighbor and observe the quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Generators should be shut off during these hours.

Lantern heat can kill trees; please use the post provided.

Help preserve the beauty that plants, shrubs and trees provide. Please do not cut or drive nails into them.

For more information contact: Osceola Ranger District Office, U.S. Highway 90 East, P.O. Box 70, Olustee, FL 32072, (386) 752- 2577, TDD (386) 942-9351

Battle of Olustee Home Page
http://battleofolustee.org/