Samiksha Jaiswal (Editor)

Osceola National Forest

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Location
  
Florida, United States

Governing body
  
U.S. Forest Service

Phone
  
+1 386-752-2577

Nearest city
  
Olustee, FL

Area
  
772.7 km²

Established
  
July 10, 1931

Osceola National Forest

Website
  
Osceola National Forest

Address
  
National Forest Rd, Florida, USA

Hours
  
Open today · 8:30AM–4PMMonday8:30AM–4PMTuesday8:30AM–4PMWednesday8:30AM–4PMThursday8:30AM–4PMFriday8:30AM–4PMSaturdayClosedSundayClosedSuggest an edit

Management
  
United States Forest Service

Natural north florida osceola national forest


Osceola National Forest is a National Forest located in Florida.

Contents

Osceola National Forest was created by President Herbert Hoover's proclamation, on July 10, 1931. It is named in honor of the Native American Seminole warrior, Osceola.

The forest is made up of approximately 200,000 acres (810 km2) of pine flatwoods and cypress-hardwood swamps in northeastern Florida and is about 50 miles (80 km) west of Jacksonville. It is located in parts of Columbia, Baker, Bradford, and Hamilton counties. The forest is headquartered in Tallahassee, as are all three National Forests in Florida, but there are local ranger district offices located in Olustee. There is one officially designated wilderness area in the forest, the 13,660 acres (55.3 km2) Big Gum Swamp Wilderness.

Rv travel wintering in florida pt 1 osceola national forest


Geography and ecology

Within the forest is the Osceola Research Natural Area, designated a National Natural Landmark in December 1974.

Osceola National Forest is home to many species including the American alligator, the Florida black bear and the red-cockaded woodpecker an endangered species.

Activities

A 28-mile (45 km) section of the Florida National Scenic Trail is included in the park grounds. Other hiking trails in the park include: Olustee Battlefield Trail (an American Civil War battlefield), Trampled Track Trail, and Mt. Carrie Trail. There are two horseback riding trails through open pine flatwoods and near scenic bays. The park is also open to hunters and fishermen with permits.

Campsites

  • Ocean Pond Campground - Ocean Pond Campground is located on the north side of Ocean Pond, a 1,760-acre (7.1 km2) natural lake. Sixty-seven campsites are available for tents, trailers, or motor homes. Ocean Pond provides a variety of recreational experiences such as fishing, boating, water skiing and camping. A beach area, boat ramp, drinking water, hot showers, and flush toilets are located in the campground.
  • The Landing Group Area - Available by reservation only, this is a 50-person private group area. Recreational activities include swimming, boating, camping, and picnicking. Facilities include a sand beach, boat launch for small boats, picnic shelter, large group grill, and restrooms with showers.
  • Hunt Camps - Hunt camps include Hog Pen Landing, Cobb, Wiggins, West Tower, and East Tower. These are primitive camp sites.
  • References

    Osceola National Forest Wikipedia