Ocean Pond Campground ~ Olustee, Florida

Description: Ocean Pond Campground is a jewel stuck out in the middle of the Osceola National Forest in Olustee, Florida. It is on the northside of Ocean Pond, a 1760-acre natural lake. Sixty-seven campsites are available for tents, trailers, or motor homes. Many of these campsites are waterfront sites where you can enjoy the water or fish right from your campsite. A beach area, boat ramp, drinking water, hot showers, and flush toilets are located in the campground. No sewer hookups are available; however, a sewage dump station is located near the campground entrance. The roads in the park are all paved except back in the primative area.

Date of Stay: May 17th, 2011

Weather During Stay: Sunny, Very Warm but with the lake there is a breeze that kept us somewhat comfy.

Site Description: There are 19 paved sites that have W/E 50 amp, we have had times when we arrived and couldn't get electric so we stayed in the water only section which is ok during the spring & fall. There is an area with about 40 beautiful paved sites with water only and then a very primitive area which is GREAT for pop-ups and tents. Best day to arrive is Monday through Wednesday. It is on first come basis. There are a lot of trees and at some sites I think you could only get satellite TV with a portable dish. All sites are very level!

Rate: $18.00 per night but if you have the National Park Access card it is $12.00 for the W/E sites. There are no other discounts.

Phone/radio/TV: Verizon and AT&T both get strong signals out here on the phone and Air Cards for internet. Our roof top satellite had no problems on the site we were on. (Direct TV)

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: In the Osceola National Forest so it is pretty wooded with pine trees and local Florida vegetation (palmettos & oak trees). The terrain is very flat.

Lighting/Noise: You are in the middle of the forest so it is very dark and pretty well quiet at night. During the day you may hear the occasional boat on the lake.

Favorite Sites: Our favorite site is 15 which is right on the water. There is one big pine tree on it which offers a little shade. On our site we were able to get Satellite with our roof Dish (Direct TV).

Hiking/Walking: The Florida National Scenic Trail that adjoins the park and several other trails for exploring... It is also near the Florida Bird watching Trail. The road into the park is about 2 miles long, paved and safe to walk or bike ride on.

Comments: This is a GREAT park especially if you like peace & quiet. We have visited here many times and had a wonderful stay.

Things to See & Do: Olustee Battlefield State Park (site of the largest Civil War battle in Florida). During the month of February they have a reenactment that goes on for about 3 days. This is a fun event to attend with reenactments, Parades, Entertainment and crafts. Also there is the Olustee Train Depot built in 1888 which is also a visitors center.

Rating: (7) We rate it as very good. It would be excellent if it had sewer.

Have Fun & Travel Safe