Ross Prairie Primitive Backpacking Campsite

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.