Blue Sink OHV Corral
A parking corral on the 47-mile Ocala Centennial OHV Trail in the southern Ocala National Forest — currently listed as unavailable by the Forest Service
Blue Sink and the Ocala Centennial OHV Trail
Blue Sink OHV Corral is a USDA Forest Service parking corral on the Ocala Centennial OHV Trail, a 47-mile loop dedicated in 2008 that runs through the Big Scrub — which the Forest Service calls the largest contiguous sand pine scrub in the world. The corral sits near Blue Sink, a sinkhole pond; the Forest Service lists fishing, wading, picnicking and wildlife viewing at Blue Sink and Farles Prairie..
Status: the Forest Service's trail page currently lists Blue Sink as "area is unavailable," and the corral may still appear on older paper maps. Until it reopens, riders park at the other corral, at Big Scrub Campground. Riders need an OHV pass and safety gear.
Location & Access
Blue Sink OHV Corral is in the southern part of the Ocala National Forest, south of SR 40 and roughly 30 miles east of Ocala in a straight line. It is reached by unpaved forest roads (not County Road 314, which is in the northern forest); use a current map app, since the area is closed. Riders making a longer trip of it can add a coast day: the beaches near Ocala Florida include Daytona Beach, about 90 minutes east of Ocala via SR-40.
While Blue Sink is unavailable, the Ocala Centennial OHV Trail's open parking corral is at Big Scrub Campground. Expect full recreation sites on weekends.
Management & Oversight
The USDA Forest Service manages Blue Sink OHV Corral and the Ocala Centennial OHV Trail as part of the Ocala National Forest's OHV program.
All riding is subject to Forest Service regulations and Florida OHV laws. Booms heard while riding usually come from Navy training at the Pinecastle bombing range, a closed area in the forest.
Permit & Registration Requirements
Florida Rules for Young Riders
Under Florida law, riders under 16 must wear a USDOT-approved helmet and eye protection. The Forest Service also requires riders under 16 to complete an OHV safety course and carry the certificate.
Check the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles OHV page for title and other state requirements.
Ocala National Forest OHV Pass
To ride Forest Service OHV trails in the Ocala National Forest you need an OHV pass: $10 for 3 days, $25 for 7 days, or $75 for a year, per person.
Passes are sold on Recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777 (a processing fee applies).
Safety Course for Riders Under 16
Riders under 16 must pass an online OHV safety course before riding Forest Service trails and keep the certificate with them.
Helmets and eye protection are strongly encouraged for riders of every age.
Allowed Vehicles & Requirements
Permitted Vehicles
- ATVs (4-wheelers) and quads
- Dirt bikes and motorcycles
- Side-by-sides under 65 inches wide
- Unlicensed vehicles under 65 inches wide
Vehicle Standards
- Maximum 65 inches width
- 20-mph speed limit on the trail
- ATVs must stay on ATV trails
- Forest Service-approved spark arrestor
What the Trail Is Like
Deep Sand
The trail runs through the Big Scrub's sand pine scrub, so expect sandy tracks. Know your limits, skills and abilities before you ride.
47-Mile Loop
The Ocala Centennial OHV Trail is a loop system, currently 47 miles long, with parking corrals at Blue Sink (unavailable) and Big Scrub Campground.
Busy Weekends
The Forest Service warns that recreation sites fill on weekends and may close when capacity is reached, so have a backup plan.
Rules & Regulations
Safety Requirements
- USDOT-approved helmet (required under 16)
- Eye protection (required under 16)
- Safety course certificate for riders under 16
- Boots and gloves recommended
Trail & Environmental Rules
- Stay on designated trails only
- Pack out all trash and debris
- No riding after dark without proper lighting
- Respect wildlife and natural habitats
Behavioral Standards
- Maintain reasonable noise levels
- Be courteous to other riders
- Obey all posted signs and closures
- Report trail damage to Forest Service
Seasonal Considerations
- Check closures before visiting
- Avoid wet/muddy conditions
- Monitor weather forecasts
- Plan rides during dry season
Best Seasons for Riding
Fall (November-December)
Cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and mostly dry conditions.
Winter (January-February)
Cool weather, minimal rain, and comfortable riding conditions. Trails are generally in excellent condition. Less crowded.
Spring (March-April)
Pleasant temperatures returning, but increasing humidity. Occasional rain showers. Wildlife activity increases.
Summer (May-October)
Extremely hot, humid, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Muddy conditions and poor visibility. Least favorable season.
Camping & Nearby Facilities
Established Campgrounds
Big Scrub Campground, home of the Ocala Centennial OHV Trail's open parking corral, offers tent and RV camping. Other Forest Service campgrounds are spread across the Ocala National Forest; see our Ocala National Forest guide.
Check Recreation.gov or contact the Forest Service for current availability and booking information.
Primitive Camping
The Forest Service allows dispersed camping in parts of the Ocala National Forest under its own rules, which change with hunting seasons and fire conditions.
Check the Forest Service's dispersed camping rules before you go, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Sink OHV Corral open?
Not as of October 2026. The Forest Service's Ocala Centennial OHV Trail System page lists parking corrals at Blue Sink and Big Scrub Campground and marks Blue Sink "area is unavailable." The corral may still appear on older forest maps. Park at the Big Scrub Campground corral instead, and check the Forest Service page or call the Ocala National Forest office at (352) 625-2520 before you go.
Where is Blue Sink OHV Corral?
Blue Sink is in the southern part of the Ocala National Forest, south of SR 40 and roughly 30 miles east of Ocala in a straight line, on the Ocala Centennial OHV Trail. It is reached by unpaved forest roads, not by County Road 314, which runs through the northern part of the forest.
Do I need a permit to ride the Ocala Centennial OHV Trail?
Yes. The Forest Service says you need an OHV pass and safety gear to ride its trails. Ocala National Forest OHV passes are sold on Recreation.gov ($10 for 3 days, $25 for 7 days, or $75 for a year, per person). Riders under 16 must complete an online OHV safety course and carry the certificate.
What vehicles are allowed on the trails?
The Forest Service says unlicensed vehicles less than 65 inches wide are allowed on the Ocala Centennial OHV Trail system, a 20-mph speed limit is enforced, and ATVs must stay on their own trails. Forest Service-approved spark arrestors are required on all National Forest lands.
Are there camping facilities near Blue Sink OHV Corral?
Yes. Big Scrub Campground, which has the other parking corral on the Ocala Centennial OHV Trail, offers tent and RV camping. Check Recreation.gov or the Forest Service for current availability before planning your trip.
What is the Ocala Centennial OHV Trail like?
It is a loop trail system, currently 47 miles long, named for its dedication in 2008, the Forest Service's centennial year. It runs through the Big Scrub, which the Forest Service calls the largest contiguous sand pine scrub in the world, so expect deep sand.
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Useful Resources & Contact Information
USDA Forest Service - Ocala National Forest
Visit the official Ocala National Forest website for comprehensive trail information, permit details, and current conditions.
Website: fs.usda.gov/ocala
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Contact FWC for OHV registration, licensing requirements, and safety education course information.
Website: myfwc.com/hunting/ohv
Trail Conditions & Updates
Check current trail conditions, closures, and maintenance schedules before planning your visit to Blue Sink OHV.
Contact Forest Service visitor centers or call ahead for latest information
Safety & Education
Enroll in OHV safety courses provided by Florida Fish & Wildlife to learn proper techniques and regulations.
Certification improves skills and may reduce insurance costs
Ready for Your Off-Road Adventure?
Blue Sink is closed for now, but the Ocala Centennial OHV Trail is still a 47-mile ride through the Big Scrub from the Big Scrub Campground corral. Get your OHV pass, pack your safety gear, and check the Forest Service trail page before you go.