Buck Lake Group Campground
4.2020 reviews(352) 669-3522, Umatilla, FL 34488, USA
Buck Lake Group Campground
$70.00 - $70.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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$70.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates for group sites are $70 per night in peak season, with a mandatory $100 security deposit. The rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Escape to Buck Lake Group Campground, where your group can claim an entire primitive paradise in the heart of Ocala National Forest. This secluded retreat welcomes gatherings of up to 50 people, offering exclusive access to pristine lakefront camping where days drift by with fishing lines cast into calm waters, boots traversing forest trails, and boats gliding across Buck Lake's mirror-like surface. Here, your group can disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature and each other.
Buck Lake Group Campground offers primitive group camping for up to 50 people. No tent-only or cabin accommodations are provided.
Historical SignificanceYou'll be camping in a living piece of American history—the Ocala National Forest stands as the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River. These ancient woods have witnessed centuries of change while preserving irreplaceable ecological treasures found nowhere else on Earth. Every trail you walk and every tree you admire connects you to a conservation legacy that began before any other eastern forest received protection.
Weather and SeasonsBuck Lake enjoys Florida's most comfortable camping weather, with daytime highs reaching a pleasant 68°F and nights cooling to a crisp 51°F. Summer afternoons often bring dramatic thunderstorms that refresh the forest and fill the air with the scent of rain on pine needles. Winter transforms the campground into a camper's dream, with crystal-clear skies, low humidity, and temperatures perfect for gathering around the campfire without the summer's insects or heat.
ElevationNestled in Florida's gently rolling terrain, Buck Lake Group Campground offers level camping areas perfect for pitching tents and gathering spaces.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to the ethereal beauty of morning mist rising from Buck Lake, surrounded by the rare and remarkable sand pine scrub forest that defines this landscape. Your campground serves as a gateway to 383,000 acres of wilderness dotted with 600 pristine lakes, winding rivers, and crystal-clear springs. The distinctive sand pines create a cathedral-like canopy overhead, while the sandy soil beneath your feet tells the story of ancient seas that once covered this land.
Geological RegionSituated in north central Florida's natural wonderland, Buck Lake lies within the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest—a globally unique ecosystem found only here in the 383,000-acre Ocala National Forest. This remarkable geological region showcases Florida's ancient past, where white sand ridges and pristine lakes create a landscape unlike anywhere else on the planet, offering your group an authentic wilderness experience in one of Earth's rarest forest types.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are large enough to accommodate up to 50 people, as noted in user reviews.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers private access during reservations and is gated for exclusivity.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring tick repellant and portable toilets as the only restroom is an outhouse. Avoid gasoline motors and account for dirt road access challenges.
Best CampsitesCampsite 001 Loop within Buck Lake Group Campground is referenced in reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed is 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 50 guests are allowed per reservation in this group-use facility.
Groups
The group campsite accommodates up to 50 people and offers exclusive access during reservations.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of one group-use site, featuring six picnic tables, a group campfire ring, and primitive facilities.
Open and Closed SeasonSeason opens January 1, 2025, and closes December 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov and require advance booking.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations are required for access.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations carry a $10 fee except for adding/removing nights or changing campsites. Cancellation fees include a $10 charge and the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations (within 14 days of reservation start).
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities include fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, and swimming. Visitors can enjoy a trail loop around Buck Lake and access fishing opportunities for bass, crappie, and panfish.
Hiking
Hikers can explore a 1.7-mile trail loop around Buck Lake, which connects to the larger Florida Trail system.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include catching bass, crappie, and panfish in Buck Lake. Reviews often mention good fishing experiences.Swimming
The sandy swimming beach at Buck Lake offers a place to relax, although swimming is prohibited within 100 feet of the boat ramp.Boating
Boating is permitted on Buck Lake, but only electric motors are allowed. Gasoline motors are prohibited.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include rabbits wandering into campsites and occasional alligators in Buck Lake.Beach activities
The sandy swimming beach supports activities like sunbathing and picnicking.Winter Activities
Winter activities at the campground are not specifically described.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking are mentioned in user reviews and are popular activities on Buck Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire is allowed only in the large group campfire ring provided onsite.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include ticks, grass bugs, and small alligators spotted in Buck Lake, as noted in reviews.
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 70%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Emergency services are accessible through the main office at (352) 669-3522. Specific emergency locations are not listed.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities have mixed reviews, with some users reporting overflowing trash cans upon arrival.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly on Buck Lake, with access to fishing, boating, and a sandy swimming beach.
Common complaintsComplaints include 'filthy restrooms,' lack of space for multiple RVs, and dirt road access with potholes. Some reviewers also noted issues with hunting dogs crossing campsites.
HostThis location is unstaffed; contact the main office for assistance.
Campground Map
(352) 669-3522, Umatilla, FL 34488, USA
Driving directionsFrom I-75 in Ocala, Florida, travel east on State Route 40. Turn onto State Route 19 south, then turn right onto Forest Road 595-2 and travel for approximately 4 miles. Buck Lake Group Camp will be on the left.
Access is via paved highways but includes dirt road access for the final stretch. There are reports from reviews such as 'The road to the site has potholes that fill up after summer thunderstorms making it difficult for cars to navigate.'Nearby supplies
Specific information regarding grocery stores, camping supplies, or fuel stations near the campground is not provided.
Camper Reviews
4.2
20 reviews
Buck Lake Group Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground as a great spot for group camping with access to a scenic lake and basic amenities. However, complaints include overflowing trash cans, lack of running water, and hunting dogs occasionally intruding.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes the scenic beauty of Buck Lake, good fishing opportunities, private access, and the large group fire ring. Many users appreciate the peaceful environment and primitive...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative aspects include filthy vault toilets, overflowing trash cans, limited space for larger RV groups, and potholes on access roads during rainy seasons.
Based on 20 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include bringing portable toilets for convenience, mosquito and tick repellents due to bugs, and ensuring the gate remains locked to avoid intrusions.
Based on 20 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During summer thunderstorms, potholes on access roads can fill with water, making navigation difficult for cars. Winter and spring are generally more favorable seasons with cooler temperatures and...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"We have been coming year after year for a group trip and love it! If you do not mind primitive camping it is awesome!" - Marlene Viola. "Off the beaten path w/a lake and I believe roughly $175 for...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 001 has mixed reviews, with users mentioning cleanliness improvements in recent years but also issues with trash and intrusions from hunting dogs.
Based on 20 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 20 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground, and reviews do not indicate significant issues or specific pet-friendly features.
Based on 20 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025