Ocala National Forest Map
Navigate the trails, springs, campgrounds, and roads of the largest sand pine scrub forest in the world. Download your maps before you go — cell service disappears fast.
Download Maps Before You Enter the Forest
Cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent throughout most of the Ocala National Forest. GPS-dependent apps like Google Maps and Waze will not function once you leave main highways. Download offline maps, save the USGS forest map PDF, and share your planned route with someone before you go.
Forest Layout Overview
Understanding the geography helps you plan routes before you lose cell service.
The Ocala National Forest spans 607 square miles (387,000 acres) across Marion, Lake, and Putnam counties in central Florida. It is the southernmost national forest in the continental United States and the largest sand pine scrub forest in the world.
The forest is roughly bounded by SR 40 along the north, SR 19 along the east, and SR 42 along the south. The western edge begins about 10 miles east of downtown Ocala. The St. Johns River and Lake George form much of the eastern boundary.
The primary entrance from Ocala is SR 40 heading east. This two-lane highway cuts through the heart of the forest, passing Juniper Springs and intersecting SR 19 — the main north-south road that connects Salt Springs, Silver Glen Springs, and the Altoona area.
Key Roads Through the Forest
Four paved roads form the navigation backbone. Know these and you can reach every major destination in the forest.
State Road 40 (SR 40)
Main entrance from OcalaPrimary east-west corridor through the forest. Main access from Ocala heading east toward Ormond Beach. Passes Juniper Springs and connects to SR 19.
State Road 19 (SR 19)
Eastern north-south arteryMajor north-south road through the eastern portion of the forest. Connects Salt Springs, Silver Glen Springs, and Altoona. Intersects SR 40 near the center.
State Road 314 (SR 314)
Southern access routeRuns east from Silver Springs into the forest interior. Access to Lake Eaton and several dispersed camping areas along FR 88.
County Road 445 (CR 445)
Alexander Springs accessConnects the southern portion of the forest to Alexander Springs. Intersects SR 19 near Altoona.
Springs Locations & Directions
Four major freshwater springs at a constant 72 degrees year-round. All charge $6 per vehicle day-use fee.
Silver Glen Springs
SR 19, about 6 miles south of Salt Springs
Flows into Lake George. Stunning snorkeling and underwater visibility.
Full GuideJuniper Springs
SR 40, about 29 miles east of Ocala
One of Florida's oldest recreation areas. Famous 7-mile canoe run.
Full GuideAlexander Springs
CR 445, about 1 mile north of SR 445A
Only scuba-diving spring in the forest. Large turquoise pool.
Full GuideSalt Springs
SR 19, at the intersection with SR 314
Slightly saline mineral water. Marina and boat ramp access.
Full GuideMajor Trailheads
Key starting points for hiking, including the Florida Trail and designated wilderness areas.
Juniper Prairie Wilderness
Accessed from SR 40 near Juniper Springs or from FR 595 to the south
A 14,000-acre federally designated wilderness with no motorized vehicles allowed. The Florida Trail passes through on a rugged 7-mile segment.
Lake Eaton Trailhead
Off FR 96, accessible from SR 314
A 2.4-mile loop through sand pine scrub with a sinkhole lake overlook. Connects to Lake Eaton Campground.
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area
Off SR 42 near the southern forest boundary
Short nature trail plus access to the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail. Campground and lake swimming.
OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) Areas
Designated areas for ATVs, dirt bikes, and 4x4 vehicles. A valid OHV permit is required.
Ocala North OHV Area
Access from FR 88 off SR 314
Over 100 miles of sandy trails open to ATVs, dirt bikes, and 4x4 vehicles. Seasonal closures during wet conditions.
Blue Sink OHV Area
Access from FR 542 off SR 40
Smaller OHV area with moderate-difficulty trails through pine flatwoods. Check USFS for current open/closed status.
Campground Locations
From primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV camping. Reservations recommended for spring and summer.
Juniper Springs Campground
SR 40, 29 miles east of Ocala
79 sites, flush restrooms, hot showers, camp store. Reservations recommended.
Alexander Springs Campground
CR 445 near Alexander Springs
67 sites, flush restrooms, hot showers. Near the spring pool and paddle run.
Salt Springs Campground
SR 19 at Salt Springs
161 sites including electric hookups. Marina, boat ramp, and camp store.
Lake Eaton Campground
FR 96, off SR 314
14 sites, vault toilets. Quiet and secluded near Lake Eaton sinkhole.
Clearwater Lake Campground
Off SR 42 near Paisley
42 sites, flush restrooms, swimming area. Good for families.
Fore Lake Campground
CR 314A, near Fore Lake
34 sites, vault toilets. Walk-in access to the Florida Trail.
How to Get the Official Forest Map
The USDA Forest Service publishes the official Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) showing every road open to public travel.
Download Online
- Visit fs.usda.gov and search for Ocala National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map
- Download the free PDF and save it to your phone before entering the forest
- The USGS also publishes topographic maps at store.usgs.gov
Pick Up in Person
- Ocala National Forest Visitor Center — SR 40, about 25 miles east of Ocala
- Salt Springs Visitor Center — SR 19 in Salt Springs
- Pittman Visitor Center — SR 19 south of Salt Springs near Altoona
- Free printed maps available during operating hours
Digital Maps & Offline Tools
Your phone GPS still works without cell service — you just need the right maps downloaded ahead of time.
Avenza Maps
The top recommendation for Ocala National Forest. Import the official USGS PDF map and your GPS position appears on it in real time — no cell service needed. The free version supports up to 3 imported maps.
Tip: Download the MVUM PDF from the Forest Service and import it into Avenza before your trip.
AllTrails
Excellent for hiking trails and campground locations. The free version shows trail routes online. AllTrails+ ($35.99/year) lets you download trail maps for offline use with GPS tracking.
Tip: Download the specific trail maps you plan to hike while you have service.
Google Maps (Offline)
Works for paved road navigation only. Download the Ocala National Forest area for offline use: open Google Maps, search the area, tap your profile icon, and select Offline Maps. Does not show unpaved Forest Roads or trails.
Tip: Download a generous area — the forest spans three counties.
Gaia GPS
Professional-grade backcountry mapping app used by search and rescue teams. Supports USGS topo maps, satellite imagery, and custom overlays. Premium plan allows offline maps.
Tip: Best for multi-day hikes and deep backcountry exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get an official Ocala National Forest map?
Official maps are available free at the Ocala National Forest Visitor Center on SR 40, the Salt Springs Visitor Center on SR 19, and the Pittman Visitor Center off SR 19 south of Salt Springs. You can also download the official USGS Motor Vehicle Use Map from the USDA Forest Service website at fs.usda.gov. This PDF map shows all roads open to motorized vehicles.
Is there cell service in the Ocala National Forest?
Cell service is extremely limited throughout most of the Ocala National Forest. You may get a weak signal along SR 40 and SR 19 near populated areas like Salt Springs, but once you leave main roads, expect no service at all. Always download offline maps and share your itinerary with someone before entering the forest.
What is the best app for offline maps in the forest?
Avenza Maps is widely recommended because it supports geo-referenced PDF maps from the USGS, showing your real-time GPS position on the official forest map without cell service. AllTrails (with a paid subscription) also allows offline trail map downloads. Google Maps offline mode works for road navigation but does not show forest trails or unpaved roads.
Which entrance should I use coming from Ocala?
The most direct entrance is SR 40 heading east from Ocala. You will reach the forest boundary in about 15 minutes and Juniper Springs in about 45 minutes. For Alexander Springs, take SR 40 east and then turn south on CR 445. For Salt Springs or Silver Glen Springs, take SR 40 east to SR 19 north.
Are forest roads paved or dirt?
The main highways through the forest (SR 40, SR 19, SR 314, CR 445) are fully paved two-lane roads. Most Forest Roads (FR) are unpaved sand or packed dirt. Some become impassable after heavy rain, especially in the rainy season from June through September. Check current road conditions on the USDA Forest Service website before driving unpaved routes.
Can I use Google Maps to navigate inside the forest?
Google Maps works for navigation along paved state and county roads like SR 40 and SR 19. However, it does not reliably show unpaved Forest Roads, and it will not work at all once you lose cell service. Download the Google Maps area for offline use before entering, and supplement with the official USGS map or Avenza Maps for off-pavement navigation.
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