Doe Lake Recreation Area
Reservation-only group camping facility (up to 250 people) centered on a restored 1930s CCC dining hall — and the trailhead for the 34-mile LAM Equestrian Trail
Doe Lake Recreation Area is a RESERVATION-ONLY group camping facility in the Ocala National Forest between Moss Bluff and Umatilla — NOT a public drop-in campground. The site is centered around a beautifully restored 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) dining hall and can accommodate up to 250 people. It is popular for weddings, reunions, equestrian gatherings, and large outdoor events. Facilities include restrooms with flush toilets and showers, hitching posts for horses, and access to the 34-mile LAM Equestrian Trail (Doe Lake to Eureka along the Ocklawaha River). RVs and horse trailers are allowed but there are NO hookups; primitive camping only. Reserve through Recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777.
What Makes Doe Lake Distinctive?
Doe Lake Recreation Area is one of the most historically significant facilities in the Ocala National Forest. Its centerpiece is a beautifully restored dining hall built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) — the New Deal-era program that constructed much of the Florida state and federal park infrastructure visitors still use today. The facility can accommodate up to 250 people for a single reservation and is most commonly booked for weddings, family reunions, large equestrian gatherings, scout and church camps, and corporate outdoor retreats.
Importantly, Doe Lake is NOT a standard drop-in public campground. There are no individual public campsites available for casual booking; the entire facility is reserved as a single group site. This is a critical detail for visitors planning a regular Ocala National Forest camping trip — for that, see other national forest campgrounds such as Salt Springs, Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, Fore Lake, or Lake Delancy. Doe Lake is also a popular trailhead for the 34-mile LAM Equestrian Trail, which heads north from Doe Lake to a point near the town of Eureka along the Ocklawaha River and is marked with yellow blazes.
What Activities Are Available at Doe Lake?
Lake Access
Doe Lake is a regular freshwater lake (NOT spring-fed). The facility does not advertise a designated swimming beach in the same sense as the named springs in the forest — check with the Forest Service for current swim guidance.
Fishing
Productive fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. Bank and boat fishing available. Florida licenses required. Catch-and-release or harvest according to regulations.
Hiking
Access to Florida Trail and network of forest trails. Day hikes or backpacking opportunities. Scenic forest terrain with diverse ecosystems. Trail maps available from Forest Service.
Nature Observation
Wildlife viewing including birds, turtles, and fish. Flora and fauna observation. Photography opportunities. Peaceful natural setting for relaxation and contemplation.
Group Camp Information
Facility Type
- Reservation-only group site (NOT public drop-in)
- Up to 250 people per reservation
- Restored 1930s CCC dining hall on-site
- RVs & horse trailers allowed — NO hookups
- Trailhead: 34-mile LAM Equestrian Trail
Standard Amenities
- Picnic tables and fire rings
- Flush toilets and showers
- Hitching posts for horses
- Designated parking
Tips for Visiting Doe Lake
Reserve the Whole Site
Doe Lake is reserved as a single group facility — you cannot book an individual site. Reserve via Recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777. Plan well in advance, especially for weddings and large equestrian gatherings.
Bring Supplies
Stock provisions in Ocala before heading to the forest. No services available at the campground. Bring firewood if not available.
Use GPS Navigation
Cell service is limited in the national forest. Download offline maps or bring GPS device. Detailed directions help locate specific campground areas.
Know Regulations
Follow Forest Service rules regarding fires, noise, and wildlife. Practice Leave No Trace principles. Respect natural resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Doe Lake — a regular campground or a group site?
Doe Lake is a RESERVATION-ONLY GROUP CAMPING facility — NOT a standard public campground with individual sites. The Doe Lake Recreation Area is centered around a beautifully restored 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) dining hall and can accommodate groups of up to 250 people. Casual drop-in camping is not available; the entire facility must be reserved as a group site through Recreation.gov. It is popular for weddings, reunions, equestrian gatherings, and large outdoor events.
Where is Doe Lake located?
Doe Lake Recreation Area is in the Ocala National Forest between Moss Bluff and Umatilla, Florida — in the western/southern part of the forest, not northeast as some sources incorrectly state. The facility is reached via County Road 314A. Cell service may be limited; bring offline maps.
Are there RV hookups at Doe Lake?
No. RVs and horse trailers are allowed but are limited to specific areas WITHOUT hookups. The facility provides restrooms with flush toilets and showers, hitching posts for horses, and access to the 34-mile LAM Equestrian Trail. Campers with rigs are restricted to designated primitive campsites.
Can you swim or fish at Doe Lake?
Doe Lake is a freshwater lake (NOT spring-fed) and supports common Florida freshwater fish species including largemouth bass and bluegill. Florida fishing licenses are required for anglers 16 and older. The recreation area does not advertise a designated swimming beach in the same sense as the named springs in the forest; check current Forest Service guidance before planning a swim trip.
What trails are at Doe Lake?
Doe Lake is a trailhead for the 34-mile LAM Equestrian Trail (Lake/Alachua/Marion counties — yellow blazes) that runs north-south from Doe Lake to a point near the town of Eureka along the Ocklawaha River. Primitive camping is permitted along the trail except during deer hunting season. The Florida National Scenic Trail also passes through other parts of the Ocala National Forest.
How do I reserve Doe Lake?
Doe Lake Group Site is reserved through Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. The entire facility books as a group reservation — you cannot reserve a single individual site. Plan well in advance for peak weekends, especially for equestrian events and weddings.
Plan Your Doe Lake Camping Adventure
Experience forest camping with swimming, fishing, and hiking in beautiful Ocala National Forest.