Lake in the Forest Black Bear Resort
Lakeside RV, cabins & camping on Half Moon Lake in Ocala National Forest
On Half Moon Lake in the Ocala National Forest
Lake in the Forest Black Bear Resort sits on Half Moon Lake in the Ocala National Forest, at 19115 SE 44th Street in Ocklawaha. The resort calls itself one of "Florida's Best Kept Secrets" and describes itself as a family-run campground. Its website says it is a vacation and snowbird park only, with no full-time residents other than the owners' family and one employee, and that guests can walk trails around its 35 acres.
RV sites are 50/30/20-amp full hookups with water and sewer, in sun, shade or both, and tent sites have water and electric. The Standard Cabins are furnished one-bedroom units with a carpeted sleeping loft, a full kitchen, bathroom, air conditioning and heat, porch, picnic table and fire ring; they are priced for two adults and two children 16 and under. The resort also lists a Mini Cabin, an Accessible Cabin with an access ramp and walk-in shower, and a one-bedroom Rental Camper. The Lake House is a furnished 3-bedroom, 2-bath home on Half Moon Lake that sleeps up to eight, including six adults, with a screened porch and gazebo.
Listed amenities include a heated pool, a recreation hall with Wi-Fi, a laundry facility, fishing on the lake, shuffleboard, a playground, a walking trail and a lakefront dock. Arts and crafts run from May 1 to November 1 when scheduled. Snowbird activities listed on the website include campfires, fishing, quilting and sewing circles, glass fusing and etching, ceramics, painting, karaoke, card games, canoeing, shuffleboard and themed weekends, and the resort has a quilting and sewing loft and a woodworking shop for snowbirds.
The resort's website says it is 10 to 30 minutes from five Ocala National Forest springs, five minutes from the Centennial Trail for ATVs, golf carts and motorcycles, about 20 minutes from Silver Springs on State Road 40 and about 30 minutes from Ocala. It posts downloadable lists of nearby springs and biking and hiking trails, and the information book in each rental includes details on horseback riding, fishing and kayaking spots nearby.
Lakefront Location
On Half Moon Lake with fishing and a lakefront dock on the property.
Multiple Lodging Types
Full-hookup RV sites, tent sites, several cabin types, a 3-bedroom lake house and a rental camper.
National Forest Access
In the Ocala National Forest, 10 to 30 minutes from five forest springs, per the resort.
Family Activities
Heated pool, playground, shuffleboard, seasonal arts and crafts, and Family Camp weekends.
Accommodations
RV Sites
50/30/20-amp full-hookup sites with water and sewer, in sun or shade. Tent sites have water and electric.
Standard Cabins
Fully furnished 1-bed cabins with sleeping loft. Sleeps 2 adults + 2 children under 16.
Lake House
3-bed/2-bath home on Half Moon Lake sleeping up to 8 (6 adults), with a screened porch and gazebo.
Rental Camper
Furnished 1-bedroom camper with bathroom, small kitchen and screened porch. Max 2 adults and 2 children.
Things to Do
On-Site
- Heated pool
- Fishing in Half Moon Lake
- Shuffleboard & playground
- Arts & crafts (May–Nov, when scheduled)
- Walking trail
Nearby Nature
- Biking & hiking trails
- Centennial Trail (ATVs)
- Salt Springs
- Juniper Springs
- Alexander Springs
Day Trips
- Silver Springs State Park
- Downtown Ocala
- Glass-bottom boat tours at Silver Springs
- Ormond Beach (about 50 minutes, per the resort)
Contact & Booking
Location
19115 SE 44th Street
Ocklawaha, FL 32179
On Half Moon Lake, Ocala National Forest
Reservations
Call Deb (per resort website): (352) 230-7962
Google listing: (352) 625-6275
Book online: lakeintheforest.com
More Camping & Outdoors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lake in the Forest Black Bear Resort?
Lake in the Forest Black Bear Resort is a family-run campground and RV park at 19115 SE 44th Street, Ocklawaha, FL 32179, on Half Moon Lake in the Ocala National Forest. Its website describes it as a vacation and snowbird park with no full-time residents other than the owners' family and one employee, and says permanent campers are not allowed. It offers RV sites, cabins, a lake house and a rental camper.
What types of accommodations are available?
According to the resort's website, it offers 50/30/20-amp full-hookup RV sites in sun or shade, tent sites with water and electric, furnished one-bedroom Standard Cabins with a sleeping loft (for 2 adults and 2 children 16 and under), a Mini Cabin, an Accessible Cabin with a ramp and walk-in shower, a one-bedroom Rental Camper, a 3-bedroom/2-bath Lake House on Half Moon Lake that sleeps up to 8 (six adults), and off-site rental homes for monthly snowbird stays.
What amenities and activities does the resort have?
The website lists a heated pool, a recreation hall, laundry, Wi-Fi in the rec hall, fishing on the lake, shuffleboard, a playground, a walking trail and a lakefront dock. Arts and crafts run May 1 to November 1 when scheduled. Family Camp weekends have included swimming, ceramics, glass fusing and etching, t-shirt art, karaoke, movie nights, boating, basketball, billiards, bird watching, nature hikes and sing-alongs, with a small charge for some activities.
How do I book a stay at Lake in the Forest?
The resort takes bookings online through the Book Now link on lakeintheforest.com. Its website gives (352) 230-7962 as the number to call Deb with questions; Google lists (352) 625-6275 for the property. The website also lists the email lakeintheforestresort@gmail.com.
Is Lake in the Forest good for families?
The resort describes itself as a family-run, family-friendly campground. It has a heated pool, playground, fishing on Half Moon Lake, arts and crafts in season and Family Camp weekends. The website notes that snowbirds make up much of the winter population, with Florida families visiting on some weekends and holidays.
Escape to the Forest
Book a cabin, RV site, or the lakefront lake house at Lake in the Forest Black Bear Resort.