Ross Prairie Primitive Backpacking Campsite
Open year-round. Reservations required through Florida State Forests Reserve America system. The forest allows hunting seasonally; wear blaze orange during hunting seasons. Burn bans may restrict campfires during drought conditions.
Flood Watch issued October 9 at 2:26AM EDT until October 10 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of northeast and northern Florida, including the following areas, in northeast Florida, Coastal Flagler, Eastern Putnam, Inland Flagler, Northeast Coastal St. Johns, Northern Inland St. Johns, Southeast Coastal St. Johns, Southern Inland St. Johns, Western Putnam and Western St. Johns. In northern Florida, Central Marion, Eastern Marion and Western Marion. * WHEN...Through late tonight. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A lifting warm front and moisture due to Hurricane Isaias passing west of the area will bring waves of moderate to heavy rainfall across areas of Northeast Florida today into this evening. Several inches of rain from the last several days will make for saturated soils and additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches with locally higher amounts may lead to flash flooding. The heavy rainfall may combine with higher than normal tidal levels and may worsen flood problems in some St. Johns River locations. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flood Warning issued October 8 at 10:35PM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Florida... Cypress Creek At SR 54 Worthington Gardens affecting Pasco County. Little Manatee River At Wimauma at US 301 affecting Hillsborough County. ...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Florida... Withlacoochee At US 41 Dunnellon affecting Marion, Citrus and Levy Counties. .Due to recent heavy rainfall, water levels on Cypress Creek and Little Manatee River are expected to continue rising and reach Flood Stage. 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 PM EDT Thursday the stage was 28.4 feet. - Bankfull stage is 28.2 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 9:45 PM EDT Thursday was 28.6 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to remain steady above flood stage at 28.4 feet. - Flood stage is 28.2 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 28.4 feet on 08/25/2008. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Ross Prairie Primitive Backpacking Campsite provides a true backcountry experience in Marion County, approximately 15 minutes southwest of Ocala. Campers park at the limerock parking lot near the State Forest/Wildlife Management Area sign off SR 200 and backpack in to the designated campsite along the Holly Hammock Hiking Trail. This single site accommodates up to 8 people and is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. The surrounding Ross Prairie State Forest offers over 5,600 acres of pine flatwoods, sandhills, and wetlands with trails for hiking and horseback riding. Wildlife viewing and bird watching are popular activities, with opportunities to see gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer, and various bird species. Hunters also use the forest seasonally, so visitors should check hunting dates and wear blaze orange during hunting seasons. This is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out experience with no potable water, restrooms, or trash facilities on site. Campers must be fully self-sufficient and prepared for primitive conditions. During drought periods, burn bans may restrict campfire use.
Directions
From Ocala, head west on SR 200 for 10.5 miles. Parking is directly off SR 200 at the trailhead. Park in the limerock parking area by the State Forest/Wildlife Management Area sign and backpack in to the campsite.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $9.01 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (352) 732-1779 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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