About BUCK LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND
Overview Buck Lake is a group camping facility in the heart of Ocala National Forest in Florida. Great for family reunions and social gatherings, the campground can host a group of up to 50 guests along the shores of Buck Lake. Activities include fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and simply relaxing and enjoying the breeze.Recreation The sandy swimming beach provides a great place to relax and picnic. Campers have access to Buck Lake to enjoy fishing for panfish, bass and crappie, as well as boating. Hikers can access a segment of the 1,400-mile Florida Trail via a scenic trail that loops around the lake for 1.7 miles.Facilities This campground provides primitive camping for groups. Amenities include a vault toilet, a hand pump for drinking water, six picnic tables and a group campfire ring. Group get exclusive use of the facility during the reservation.Natural Features Located in north central Florida, the Ocala National Forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. The forest is also rich in water resources with more than 600 lakes, rivers and springs, several of which are near Buck Lake. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (352) 669-3522. Nearby Attractions Buck Lake is near the beautiful, turquoise waters of Alexander Springs Recreation Area, where visitors can swim, dive and snorkel in a warm, spring-fed lake and canoe on a 7-mile run.
How to Get There
From I-75 in Ocala, Florida, travel east on State Route 40. Turn onto State Route 19 south, then turn right onto Forest Road 595-2 and travel for approximately 4 miles. Buck Lake Group Camp will be on the left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to BUCK LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND
Heading to BUCK LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for BUCK LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for BUCK LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233122) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to BUCK LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND?
From I-75 in Ocala, Florida, travel east on State Route 40. Turn onto State Route 19 south, then turn right onto Forest Road 595-2 and travel for approximately 4 miles. Buck Lake Group Camp will be on the left.
How do I contact BUCK LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 352-625-2520 or email: alexandersprings@adventureocala.com.
References & Official Resources
