Ocean Pond Campground
3.80302 reviewsOcean Pond Campground
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
64 campsites
Season
Open 24 hours/day
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
64 campsites
Season
Open 24 hours/day
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsOcean Pond Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Seven campsites are available for reservation; the remaining sites are first-come, first-served. Boat ramp, picnic pavilion, beach swim area, and RV...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
3.80
Mixed Reviews
Based on 302 reviews
269 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewspeacefulcleanshowers
"Reviewers overwhelmingly describe Ocean Pond as a beautiful, quiet, and affordable campground on a large lake, popular with both long‑time regulars and overnight travelers. They highlight well‑kept facilities, friendly hosts and campers, and a relaxing natural setting with good fishing, swimming, and boating. A minority of reviews note recent price increases, some maintenance concerns, and tensions over access to the shoreline from non‑waterfront sites."
Best Time to Camp at Ocean Pond Campground
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open 24 hours/day
About Ocean Pond Campground
Nestled along the pristine north shore of Ocean Pond in Baker County, Florida, this 64-site lakeside retreat offers the perfect blend of water recreation and wilderness exploration, with the legendary Florida National Scenic Trail running right alongside the campground. Whether you're launching your boat from the on-site ramp, casting a line into the lake's waters, or cooling off at the designated swim beach, you'll find modern conveniences like electric and water hookups, hot showers, and an RV dump station waiting to enhance your outdoor adventure—with both reservable sites and first-come, first-served options available.
The campground contains Electric, Water, and Primitive sections and accommodates RVs and primitive camping along the north shore of Ocean Pond.
Historical SignificanceHistory comes alive just across the water, where the town of Olustee marks the site of Florida's largest Civil War confrontation. Each February, the thunder of cannons echoes once again through Osceola National Forest during the annual Olustee Festival, when hundreds of reenactors recreate the dramatic Battle of Olustee in vivid detail. Camping here places you at the doorstep of this living history experience, where the past and present merge in one of Florida's most significant historical commemorations.
Natural Features and SceneryOcean Pond stretches nearly two miles across in every direction, its dark waters reflecting towering pines and the ever-changing Florida sky. The lake has earned its reputation among boaters who glide across its expansive surface, anglers seeking bass and bream, and families splashing in the designated swimming area. Surrounding the campground, a tapestry of longleaf pine flatwoods transitions seamlessly into mysterious cypress wetlands, where Spanish moss drapes from ancient trees and wading birds stalk the shallows—a quintessential North Florida landscape that feels worlds away from civilization.
Geological RegionThe campground occupies a transitional zone where upland pine flatwoods meet the hydric soils of cypress wetlands, all fringing the two-mile-wide basin of Ocean Pond. This lake, despite its name, is a natural freshwater depression typical of North Florida's geological character, where slightly elevated sandy ridges give way to water-filled lowlands dotted with cypress domes and strand swamps.
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Campsite details
Sites SizeEach campsite includes one parking slip large enough for most RVs.
Total Campsites64 campsites
Recommended CampsitesElectric Section sites include potable water spigots and 30- and 50-amp electric hookups; Water Section sites include potable water spigots; Primitive Section sites lack water and electric but potable water is available near Primitive restrooms. Bathhouses in Electric and Water sections have flush toilets and hot showers; Primitive restroom has flush toilets and sinks but no showers.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThree sections: Electric Section (sites include potable water spigot and 30- and 50-amp electric hookups), Water Section (sites include potable water spigot), and Primitive Section (campsites without water or electric; potable water available near Primitive restrooms). Each campsite includes one parking slip (large enough for most RVs), a picnic table, and a campfire ring with grill. Electric and Water Section bathhouses have flush toilets and hot showers; Primitive restroom has flush toilets and sinks but no showers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen 24 hours/day
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov
Walk-in AvailabilityRemaining campsites are first-come, first-served (walk-up availability).
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Lakeside recreation focused on boating, fishing and swimming with trail access for hiking and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Additional facilities include a boat ramp, beach swim area and a picnic pavilion with BBQ and playground features.
Hiking
The Florida National Scenic Trail provides hiking opportunity adjacent to and traversing the campground entrance road; the trail is maintained annually.Fishing
Fishing is popular on Ocean Pond; species mentioned include speckled perch and largemouth bass. Several lakeside campsites and a public boat ramp provide access.Swimming
A beach swim area is provided on the north shore of Ocean Pond and several campsites offer lakeside access for swimming.Boating
Boating is described as very popular on Ocean Pond; a boat ramp is available and multiple campsites provide lakeside access for launching and boating.Wildlife viewing
The campground perimeter includes pine flatwoods and cypress wetlands offering opportunities for wildlife viewing.Beach activities
A designated beach area adjacent to the picnic pavilion is available for swimmers and beach use.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Each campsite includes a campfire ring with grill. No additional fire restrictions or policies are specified in the provided information.
Hazards
General hazardsPublic hunting is conducted on Osceola Wildlife Management Area for eight months of the year; OHVs are prohibited inside the campground. Specific wildlife or water hazards are not detailed in the source material.
Weather at Ocean Pond Campground
51
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 88%
Wind: 9.5 mph
Clear sky
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Medical services available in Lake City (approximately a 20-minute drive).
Good to know
Proximity to water featuresMultiple campsites provide lakeside access for swimming, boating, and fishing; a boat ramp and beach swim area are onsite; RV dump station available to campers.
Campground Map
Ocean Pond Campground
Driving directionsFrom Lake City, Florida, head east on US Hwy 90 for approximately 14 miles. Turn left (north) on CR 250/FR 266 and drive approximately 4 miles. Turn left onto FR 268 (campground entrance road). Follow FR 268 for approximately 1.1 miles until you reach the entrance to the campground.
Accessible via US Hwy 90 east from Lake City, then north on CR 250/FR 266 and FR 268 (see driving directions).Nearby places
Lake City — about a 20-minute drive
Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Valdosta — within about a 1-hour drive
Olustee (town) is on the south side of Ocean Pond.
Nearby supplies
Dining, shopping, mail, and medical services available in Lake City (approximately a 20-minute drive)
larger-city services accessible in Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Valdosta (about 1 hour).
Reviews from booking and map sources
3.8
302 reviews
Ocean Pond Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers overwhelmingly describe Ocean Pond as a beautiful, quiet, and affordable campground on a large lake, popular with both long‑time regulars and overnight travelers. They highlight well‑kept facilities, friendly hosts and campers, and a relaxing natural setting with good fishing, swimming, and boating. A minority of reviews note recent price increases, some maintenance concerns, and tensions over access to the shoreline from non‑waterfront sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 302 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers love the scenic waterfront setting with lake/pond views, sunrise/sunset vistas, and easy access for boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Many praise the friendly, helpful hosts and...
Based on 302 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some long‑time visitors say prices have increased while overall maintenance of grounds and bathrooms has slipped compared with the past. Several reviewers mention policy or management frustrations:...
Based on 302 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Expect first‑come, first‑served camping with no reservations and an on‑site payment system that may still require check or cash, so arrive early—especially for electric or waterfront sites—and bring...
Based on 302 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
One repeat winter camper says the best camping is between Nov 1 and May 1, noting that after April yellow flies emerge “in the thousands” and are very bothersome. Several reviews reference winter and...
Based on 302 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"This is a beautiful, clean, quite, and busy first come first served campground in mid-March."
"What they call a pond is about a 2 mile round shaped lake surrounded by long leaf pines, cypress and...
Based on 302 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Several reviewers highlight waterfront sites as especially desirable for their easy boat access and lake views, with one noting “epic sunrise views” from sites near the showers. Multiple comments...
Based on 302 reviewsShow more
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Last updated December 10, 2025
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