Chain-O-Lakes Western Boat Access (Forest Road 562)

Located at Camp Ocala in the Ocala National Forest, this boat ramp provides access to the scenic Chain-O-Lakes system in Lake County, Florida. The launch site serves paddlers, kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats looking to explore the interconnected lakes. Wildlife viewing is excellent in this area, with sandhill cranes and wading birds commonly spotted around the shorelines, making it ideal for nature-focused paddling trips.

The Chain-O-Lakes features a self-operated lock system between Lake Hartridge (South Chain) and Lake Conine (North Chain) that operates daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., allowing boaters to transit between different sections of the lake system. The area can experience heavy use on weekends, so plan accordingly if you prefer quieter conditions. Several nearby campgrounds—including Big Scrub, Buck Lake Group, and Lake Dorr—are available for reservation if you want to extend your visit to the Ocala National Forest.