Places to stay near Ocala National Forest

Red Bird Cottage and Farm: Equestrian lake cottage

Step back into “Old Florida” charm at this updated 1968 lake cottage, on a 7-acre equestrian farm. Secluded from main roads yet just minutes from downtown Mount Dora and Eustis, this peaceful retreat offers the perfect blend of rustic serenity and comfort. Located on a lake that offers direct water access. Campfires are welcomed, and the tranquil setting is made even more magical by the sight of horses. Inside, you'll find cozy touches and comfortable furnishings, including pillow-top mattresses

Lakefront Cottage • Private Dock + Bikes + Kayaks

Bring your fishing gear or small boat to enjoy a fun getaway at the Captain's Cottage with a dock on Lake Stella. Key-less entry allows for self check-in and welcomes you to this comfortable clean 962 sq. ft. space with two queen size beds, one bathroom, full kitchen, florida room, and a fenced-in backyard. A paddle boat is provided. Three kayaks and 2 bicycles are also available! Or you can bring your boat and go fishing! Enjoy swimming, lovely sunsets and strolls around the beautiful lake.

Serenity Escape lake house private beach

Serenity Escape at Hawthorne Lake Escape the hustle and unwind at Serenity Escape, a peaceful lakeside retreat nestled in the heart of Hawthorne, Florida. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, fishing trip, romantic getaway, or relaxing weekend with friends, this beautifully appointed home offers the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and natural beauty .Wake up to breathtaking lake views, sip your morning coffee from the screened porch, and spend your days enjoying on our private beach🏖️

Salt Springs Lodge

This home is locally referred to as "The Lodge." It is loaded with rustic charm and tons of trophy mounts, including a full-size gator rug. This house is spacious and yet cozy all at the same time. This home is located in the Ocala national Forest and yet only a half a block away from the park, which includes basketball, volleyball, tennis, softball, shuffleboard, and corn Holes. The caregivers live close by and are very friendly and helpful when needed. NO pets allowed on property.

Woodpecker Treehouse Retreat

Take some time for yourself and enjoy the treehouse, you will marvel at nature, you will be surrounded by beautiful birds of different types, explore the place just 10 minutes from Santos Trailhead and 35 from Rainbow Springs. After you finish visiting Ocala and seeing its incredible recreational areas, enjoy our hot tub with hydro massage, relax in our hanging mesh, gather around the fire pit and make s'mores. Our Treehouse promises the perfect blend of nature's tranquility and modern comfort!

Getaway on the Waterway- Dock+Kayaks+SUP board

Welcome to your peaceful Getaway on the Water. Whether you or your group are visiting the Villages, or just need a peaceful getaway to recharge, this is the place!There's something for everyone! Paddleboard or Kayak (provided) the beautiful canal to either lake. Enjoy your morning coffee or evening cocktail in nature on the dock. Bring your boat/ jet ski or rent one from Eaton's Beach Aquatic sports, they also offer sunset cruises and water taxi to Eaton's Beach restaurant right from our dock!

Log Home Guest House

Beautiful log home guesthouse. A get-a-way on acreage, nestled in woody area. Features spacious great room with a cozy lodge feel, 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Full kitchen & Laundry. Screened in Front porch, paved driveway and carport. Newly installed working hurricane shutters! Nearby restaurants & many restaurants within 10 Miles. Great for walking, hiking or bicycling. Relax & enjoy The Villages shopping and restaurant offerings but come back to peace, beauty and tranquility. .

2 miles to Salt Springs | No extra cleaning fees!

Vintage hunt | fish camp 3 miles from Salt Springs Recreation Area. Relax on the deck, or critter watch off the dock. Conveniently situated in the Ocala National Forest, this rustic cabin is surrounded by graceful live oaks and is often visited by wildlife like deer, bear & sandhill cranes. Paddle the Silver River or snorkel the springs. Great fishing is around the bend. PLEASE NOTE: Historic drought has lowered our lake levels significantly. The lake is currently DRY infront of the cabin.

Modern Cottage on Private Spring Fed Lake

Nestled on a gorgeous spring-fed private lake in the woods, our charming cottage is your ideal retreat. Whether you're dreaming of peace and quiet, a romantic getaway, or fun with your kids, this is the place to be! Kayak around the serene lake as you witness breathtaking sunsets, take a dip in the cool water or simply unwind amidst the beautiful surroundings. As night falls, gather around a fire and gaze up at the many stars lighting the sky. Come and create many cherished memories ☀️

Beautiful House On the River, Kayaks, Large Dock!

Come relax by the river in this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom vacation rental in Lady Lake, Florida. Recently built by our family in 2022, the home has a screened in back porch, a fire pit, WIFI, and is complete with a large private dock right on the Ocklawaha River. All that and it's located only 10 minutes from The Villages where you can shop and have fun. Centrally located 1-1/2 hours from Disney, Daytona beach, and Tampa. Lockbox key access is available for check-ins at any time of day.

Ruby Oaks Farm w/ Beach Near St. JohnsRiver

Farm life at its best! Located right next to our tree farm, bass stocked pond with dock on property, decor is Palm trees, Exotic Zebra farm life. There is a Chicken coop to feed chickens and gather eggs (if they are laying). Pasture with miniature Mediterranean donkey, ( Pablo) Zebra. (Ruby ) 1 miniature pygmi goats (Oreo), pig, (Georgia ) and a lamb (Grady ). I am a phone call away! 6 min drive physically. We also have a beautiful venue you can rent for a weddings or an an event.

River house with 2 boat docks

This perfect St Johns River house has a dock and boat slip on the river, then also has an additional dock with boat parking on the canal on the other side of the house. A nice deck with a jacuzzi that you can relax in next to the river. Enjoy the sunset or go fishing right off the dock. Bring your boat and take a ride to Silver Glen Springs. Beaches and Daytona speedway are a 40 minute drive. Disney, Universal, and Sea World are just over an hour away.