A press release from the National Forests in Florida dated July 23 announces new fees to be charged at all recreation sites in all three National Forests in Florida, effective Friday, July 26.
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Why New Fees?
According to Forest Supervisor Kelly Russell, “Even though we invest millions of dollars in recreation on our national forests, we can’t afford to finance all of our facilities and recreation opportunities. We need to invest in quality, sustainable options for the future. These fee changes will help us do that.”
The press release states that the U.S. Forest Service may use up to 95 percent of fees collected at recreation sites to locally operate, maintain and improve them.
The Changes
Summer is not the busiest time of year in our National Forests, so it may be a while before you pull in to your favorite trailhead or campsite and find out there is now a fee for it, or the existing fee has been raised.
The biggest impact will hit boondockers who’ve relied on free camping in the National Forests in Florida at designated campgrounds with limited facilities. All of these campsites will no longer be free as of this Friday.
In some cases, fees at developed campgrounds like Camel Lake, Ocean Pond, and Big Scrub have either doubled or come close to it. Fees for the larger group camps like Doe Lake, The Landing, and Mill Dam have doubled or more.
Two areas open to camping are now officially closed to campers. These are Porter Lake Recreation Area, used by campers along the Florida Trail, and Farles Prairie, open only to hunters in recent years. In addition, although it is not on this press release, Hidden Pond in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness is also closed to camping.
Ocala National Forest Fees
Day Use Fees
Fore Lake Recreation Area rises from $2 to $5 for access, as does Lake Dorr Recreation Area and Mill Dam Recreation Area. Lake Delancy West entrance fee drops a dollar to $5.
Camping Fees
Campsites at Big Bass, Hopkins Prairie, and Lake Eaton (for a double site) have increased from $10 to $15 a night. These campgrounds close over the summer months and reopen October 1.
Campsites at Big Scrub, Fore Lake, and Lake Dorr have risen from $12 to $20 per night.
The more primitive Lake Eaton (single site) and Shanty Pond campgrounds have risen from $8 to $10. Camping at Lake Delancy West also now costs $10, up from $6.
The cost of renting one of the group camps in the Ocala National Forest has risen significantly. Doe Lake has increased from $150 to $350 per night, Lake Shore and Mill Dam from $50 to $100 per night, Buck Lake from $50 to $75, and River Forest from $150 to $200 per night.
Dumping station charges at the various campgrounds that have them have risen from $3 to $5.
We have not heard whether the concession-run campsites will raise their rates as well, but they are not listed in the information provided by the U.S. Forest Service.
Boat Launch Fees
At Lake Dorr, Lake Eaton, and Mill Dam, launch fees increase from $2 to $5.
For more information, questions, or feedback on fee changes in the Ocala National Forest, contact Jay Perry 352-625-2525 or jay.perry@usda.gov
Osceola National Forest Fees
Day Use Fees
The day use fee at Olustee Beach, which is also the access point for the Trampled Track Trail, rises from $3 to $5 per vehicle.
Camping Fees
Free camping has been eliminated at Cobb Hunt Camp, West Tower, and Wiggins. All of these sites will now charge $10 per night for camping. Hog Pen Landing nightly rates rise from $2 to $10.
The cost of a campsite at popular Ocean Pond Campground increases from $12 to $20 per night, while the dumping fee rises to $5. The group camping fee doubles at The Landing from $50 to $100 per night.
Boat Launch Fees
The launch fee at Hog Pen Landing on Ocean Pond rises from $2 to $5.
For more information, questions, or feedback on fee changes in the Osceola National Forest, contact Derrick Washington 850-294-1642 or derrick.washington@usda.gov
Apalachicola National Forest Fees
Day Use Fees
An increase from $3 to $5 per vehicle applies at Leon Sinks Geological Area and Silver Lake Recreation Area. Day use fees at Wright Lake (which is not currently open) and Porter Lake have been eliminated.
Camping Fees
At Camel Lake and Wright Lake, the cost of a campsite is doubling, from $10 to $20. At Hickory Landing, Mack Landing, and the more primitive Whitehead Landing, and Wood Lake, fees are either being implemented for the first time or are being raised from $3 to $10 per night.
Boat Launch Fees
The launch fees at Mack Landing and Whitehead Lake rise from $3 to $5. Boaters using Hickory Landing will have to pay a $10 fee. Wood Lake, formerly free, will now cost $5.
Other Important Changes
Along the Ochlockonee River, Porter Lake Recreation Area will no longer be a camping area for hunters, anglers, and hikers on the Florida Trail. It will become a day use only trailhead with access to the waterway for anglers.
For more information, questions, or feedback on fee changes in the Apalachicola National Forest, contact Tashunda Williams 850-926-3561, ext. 6509 or tashunda.williams@usda.gov