Recreation
In this section
District lands
- Alphabetical listing
- Map
- Activities matrix
- Trail guides
- Hunting regulations and maps
- Using District lands
District property closures or activities that may affect recreation
Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area
Size:
6,230 acres.
Location:
Five miles east of Ocala in Marion County, southwest of County Road (CR) 314A and south of the Silver River State Park, southwest of the Ocala National Forest.
Description:
District acquisition of this area ensured an opportunity to begin restoration of the Upper Ocklawaha River Basin to a natural system. The historic river channel flows through the property. A canal (C-212) runs on the eastern boundary of the original floodplain. The restoration is providing improved water quality on-site and downstream, expanded flood storage and restored 2,400 acres of wetlands and associated wildlife habitat. Ocklawaha Prairie lies within an extensive wetland system which includes Tiger Den, Marshall Swamp and the Bead River. The Chornobyl Memorial Forest honors the survivors and the thousands whose lives were lost during the Chornobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine in April 1986. The 314-acre forest is planted in longleaf pine to symbolize the importance of renewal, rebirth and restoration.
Wildlife viewing:
The diversity of natural systems provides habitat and feeding areas for wildlife such as gopher tortoise, gray fox, bobcat, black bear, sandhill crane, heron and egret.
Recreational activities:
- Wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, fishing, seasonal waterfowl hunting, nature study and primitive camping. more info
- Boating and canoeing opportunities are available on the Ocklawaha River, and the property is accessible by water; however, there are no launches located on the property.
Restrictions: more info
- Motorized vehicles are not permitted.
Access:
From State Road 40, turn south on CR 314A, then south on CR 464C. You can also go south on CR 464C from Moss Bluff. The north access area is located on Old River Road (137th Avenue). The Chornobyl Memorial Forest access area is located on CR 464C.
For more information:
Call the District’s Bureau of Land Management at (386) 329-4404.
