Gores Landing is located in northeast Marion County & offers primitive camping, a boat ramp, restroom and picnic tables on the Ocklawaha River. Camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis. This state-owned property is leased to the county commission, which has managed the facility since 1966.

Gores Landing

## Overview

Lake Shore Group Campground sits on the north shore of Fore Lake in Ocala National Forest. It is a favorite for scout, church and civic groups, as well as large families and reunions.

## Recreation

Fore Lake is an excellent spot for birding. Visitors can also picnic and fish along the shore. Campers who wish to venture out into the water can launch their electric-motor boats, canoes and kayaks from the facility's boat ramp.   
  
Swimming is allowed, but campers should be aware that there are alligators in this lake.

## Facilities

Lake Shore Group Camp is for tent camping, however RVs are allowed in the small parking area. The site can accommodate up to 50 guests and there are campsites in the shade and in the sun, all within sight of the lake. The centerpiece of the facility is the large accessible picnic shelter, perfect for group gatherings. A group grill, picnic tables and a restroom with showers and flush toilets are available.   
  
The lake is situated in the historic community of Scrambletown, which has a store.

## Natural Features

Located in north central Florida, the Ocala National Forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest.   
  
Lined by marshes, the 12-acre Fore Lake is home to many species of birds. The surrounding landscape is forested with saw palmetto and oak trees. 

## Nearby Attractions

The Ocala National Forest is notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to both ATV enthusiasts and Jeeps, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters. These opportunities are available within a short drive.

Lake Shore Group Camp

Gates open 8 AM to 8 PM. If you are arriving late, call ahead to 352-625-6312 for a gate code.

Fore Lake Campground

A large, shallow lake cradled by the Big Scrub, Lake Eaton offers many distinctive faces. As a seasonal access area, the Lake Eaton Campground has only 14 sites. At the end of the road, the Lake Eaton Boat Launch and Pier offers opportunities for boating and fishing.

Lake Eaton Campground

Grateful Hammock is on 8 acres of land in the beautiful Ocala National Forest. This is an intentional, progressive community of music lovers. Grateful Hammock offers primitive tent sites as well as RV/Trailer camping. There are 6 total sites, with up to 6 guests per site.

The nearby Silver River offers opportunity to see lots of wildlife including wild monkeys, alligators and a myriad of birds. The Ocklawaha River is also a great place to go for fishing. Horseback riding is available at Captain Jacks. 

Grateful Hammock

Located on a 30-acre ranch minutes from the Ocala Forest and springs like Salt Springs, Juniper and Silversprings.

The Griffin Ranch

Lake Waldena Resort

Silver Springs RV Park

## Overview

Mill Dam Group Campground offers a fun and relaxing setting for groups of up to 150 to enjoy Ocala National Forest. Large picnic shelters and access to outdoor and water recreation make this area ideal for family reunions and other large parties.

## Recreation

The campground sits along the 168-acre Mill Dam Lake, and water activities are popular among campers and day-use visitors.   
  
Anglers come from all over to enjoy bass fishing. Campers can bring their boats, canoes and kayaks for easy access to the water via an adjacent boat ramp.   
  
A large swimming beach and picnic area are great ways to keep the kids entertained.

## Facilities

In the spring, summer and early fall, Mill Dam is a day-use area only. For the remainder of the year, it becomes a group campground and recreation area for both day-use and tent camping.   
  
Amenities include a picnic shelter, group grills, picnic tables and flush toilets. The parking lot can hold up to 70 vehicles.   
  
A boat ramp adjoins the recreation area, on a separate entrance.

## Natural Features

Located in north central Florida, the Ocala National Forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest.   
  
The campground and recreation area sit in the shade of live oak trees overlooking Mill Dam Lake. Numerous animals make their home in the area, including alligators, turtles, deer, raccoons, black bear and many bird species. 

## Nearby Attractions

The Ocala National Forest is notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to both ATV enthusiasts and Jeeps, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters from around Central Florida. These opportunities are available within a short drive.

## Charges & Cancellations

Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation.

[https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies ](https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies)

**Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, gear rentals, or day-use fees.**

Mill Dam Group Camp

Silver Springs State Park’s campground offers Cabins, RV and Tent Sites, and Group Primitive Camp Sites.

Located beneath shady oaks and beautiful pine trees, Silver Springs’ vacation cabins accommodate up to six people.

Each cabin has a full dining area, two bedrooms, one bath, stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, gas fireplace (October 1 to April 30), central cooling and heating and a large screened porch.

Fifty-nine spacious sites in two campground loops easily accommodate even large camping units, with a maximum recreational vehicle length of 50 feet. Tent campers are welcome as well. Each site offers water and electric hook-up, as well as a fire ring, barbecue grill and picnic table.

The primitive group camping area, set amid shady oaks, is for organized groups only, with preference given to youth groups. The area includes picnic tables and fire rings at each site.

Non-potable water is available and there are no shower facilities. 

For more information and to make a group reservation for primitive camping, please call the Ranger Station at (352) 236-7148. This number is for primitive group camping reservations only.

Silver Springs State Park Campground

Shanty Pond is a campground in the heart of a longleaf pine eco system, located south of Salt Springs off SR 19. A favorite of equestrians and hunters, it is seasonally open from October 15 through April 15.

Shanty Pond Campground

Absolutely crammed on weekends. If you can get there on a weekday though it is very nice. Follow your GPS religiously, it is very rural but google maps won’t lead you astray. Good fishing from the river banks too. Bathrooms aren’t anything to brag about.

A Well Known Spot

Can flood but there is dry ground to camp on. Sulfur water in the outdoor showers, great tent sites right off river.

Remote and natural!

This is a favorite campground of our as we like to paddle the Oklawaha River via kayaks. The river in this area is magical. The campground is set in a little cove. Reservations are not available - First Come First Served. The camp host is wonderful - been there for years. We can leave our cars/tents after checking in and head out for a day on the river and know the camp host is keeping a sharp eye out. (We also give him a nice tip)

There is not much privacy between sites - they are "find a spot and settle in" There is a lot of night lighting, not many trees for hammocks. Bathroom and Outdoor shower are as clean as can be expected. Grounds are well kept.

Keep bug spray close at hand during rainy season.

Gores Landing

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