Farles Prairie Campground
Day-use only; no overnight camping is permitted. The site operates dawn to dusk. The associated Farles Lake Hunt Camp is closed.
Flood Warning issued October 11 at 10:09AM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Florida... Cypress Creek At SR 54 Worthington Gardens affecting Pasco County. Withlacoochee At US 41 Dunnellon affecting Marion, Citrus and Levy Counties. .Due to recent heavy rainfall, water levels on Cypress Creek remain elevated. With additional heavy rainfall forecast, water levels are expected to continue rising, and could reach minor flood stage in the next few days. Elevated water levels continue on the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon due to a combination of excessive hydrilla growth along a 4.5 mile stretch of river between U.S. 41 and Lake Rousseau, and recent heavy rainfall. Water levels are expected to hold steady before slowly decreasing over the next several days. However, the river is forecast to remain in flood stage. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Withlacoochee at US 41 Dunnellon. * WHEN...Until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 28.2 feet, Docks and boat ramps flood along the river in Citrus and Marion counties. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 9:45 AM EDT Sunday the stage was 28.2 feet. - Bankfull stage is 28.2 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 9:45 AM EDT Sunday was 28.3 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to remain steady at flood stage. - Flood stage is 28.2 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 28.2 feet on 10/02/1979. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Supervisor's Office Closed
Due to potential weather impacts from Hurricane Isaias, the Supervisor's Office will be temporarily closed Friday, October 9.
Travel Management & Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Forest Service are reviewing the Executive Order, entitled "Removing Unnecessary and Counterproductive Restrictions on Access to Federal Lands" issued May 29, 2026, that may affect travel management on National Forest System lands. Any changes to public…
About
Farles Prairie Recreation Area sits along the shores of Farles Lake in the Ocala National Forest, framed by tall longleaf pines and surrounded by sand pine scrub habitat. The area serves as a launch point for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. A boat ramp provides access to the long north-south lake, and anglers can fish from boats or wade into the grassy shallows. The site is particularly notable for birding, especially during winter months when sandhill cranes arrive in large numbers. A walk along the prairie rim and lakeshore yields high counts of songbird and wading bird species. The Florida Trail passes through the area, offering hiking opportunities, and an OHV corral serves riders on the Ocala Centennial Trail. This is strictly a day-use area with no overnight camping permitted. The associated Farles Lake Hunt Camp is currently closed. Facilities include vault toilets, picnic tables, and a boat ramp, but no potable water is available on site.
Directions
From SR 40, turn south onto SR 19 and drive approximately 6 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 595 and follow the dirt road for about 2.5 miles to the recreation area.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $5 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (850) 523-8500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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