Rainbow over the bathhouse and entrance to Big Scrub.
Campers enjoying Big Scrub
Kids practice and learning track of Big Scrub Campground

Big Scrub Campground

Open — Open year-round with reservations available. Gates open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Limited to 14 consecutive nights per 30-day period.

Freeze Warning issued December 30 at 10:46AM EST until December 31 at 9:00AM EST by NWS Jacksonville FL

10:46 AM — December 31st, 9:00 AM

* WHAT...For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 19 expected. For the Freeze Warning, sub-freezing temperatures as low as 26 expected. * WHERE...Portions of northeast and northern Florida. * WHEN...From 1 AM to 9 AM EST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...The cold wind chills as low as 20 degrees could result in hypothermia or frostbite if precautions are not taken. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. Appropriate action should be taken to ensure tender vegetation and outdoor pets have adequate protection from the cold temperatures. Young children, the elderly and the homeless are especially vulnerable to the cold. Take measures to protect them.

Cold Weather Advisory issued December 30 at 10:46AM EST until December 31 at 9:00AM EST by NWS Jacksonville FL

10:46 AM — December 31st, 9:00 AM

* WHAT...For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 19 expected. For the Freeze Warning, sub-freezing temperatures as low as 26 expected. * WHERE...Portions of northeast and northern Florida. * WHEN...From 1 AM to 9 AM EST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...The cold wind chills as low as 20 degrees could result in hypothermia or frostbite if precautions are not taken. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. Appropriate action should be taken to ensure tender vegetation and outdoor pets have adequate protection from the cold temperatures. Young children, the elderly and the homeless are especially vulnerable to the cold. Take measures to protect them.

Prospect Bluff Historic Site Closure Order

Authorities and Geographic Applicability. Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(c), this Forest Order: (1) Closes the Prospect Bluff Historic Site in its entirety for the preservation of objects or areas of historical, archaeological, geological, or paleontological interest.

Alcoholic Beverages

Lists the areas in the Apalachicola and Ocala National Forests where alcohol is not allowed.

Camping in excess of 14 days

The following activities are not allowed per this order:

About

Big Scrub Campground is perennially popular with off-road vehicle enthusiasts, offering 47 campsites in the heart of the Big Scrub within Ocala National Forest. The campground provides direct trailhead access to the 47-mile Ocala Centennial Trail, allowing riders to access the trail system directly from their campsite. The facility welcomes tents, campers, and RVs, with amenities including flush toilets and showers. Ocala National Forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres, making it the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River. The forest protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest, providing miles of open space and blue skies for off-road vehicle exploration. All OHV trail riders must obtain a permit and proper safety gear, with riders under 16 required to pass an online safety course before trail use. The campground operates with gates open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with check-in at 3 p.m. and check-out at 11 a.m. Campsites are $20 per night, with Interagency Senior/Access Pass holders receiving a 50% discount. The facility enforces a 14-day stay limit within any 30-day period across all Ocala National Forest campgrounds. Sites are available for reservation through Recreation.gov, and campers should expect full capacity during weekends.

Directions

From I-75 east, travel on State Route 40 to Forest Road 588. Turn south on FR 588 and go approximately 8 miles. The campground is on the west side of the road.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station Yes
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $20

Vehicle

Max RV Length 40ft
Max Trailer Length 40ft
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (352) 625-2520

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Rainbow over the bathhouse and entrance to Big Scrub.
Campers enjoying Big Scrub
Kids practice and learning track of Big Scrub Campground
OHV trail leaving Big Scrub Campground.
OHV visitors ready to head out on the trail.
Sunset over Big Scrub Campground
Big Scrub Campground Entrance
OHV Trailhead Kiosk with map and information.

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