Buck Lake Group Campground

Welcome to Buck Lake Group Campground, a truly special and secluded destination nestled deep within the natural splendor of the Ocala National Forest, near Umatilla, Florida. For Floridians seeking an exclusive and spacious retreat for their next large group gathering, this campground offers an unparalleled primitive camping experience. Whether it's a family reunion, a club trip, or a gathering of friends, Buck Lake is designed to host up to 50 guests, providing a private lakeside haven where you can truly connect with nature and each other. Our focus is on offering an authentic outdoor adventure, complete with the serene beauty of the lake and surrounding forest, far from the crowds.

This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to Buck Lake Group Campground, highlighting why it’s an ideal choice for locals across Florida. We'll delve into its unique location, the essential services and basic amenities provided for a comfortable primitive stay, and the distinct features that make it a standout destination for group camping. We understand that Floridians value both privacy and genuine outdoor experiences, and Buck Lake delivers on both fronts, making it an excellent option for your next memorable group trip right here in your home state. Prepare to embrace the simplicity and beauty of Florida's wilderness at this remarkable group campsite.

Buck Lake Group Campground is situated on National Forest Rd 592-2, Umatilla, FL 32784, USA, deep within the Ocala National Forest. This location places it in North Central Florida, offering reasonable accessibility for residents from various parts of the state, including the greater Orlando area, Gainesville, Ocala, and Daytona Beach.

Accessing the campground requires attention to detail. From I-75 in Ocala, travel east on State Route 40, then turn onto State Route 19 south. From there, turn right onto Forest Road 595-2 and travel for approximately 4 miles, and Buck Lake Group Camp will be on your left. It's important to note that this is a primitive campground, and while larger vehicles like "tiny campers" can get in, the road leading to the campground may have unpaved sections. As one reviewer mentioned, "the road coming into the Campground is TERRIBLE ‼️. It will shake your camper to pieces!!" This suggests that while navigable, caution is advised, and you should be prepared for bumpy conditions. The campground operates with a combination lock on the gate, with the code provided upon reservation, ensuring privacy for your group. Despite the rustic access, the reward is a truly secluded and private lakeside setting that feels miles away from the everyday hustle.

• Private Group Campsite: Reserved exclusively for your group (up to 50 people), ensuring privacy and a dedicated space.
• Primitive Camping: Offers a rustic outdoor experience with no electricity or running water at the individual sites.
• Outhouse/Vault Toilet: Basic restroom facilities are available in the form of an outhouse or vault toilet, noted by visitors for being surprisingly clean.
• Water Pump: A hand pump provides non-potable water, suitable for general use. Campers should filter this water if intending to drink it, or bring their own potable water.
• Large Fire Ring: A very large central fire ring is available, designed to accommodate big groups for campfires and communal gatherings.
• Grills: A few grills are provided for outdoor cooking over an open flame.
• Picnic Tables: Several picnic tables are available for group dining and meal preparation.
• Trash Bins: Steel trash bins are provided for waste disposal.
• Swimming Beach: There is a swimming beach directly on Buck Lake, offering a designated area for water activities.
• Lake Access: Direct access to Buck Lake for fishing and non-motorized boating (kayaking, canoeing), with a maximum 20-25 horsepower motor allowed on the lake.
• Hiking Trails: Access to a scenic 1.6-mile blue-blazed trail around the lake, with connections to the extensive Florida National Scenic Trail.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and are not permitted in designated swimming and picnicking areas.

• Exclusive Group Privacy: The most significant highlight is the campground's designation as a single, reservable group site that can host up to 50 people. This means your group has the entire area to yourselves, ensuring complete privacy for gatherings, reunions, or special events, a rare find in many popular camping areas.
• Beautiful Lakeside Setting: Situated directly on Buck Lake, the campground offers picturesque views and direct access to the water. This provides excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, with catfish being a notable catch. The presence of a sandy swimming beach adds to the appeal for water enthusiasts.
• Authentic Primitive Experience: For those who appreciate traditional camping, Buck Lake delivers. While lacking modern amenities like electricity and running water at sites, it provides essential facilities such as a large fire ring, grills, picnic tables, and a hand pump for water, embodying the spirit of primitive outdoor adventure.
• Clean Basic Facilities: Despite being primitive, visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the outhouse/vault toilet, noting it as "as clean as I have ever seen," which speaks to good maintenance.
• Abundant Recreational Activities: Beyond simply camping, the site offers a variety of activities. The 1.6-mile trail around the lake is perfect for hiking, and its connection to the Florida Trail offers opportunities for longer treks. Boating and fishing on the lake are also popular pastimes.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: As part of the Ocala National Forest, the campground is rich in wildlife. Visitors have spotted deer, heard coyotes, and, as is common in Florida, seen gators in the lake. While requiring awareness, this adds to the authentic wilderness experience.
• Flexible Camping Options: The large capacity and open layout allow for various camping styles within the group, from "tiny campers" (small RVs/trailers) to hammock camping and traditional tent camping, accommodating diverse preferences within the same gathering.
• Dedicated to Group Fun: The design, from the large fire pit to the ample space, makes it highly conducive to large group enjoyment, fostering shared experiences and memorable moments in a natural setting.

For reservations and inquiries about Buck Lake Group Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: National Forest Rd 592-2, Umatilla, FL 32784, USA

Phone: (352) 625-2520 (This is an information line, reservations are typically made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777)

Mobile Phone: +1 352-625-2520

Reservations are required in advance, with a two-night minimum stay. It is highly recommended to book through Recreation.gov for the most up-to-date availability and to ensure you receive the necessary gate code and directions.

For Floridians, Buck Lake Group Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for several compelling reasons, particularly for those planning large group gatherings. Its primary advantage is the exclusive privacy it offers. The ability to reserve the entire campsite, accommodating up to 50 people, means your group can enjoy a private lakeside retreat without the presence of other campers. This level of seclusion is invaluable for family reunions, club events, or any social gathering where an undisturbed, intimate atmosphere is desired, allowing locals to truly connect and create lasting memories.

Furthermore, its location within the Ocala National Forest provides an authentic Florida wilderness experience. Despite the primitive nature, with no running water at individual sites or electricity, the campground offers essential amenities like a large central fire ring, grills, picnic tables, and a hand pump for water. The outhouse, while basic, is noted for its surprising cleanliness, which enhances the comfort of this rustic setting. For Floridians who appreciate getting back to basics and immersing themselves in nature, this primitive setup is a major draw.

The recreational opportunities at Buck Lake are also a significant highlight for locals. The lake itself is perfect for kayaking, fishing for catfish, and even swimming from the sandy beach. The scenic 1.6-mile trail around the lake, with connections to the expansive Florida National Scenic Trail, offers excellent options for hiking and experiencing the diverse ecosystems of the forest. The presence of Florida wildlife, including gators, adds to the authentic wilderness feel and reminds visitors of the unique environment they are in.

While the access road may be bumpy, as noted by some visitors, the payoff is a truly secluded and spacious environment that feels genuinely remote, yet remains within reasonable driving distance for many Floridians. This combination of privacy, natural beauty, abundant activities, and the capacity for large groups makes Buck Lake Group Campground an ideal and highly recommended choice for residents seeking an unforgettable primitive outdoor adventure in their home state.

Buck Lake Group Campground

National Forest Rd 592-2, Umatilla, FL 32784, USA