Hampton Beach at Lake Weir

About Hampton Beach

Hampton Beach is one of the few public swimming beaches on a natural lake in Central Florida, located on the southeast shore of Lake Weir — Marion County's largest freshwater lake. Donated to Marion County in 1981 by the Hampton family, this beach has been a community gathering spot for decades, offering sandy shoreline, calm freshwater swimming, and a relaxed lakefront atmosphere just 16 miles southeast of downtown Ocala.

Lake Weir is an impressive body of water covering approximately 6,800 acres with a maximum depth of 34 feet. Its sand bottom produces relatively clear water compared to many Florida lakes, making for a more pleasant swimming experience. The main lake body alone spans about 5,658 acres, connected to Sunset Harbor and Little Lake Weir as part of the larger lake system.

The beach area includes a sandy swimming area, picnic tables, charcoal grills, restrooms, and a parking lot. At $7 per vehicle, it offers an affordable day out for families looking for freshwater beach time without driving to the coast. The beach is also available for private group rentals — call Marion County Parks and Recreation at (352) 671-8560 to reserve.

While there is no lifeguard on duty, the gentle sand-bottom entry and calm lake waters make it a popular choice for families. For more lakefront recreation nearby, explore Carney Island Recreation Area on Lake Weir, or check out other water activities near Ocala.