After receiving a number of emails from visitors to the Ocala National Forest who’ve been turned away at the gates of the recreation areas with their dogs, we contacted the National Forests in Florida and received a response from District Ranger Mike Herrin, who oversees the Ocala National Forest.
“We do have a closure order for dogs in Alexander Springs, Salt Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Juniper Springs, Clearwater Lake, Fore Lake, Lake Dorr and Mill Dam recreation areas, except for service dogs. No animals, other than service dogs, are allowed in the day use areas. Day use area include picnic area, swim areas, beach and trails that originate in the recreation facility.”
However, if you are camping at any of the above facilities, you may bring leashed dogs with you. The dogs are not permitted to leave the campground per the above closure order.
That’s the status on dogs in the Ocala National Forest, which are otherwise permitted on trails and in other campgrounds not affiliated with the above recreation areas.
To bring the fact that dogs are not allowed to your attention, we’ve updated all of our pages on this website related to those recreation areas. Our apologies to those who’ve been turned away at the gate after reading in any of our books (published prior to the closure order) that leashed dogs are welcome: we can’t make the same corrections to books already in print.
I think as long as the dog is on a leash you should be allowed to bring your dog and walk through the trails of the park. As far as I’m concerned we are tax payers in Florida and should be allowed to bring our pets to our beautiful parks.
It’s best to take it up with the US Forest Service. We believe it’s for health & safety purposes since there are swimming areas at each of the springs.
What about allowing them on trails with a written concent… With the understanding that there are wild animals…. But then again… There is no order against small children who would be at even higher risk I think. You need to bring a poop bag or two… And if you lose your dog…. Too bad so sad for you. Probably a lot of paperwork right? More to keep up with? Ah well… This is life. A little side doggie park area with swimming 4 them and a few travles to eat at would be cool.
Feel free to reach out to the US Forest Service as a taxpayer to make your opinion known to them: Ocala National Forest contact information is online here. As authors, we’re just reporting the rules, not making them. Thanks!