For many years, it was touch-and-go whether this land would become developed into subdivisions like some of its surroundings are.
Fortunately, the state understood its importance to keeping at least some of the recharge zone for Silver Springs protected.
Rainfall that falls on these sandhills replenishes the part of the Floridan aquifer that feeds Silver Springs.
Surface waters connect here too. When Indian Lake overflows, its waters make their way downstream to flow into the Silver River.
Indian Lake as seen from its south shoreResources
Resources for exploring the area
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Overview
Location: Silver Springs
Trailhead: 29.275294, -82.050059
Address: 8675 NE 58th Ave, Ocala
Fees: $2 per vehicle
Restroom: Vault toilet at day use, flush toilets at bathhouse
Land manager: Florida State Forests
Phone: 352-732-1779
Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome; pick up after your pet. The pavilion by the lake may be reserved by groups and for special events.
Directions
From Interstate 75 in Ocala, take SR 40 east to Silver Springs. Follow CR 35 (Baseline Road) north 4.4 miles to the Indian Lake Recreation Area sign. Turn in at the gate on the right and follow the road nearly a half mile to the day use parking area just before the entrance gate to the campground.
About the Forest
Access to Indian Lake State Forest is through several different entry points off CR 35. The above address and coordinates are for the day use area and campground.
The day use area is now the starting point for the Bear-N-Oak Trail within the forest, which previously had its own trailhead along CR 35, now eliminated.
Main entranceIndian Lake is a karst window, a sinkhole that directly connects to the Floridan aquifer. As such, it is very deep, up to 85 feet deep in the middle.
A natural beach sometimes appears as lake waters fall in unison with the water table. When the waters rise, they spread into the cypress swamps edging the ends of this basin.
Trio of “hatrack” cypresses on the prairieTrails
The 1.4 mile Bear-N-Oak Trail is part of the Florida State Forests Trailwalker Program. This loop hike leads through significant stands of live oaks.
It provides a scenic perspectives along Indian Lake and its adjoining prairie and cypress strand, crossing the strand on a long boardwalk.
Cypress strand boardwalkAlong the hike you’ll see numerous sinkholes tied underground through the flow of water through the aquifer to Indian Lake and thus to Silver Springs.
Indian Lake Bear-N-Oak Trail The Bear-N-Oak Trail at Indian Lake State Forest provides a fascinating look at karst terrain centered on Indian Lake, a sinkhole lake that connects to Silver Springs via the Floridan aquifer.The Equestrian Trail traverses the sandhills, the high, dry uplands on the west side of the forest.
It is an 11.6-mile loop which can be broken into two pieces thanks to the Cutoff Trail that bisects it. The trailhead is the only entrance on the west side of Baseline Rd.
On the east side before the turnoff for the day use area is an equestrian trailhead that bicyclists and hikers are also welcome to use.
It provides access to adjoining Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area, which is managed by St. Johns River Water Management District.
Trails within that preserve follow old roads through a former ranch and the forests that surround it.
Camping
For a long time, the lake was part of a privately owned campground. Some of the prior facilities were still there when we lasted visited.
Now, a new state forest campground with a spiffy new bathhouse has sites for campers, RV, and tents under the canopy of live oaks north of the lake.
The camping loop starts just beyond the day use area and loops back to it.
Campsite reservations are taken through Reserve America, which charges an additional fee on top of the camping fee.
Campground spacesExplore More
Slideshow
See our photos from Indian Lake State Forest
Nearby Adventures
Silver Springs State Park One of the world's largest and deepest springs, Silver Springs pours out more than 550 million gallons of water daily, forming the Silver River.
Silver Springs Conservation Area Silver Springs Conservation Area protects upland habitats crucial to recharge of Silver Springs. Two stacked loop trails (with a cross-trail on the upper loop) provide several options for hiking.
Florida Trail, Marshall Swamp 3 miles. Marvel at towering trees in an ancient forest along this Florida Trail segment on the Cross Florida Greenway.
Ocala National Forest Established in 1908 as the first National Forest east of the Mississippi, the Ocala National Forest is a mecca for hikers and campers, and the birthplace of the Florida Trail.Forest Map (PDF) Reserve Campsite Official Website
- Hal Scott Yellow Trail - November 3, 2026
- Hal Scott Preserve - October 28, 2026
- Tradewinds Park - October 27, 2026