Shanty Pond Campground
Closed for the season. The campground operates October 15 through April 15 and reopens in fall 2026. First-come, first-served only; no advance reservations.
Heat Advisory issued August 12 at 9:41AM EDT until August 12 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 110 expected. * WHERE...Northeast and north central Florida and portions of southeast Georgia. * WHEN...Until 7 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
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…
Fire Restrictions in Effect for Ocala National Forest
The Ocala National Forest is under stage 1 fire restrictions. Exemptions include developed campsites with Forest Service provided campfire rings and grills. Dispersed campers who wish to have fires must use propane; charcoal is authorized for grilling purposes. All residents must conform to the…
About
Shanty Pond Campground provides a rustic camping experience in the heart of Ocala National Forest's longleaf pine ecosystem. Located south of Salt Springs off State Road 19, this primitive campground operates seasonally from October 15 through April 15, coinciding with cooler weather and hunting seasons in Florida. The campground is particularly popular with equestrians who use it as a base for exploring the extensive horse trail network in the Ocala National Forest, including the Ocala One Hundred Mile Horse Trail. Hunters also frequent the area during designated seasons. Sites accommodate tents and camping trailers, though there are no hookups or developed amenities beyond vault toilets and trash receptacles. Campers should come prepared for a primitive experience. There is no potable water on site, so visitors must bring an adequate supply. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations available through recreation.gov.
Directions
From Salt Springs, travel south on State Road 19. Turn west onto Forest Road 33 and follow signs to Shanty Pond Recreation Area.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (352) 625-2520 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
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