Ocala National Forest Map
Which official map to use, where to get it, and how the roads, springs, trailheads, OHV trails and campgrounds fit together, checked against the U.S. Forest Service.
For driving and riding, use the free Motor Vehicle Use Map in the Avenza app; for planning, the Forest Service Interactive Visitor Map. Hikers can download free Forest Service topographic quads, and paper maps are sold by the USGS Store and both ranger district offices. Download maps before you go so your phone can show your position offline.
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Which Ocala National Forest map should you use?
The U.S. Forest Service offers three main Ocala National Forest maps: a free online Interactive Visitor Map, a free Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the Avenza app showing roads and trails open to vehicles, and a paper forest map sold by USGS and ranger offices. The forest covers nearly 383,000 acres with 78 listed recreation sites.
| Map | What it shows | Best for | Format | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Visitor Map | Recreation sites and activities you can browse and search | Planning at home: finding a spring, campground, trailhead or boat ramp | Web map (browser) | Free online |
| Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) | Roads, trails and areas designated for motor vehicle use; black-and-white, single purpose; inset maps not georeferenced | Driving Forest Roads and OHV riding; shows your GPS position in the app | Georeferenced map for the Avenza Maps app (13.77 MB, January 2022 edition) | Free |
| Forest Service topographic maps | Forest Service roads, trails and campgrounds overlaid on USGS topographic maps | Hiking and backpacking, including the Florida Trail and wilderness areas | Georeferenced PDFs, downloaded by USGS quadrangle | Free download |
| Paper Ocala National Forest map | The whole forest on one sheet | A backup that needs no battery or signal | Printed forest map | Sold online through the USGS Store and at ranger district offices |
Sources: Forest Service Visitor Maps and Guides page and the Forest Service MVUM listing in the Avenza Maps store, checked Oct. 15, 2026.
Download Maps Before You Enter the Forest
Do not count on a phone signal once you leave the highways. Save the MVUM and any topographic quads you need in the Avenza Maps app while you still have a connection; the app locates you on a downloaded map without Wi-Fi or a network. Tell someone your route, and check the Forest Service alerts for closures and fire restrictions first.
Interactive Ocala National Forest Map
Use the map below to orient yourself to SR 40, SR 19, the springs and the campgrounds. For Forest Roads and OHV designations, use the MVUM.
Forest Layout Overview
Knowing the shape of the forest makes the official maps easier to read.
The Ocala National Forest covers nearly 383,000 acres, according to American Forests. The Forest Service says President Theodore Roosevelt created it in 1908 to protect the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub, and that it holds more than 600 lakes and rivers.
SR 40 crosses the middle of the forest from Silver Springs toward Ormond Beach, and SR 19 runs north-south through the eastern side. Silver Glen Run and Salt Springs Run both empty into Lake George, off SR 19, and the Tobacco Patch OHV Trail on the northwestern edge of the forest sits near the Ocklawaha River. The heart of the forest is the Big Scrub, home to Lake Eaton, Big Scrub Campground and the Juniper Prairie Wilderness.
The forest is managed by two ranger districts: Lake George (17147 E. SR 40, Silver Springs; 352-625-2520) and Seminole (40929 SR 19, Umatilla; 352-669-3153). Both are open weekdays 8:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 3 p.m., closed federal holidays.
Key Recreation Areas on the Map
Street addresses for GPS and the road each one sits on. Addresses are from Recreation.gov and Google Maps.
| Recreation area | What is there | Address | Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juniper Springs | Spring, swimming, canoe run, campground | 26701 E. Hwy 40, Silver Springs, FL 34488 | SR 40 |
| Salt Springs | Spring, swimming, marina, campground | 13851 SR 19, Fort McCoy, FL 32134 | SR 19 |
| Silver Glen Springs | Spring, swimming, day use only | 5271 SR 19, Salt Springs, FL 32134 | SR 19 |
| Alexander Springs | Spring, swimming, scuba, campground | 49525 CR 445, Altoona, FL 32702 | CR 445 |
| Clearwater Lake | Lake, swim beach, campground | 24511 CR 42, Paisley, FL 32767 | CR 42 |
| Fore Lake | Lake, campground (no gas engines) | 14434 County Road 314, Silver Springs, FL 34488 | CR 314 |
| Big Scrub Campground | OHV campground and trailhead | 11990 SE National Forest Rd 588, Umatilla, FL 32784 | Forest Road 588 |
Key Roads Through the Forest
A handful of paved roads reach every major spring and campground. Most Forest Roads are shown on the MVUM.
State Road 40 (SR 40)
Main route from OcalaThe east-west spine of the forest. The Forest Service says the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway runs about 60 miles along SR 40 from Silver Springs east through the forest to I-95 at Ormond Beach. Juniper Springs (26701 E. Hwy 40), the Lake George Ranger District office (17147 E. SR 40), Mill Dam and Wildcat Lake all sit along it.
State Road 19 (SR 19)
North-south arteryRuns north-south through the eastern forest. Salt Springs Recreation Area (13851 SR 19), Silver Glen Springs (5271 SR 19), the Yearling Trail (across from Silver Glen), the Delancy Loops OHV trailhead and the Seminole Ranger District office (40929 SR 19, Umatilla) are all on SR 19.
County Road 314 (CR 314)
Western forest accessFore Lake Campground is at 14434 County Road 314. Google Maps routes drivers from downtown Ocala to Salt Springs via SR 40 and Hwy 314: 29.6 miles, about 39 minutes.
County Road 445 (CR 445)
Alexander Springs accessAlexander Springs (49525 CR 445, Altoona) is on CR 445 between Astor and Altoona. From SR 40 at Astor, take Butler Street to CR 445A, turn left on CR 445 and drive 5.8 miles south. From Altoona, drive 5.2 miles north on SR 19, turn right on CR 445 and continue 5.1 miles.
County Road 42 (CR 42)
Southeastern edgeClearwater Lake Recreation Area (24511 CR 42) is just outside the community of Paisley on the southeastern edge of the forest, linked to Alexander Springs by the 22-mile Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail.
Springs Locations and Directions
Four major springs, all run by the concessionaire Naventure, which sets day-use fees and hours. Pets are not allowed in the Juniper, Alexander, Salt and Silver Glen day-use areas, and the Forest Service warns that sites can close when they reach capacity on weekends.
Juniper Springs
26701 E. Hwy 40, about 28 miles (roughly 35 minutes) east of the downtown Ocala square
Historic mill house and spring pool. The operator calls the Juniper Run paddle challenging and technical, and not recommended for beginners.
Juniper Springs guideSalt Springs
13851 SR 19, Fort McCoy
A mineral spring putting out 52 million gallons a day at a constant 74 degrees. Salt Springs Run flows about five miles to Lake George; the campground is the largest in the forest.
Salt Springs guideSilver Glen Springs
5271 SR 19, Salt Springs
A first-magnitude spring discharging about 65 million gallons a day into a 3,300-foot run to Lake George. Snorkeling is allowed; diving and scuba are not. Day use only.
Silver Glen Springs guideAlexander Springs
49525 CR 445, Altoona
A first-magnitude spring with a constant 72-degree pool. It is the only place in the Ocala National Forest where scuba diving is permitted.
Alexander Springs guidePlanning a Juniper Springs visit? See also our Fern Hammock Springs guide.
Major Trailheads
Starting points for hiking, including the Florida Trail and the designated wilderness areas. The Forest Service topographic quads show these trails in detail.
Juniper Prairie Wilderness
Frontage on SR 40 and SR 19; Florida Trail between Juniper Springs and the Pat's Island Trailhead
A 14,283-acre roadless wilderness, the best known of the four wilderness areas in the forest. The Florida Trail crosses the whole wilderness, with a side trail to the historic Pat's Island settlement on the Yearling Trail.
Lake Eaton Trail
Shares a parking area with the closed Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail
A 2.3-mile loop from the Big Scrub down to boardwalks and an observation deck on Lake Eaton. Free. The neighboring Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trailhead is listed as closed by the Forest Service.
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area
24511 CR 42, Paisley
The 1.3-mile Clearwater Lake Nature Trail loops the 32-acre lake, and the 22-mile Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail runs from here to Alexander Springs.
Salt Springs and Silver Glen
SR 19
The Salt Springs Wildlife Observation Trail is a 1.9-mile loop. At Silver Glen, the Lake George Trail is a 3-mile round trip and the Spring Boils Trail is 0.75 mile round trip.
OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) Trail Systems
Riders need a pass and safety gear, and riders under 16 must pass an online course. The MVUM is the map that shows which routes are open to which vehicles.
Ocala North OHV Trail System
Trailheads: Delancy Loops (SR 19), Pipeline (SR 316), Delancy West (FR 66), Rodman (past Kirkpatrick Dam), the OHV Center (FR 11) and the Motorcycle Loop (FR 66)
125 miles of trail: a 14-mile motorcycle-only loop, 35 miles for motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs under 50 inches wide, and 76 miles of mixed use shared with licensed vehicles. The Delancy Loops trail is listed as temporarily closed.
Ocala Centennial OHV Trail System
Centennial OHV Trailhead (north) and the parking corral at Big Scrub Campground
A 47-mile loop through the Big Scrub, dedicated in 2008. Unlicensed vehicles under 65 inches are allowed and a 20 mph speed limit is enforced. The Forest Service lists the Blue Sink corral as unavailable.
The Navy's Pinecastle Range, off SR 19 and SR 40, is closed to the public and sits near some of the forest's busiest OHV trails. Follow posted closures, and see the Pinecastle Range bombing schedule if you hear explosions.
Campground Locations
Seven of the forest's campgrounds are plotted below, plus group camps and dispersed camping elsewhere. Reservations are made at Recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777; the stay limit is 14 days in a 30-day period. Seasons and reservation rules for every campground are in our guide to Ocala National Forest campgrounds.
Juniper Springs
26701 E. Hwy 40, Silver Springs
Three loops near the creek and springs; no full hookups. Reserve on Recreation.gov.
Alexander Springs
49525 CR 445, Altoona
67 sites for tents and RVs up to 35 feet. No hookups; hot showers and a dump station. Reservation only.
Salt Springs
13851 SR 19, Fort McCoy
The largest campground in the forest and the only one with full RV hookups, plus a tent-only area.
Clearwater Lake
24511 CR 42, Paisley
42 lakefront sites for tents and trailers, bathhouses with showers and a swim beach.
Fore Lake
14434 County Road 314, Silver Springs
31 sites, bathhouse with hot showers and a dump station. No gasoline engines on the lake. Gates 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Lake Eaton
Big Scrub, end of the Lake Eaton entrance road
14 sites, open seasonally Oct. 1 to June 1. No hookups, vault toilets, no potable water.
Big Scrub
11990 SE National Forest Rd 588, Umatilla
47 sites, popular with OHV riders, with a trailhead onto the Ocala Centennial OHV Trail.
How to Get the Official Forest Map
The Forest Service sells printed maps and gives away its digital ones.
Download to your phone
- Install the Avenza Maps app (iOS or Android).
- Add the free Ocala National Forest MVUM from the Avenza map store.
- For hiking, download the Forest Service topographic quads for the area you will visit and open them in Avenza.
- Open the map once at home to confirm it loads, then travel; the app shows your GPS position without a network.
Buy a paper map
- Online: the Forest Service lists the Ocala National Forest map for sale at the USGS Store.
- Lake George Ranger District, 17147 E. SR 40, Silver Springs, (352) 625-2520: passes, permits and maps sold Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
- Seminole Ranger District, 40929 SR 19, Umatilla, (352) 669-3153: passes, permits and maps sold Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Office hours: weekdays 8:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 3 p.m., closed federal holidays.
How We Checked This Guide
Map types, office hours and map sales days come from the Forest Service Visitor Maps and Guides page and the ranger district office pages. Recreation sites, trail lengths, site counts, closures and OHV details come from the Forest Service Ocala recreation directory (78 sites listed) and alerts; street addresses from Recreation.gov and Google Maps; drive times from Google Maps; acreage from American Forests. All checked Oct. 15, 2026. An earlier version of this page named three visitor centers, gave a $6 vehicle fee for every spring, a 607-square-mile size, and app prices that we could not confirm; they have been removed.
AI tools helped gather the sources and draft this page; each fact was checked against those sources before publishing. Questions or corrections? Contact our team or read our editorial guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get an official Ocala National Forest map?
The Forest Service offers the Interactive Visitor Map online, the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) free in the Avenza Maps app, and Forest Service topographic maps as free georeferenced PDFs. Paper forest maps are sold online through the USGS Store and at the two ranger district offices: Lake George (17147 E. SR 40, Silver Springs) sells maps on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and Seminole (40929 SR 19, Umatilla) on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Which Ocala National Forest map works without cell service?
The Motor Vehicle Use Map and the Forest Service topographic maps are georeferenced, so the Avenza Maps app can show your GPS position on them without Wi-Fi or a network connection once they are downloaded. Download them before leaving town. The Interactive Visitor Map is a web map and needs a connection.
What does the Motor Vehicle Use Map show?
The MVUM is a free, single-purpose, black-and-white map of the roads, trails and areas designated for motor vehicle use in the Ocala National Forest. The Avenza version is 13.77 MB and dates from January 2022; its inset maps are not georeferenced. It is the map to carry for Forest Roads and OHV trails.
Which entrance should I use coming from Ocala?
SR 40 east is the main route. Google Maps puts Juniper Springs (26701 E. Hwy 40) about 28 miles and roughly 35 minutes from the downtown Ocala square, and Salt Springs (13851 SR 19) 29.6 miles and about 39 minutes via SR 40 and Hwy 314. Alexander Springs is reached from SR 40 at Astor or from SR 19 at Altoona via CR 445.
Is anything closed in the Ocala National Forest right now?
As of Oct. 15, 2026, the Forest Service lists the Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trailhead as closed, and the Delancy Loops OHV Trail, Lake Delancy East Campground and the Timucuan Trail at Alexander Springs as temporarily closed. Stage 1 fire restrictions have been in effect since March 6, 2026. Check the Forest Service alerts page before a trip.
How much does it cost to visit the springs?
Day-use fees at Juniper, Alexander, Silver Glen and Salt Springs are set by the concessionaire, Naventure, and the Forest Service says they change without notice. The Ocala National Forest Springs Hopper day-use pass is $80 plus tax per person and covers Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Clearwater Lake and Wildcat Lake. Forest Service pages differ on how long it is valid (through the end of the year on one, 12 months from purchase on another), so confirm with Naventure when buying.
Explore the Ocala National Forest
Cross Florida Greenway trailheads near Ocala (outside the national forest): 49th Avenue, Land Bridge, Marshall Swamp and Ross Prairie.
Mapa del Bosque Nacional de Ocala
El Servicio Forestal de EE. UU. ofrece tres mapas principales del Bosque Nacional de Ocala: el mapa interactivo en línea, el Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), gratis en la aplicación Avenza Maps, que muestra los caminos y senderos abiertos a vehículos, y un mapa impreso que se vende en la tienda del USGS y en las oficinas de los distritos Lake George (17147 E. SR 40, Silver Springs) y Seminole (40929 SR 19, Umatilla). El bosque tiene casi 383,000 acres y 78 sitios recreativos. Juniper Springs está en 26701 E. Hwy 40, a unas 28 millas (unos 35 minutos) del centro de Ocala. Conviene descargar los mapas antes de salir, porque la aplicación muestra la ubicación por GPS sin conexión.