Turkey Run Trailhead

Open — Open year-round for primitive camping with a 14-day limit within any 30-day period. Random camping is not permitted during fall deer hunting season. Overnight parking at the trailhead is not recommended.

About

Turkey Run Trailhead is a convenient access point for the Florida National Scenic Trail located in the northwest corner of Osceola National Forest. The trailhead sits along CR 250, approximately 500 feet north of the intersection with SR 250-A, providing ample parking for hikers exploring this section of Florida's premier long-distance trail. The trail passes through longleaf pine ecosystems, an increasingly rare habitat with diverse endangered plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Hikers can expect to traverse slash and longleaf pine forest towering over saw palmetto, ferns, and mosses, with opportunities to observe white-tailed deer, wild turkey, pileated woodpeckers, and other wildlife. Approximately half a mile south of the trailhead is the Osceola Shelter, the oldest shelter on the Florida Trail. This primitive camp shelter offers overnight camping on a first-come, first-served basis, with a fire pit, picnic tables, and a vault toilet. Non-potable water is accessible from a nearby creek with proper filtration. The shelter accommodates 3 to 4 tents and follows Leave No Trace ethics. This section connects to longer trail segments extending both north to Deep Creek and south to Ocean Pond.

Directions

Located on CR 250 approximately 500 feet north of the intersection with SR 250-A. From Interstate 10, take exit 324 toward US 90 W. Keep left and follow signs to Olustee/Lake City and turn left onto US 90 W. After 7 miles, turn right onto CR 250A. Continue north past the Ocean Pond Campground turnoff to reach Turkey Run Trailhead.

Nearby Campgrounds