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Access Site FL

Chain-O-Lakes Northern Access (Forest Road 599)

Chain-O-Lakes

Source: florida_fish_and_wildlife_conservation_commission Updated 1 year ago

City: Camp Ocala, FL
County: Lake
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 29.13239661, -81.64363140
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Located at Camp Ocala in the Ocala National Forest, this boat ramp provides convenient access to Chain-O-Lakes and Sellers Lake for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters. The launch is situated on Forest Road 599 and serves as the northern entry point to this scenic lake system within the Ocala National Game Refuge. Wildlife viewing is excellent in this area, with sandhill cranes and wading birds commonly spotted around the lakes.

Paddlers should note that a self-operated lock system connects Lake Hartridge (South Chain) to Lake Conine (North Chain), operating daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Plan accordingly if you intend to explore both sections of the chain. The site can experience heavy use on weekends, so arriving early or visiting on weekdays may provide a more peaceful paddling experience.

Several campgrounds are available nearby for multi-day trips, including Hopkins Prairie, Big Scrub, and Lake Dorr campgrounds—all within 10 miles and offering reservations through Recreation.gov. This makes the northern access an ideal base for extended paddling adventures in the Ocala National Forest.
Federal Facility Information
Free Access Reservations Available
Nearby Campgrounds (4 within 10 miles)
Hopkins Prairie Campground
On-site Reservable
BIG SCRUB CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
Lake Dorr Campground
On-site Reservable
BUCK LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable