Big Bass Campground
4.0333 reviewsBig Bass Campground, Ocala National Forest, Florida
Big Bass Campground
$10.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard camping fees are $15 per night, with a 50% discount available for Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders. There is an additional $5 fee for non-campers to use the dump station. Payments must be made via cash or check.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the southern Ocala National Forest, Big Bass Campground beckons as a peaceful sanctuary where 34 thoughtfully spaced sites nestle beneath towering longleaf pines and ancient oaks. This rustic retreat embraces the simplicity of traditional camping—no hookups, just pure connection with nature. The thick understory weaves a natural privacy screen between each site, creating intimate pockets of wilderness where campers can truly unwind. While the forest's tranquil symphony usually prevails, the occasional whisper of distant traffic serves as a gentle reminder of the world beyond these wooded confines.
Big Bass Campground accommodates a mix of camping styles, including tent, RV, and group camping, providing basic amenities in a remote forest setting.
Historical SignificanceWhile Big Bass Campground may not boast ancient artifacts or historic landmarks, its significance lies in preserving a timeless camping experience that connects modern adventurers with Florida's wild heart.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-October through mid-April, Big Bass Campground awakens from its summer slumber to welcome visitors during Florida's most glorious months. As autumn's crisp mornings give way to balmy afternoons hovering between 67°F and 89°F, campers can enjoy perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. Evening temperatures dip to a comfortable 49°F to 74°F range, ideal for gathering around campfires and stargazing. While these months typically bring Florida's signature sunshine, nature occasionally graces the forest with refreshing rain showers that enhance the pine-scented air.
ElevationPerched at a modest 75 feet above sea level, the campground rests on the gentle Florida terrain, where subtle changes in elevation create diverse microclimates and habitats throughout the surrounding forest.
Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of longleaf pines and spreading oaks creates a living canopy above Big Bass Campground, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The lush understory—thick with palmetto, ferns, and native shrubs—transforms each campsite into a private woodland retreat. Just beyond the campground, Big Bass Lake tells its own story of nature's resilience, slowly reclaiming its wild character through natural restoration. This untamed landscape serves as home to some of Florida's most iconic wildlife, including the majestic black bear and the prehistoric alligator, reminding visitors they're guests in a thriving ecosystem.
Geological RegionSet within the vast expanse of Ocala National Forest, Big Bass Campground occupies a remarkable ecological niche where ancient longleaf pine savannas meet oak hammocks. This unique positioning showcases the forest's diverse habitats, with dense understory vegetation creating a multilayered ecosystem that provides both visual beauty and ecological richness. The natural privacy screens formed by this vegetation demonstrate nature's own architectural genius, turning what could be an ordinary campground into a collection of secluded forest hideaways.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has two accessible campsites and wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.
Sites SizeSites are described as 'large and level,' accommodating any size RV. Parking aprons consist of lime rock and grass.
Sites PrivacyThe campground's dense understory provides good privacy between sites, despite its proximity to Big Bass Lake, which is not visible from the sites.
Total Campsites34 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites on the north end of the campground to minimize road noise. All sites are well-equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills.
Best CampsitesSites on the north side of the campground may experience less road noise.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3p.m.
Check-out
11 a.m.
Stay Limit
14 consecutive days in a 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is arranged as a single loop, with dense vegetation providing privacy between sites.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open seasonally from October 15 to April 15.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNot specified.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is a seasonal hub for outdoor activities, such as camping, hunting, and wildlife viewing. With its natural surroundings and occasional black bear sightings, it offers a wilderness retreat experience.
Wildlife viewing
The area offers opportunities to observe local wildlife, including occasional black bear sightings. Visitors are advised to practice safe food storage techniques.Winter Activities
Not applicable as the campground is closed during winter.Water Sports
Non-motorized or motorized water sports are not available due to the dry lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings at campsites.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country; visitors should practice safe food storage techniques. Alligators are present near water bodies, and precautions should be taken, especially with pets. Ticks are abundant in the area, and precautions are advised.
Active alertsSeasonal closures occur from mid-April to mid-October.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 86%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services likely in Altoona, FL, approximately 10 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesOpen season is October 15 to April 15, coinciding with cooler months.
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are available, and the camp hosts empty them regularly. Recycling facilities were not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe nearby Big Bass Lake is dry and in a natural state of reclamation.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention road noise, rough access roads, and occasional lack of maintenance.
HostUser reviews frequently praise the camp hosts for their efforts to maintain the campground and assist visitors. Hosts have been described as "amazing" and "very helpful."
Campground Map
Big Bass Campground, Ocala National Forest, Florida
Driving directionsIn Altoona, FL, at the intersection of County Rt. 42 and State Rt. 42, take State Rt. 42 west 9.6 miles to campground sign. Turn right after sign onto Forest Rt. 13 (dirt) and go 1 mile to campground on right.
Access involves a dirt road (Forest Rt. 13) for approximately one mile after turning off State Rt. 42. User reviews describe the entry as 'extremely rough' and advise entering carefully due to the road's condition.Nearby places
Altoona (approx. 10 miles, ~15-20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and camping essentials, are likely in Altoona, FL, approximately 10 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.0
33 reviews
Big Bass Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews describe Big Bass Campground as a quiet, budget-friendly option for camping with spacious sites and natural beauty. Some maintenance issues and road noise were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 33 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the affordability ($15 per night), spacious and private sites, clean vault toilets, and the natural setting. 'Nice sites and very quiet,' noted one reviewer.
Based on 33 reviewsCommon Concerns
Concerns raised include maintenance issues, road noise, and occasional discomfort due to other attendees. The lack of potable water and hookups was also mentioned as a drawback.
Based on 33 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own potable water as it is not available on-site. Use tick repellents due to high tick activity in the area. Select campsites on the north end to reduce road noise.
Based on 33 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busiest on weekends during the open season (October to April). Users have noted that the sites may close when capacity is reached. Seasonal road conditions can be rough.
Based on 33 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Clean water, bathrooms, and sites - couldn't ask for a better campground, especially for $15.' 2. 'Ticks are abundant in the forest. Take the usual precautions for yourself, your children, and...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some users recommend campsites on the north end to minimize road noise. No specific site numbers were provided.
Based on 33 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible toilets and two designated accessible sites are available, but no reviews specifically address these features in detail.
Based on 33 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Pet owners should exercise caution due to ticks and wildlife, especially alligators near water.
Based on 33 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025