Florida State Forests
/-82.6369444,29.5641667,8,0/280x280?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYXNwaXJhLW1hcHMiLCJhIjoiY2tlYmxiaWt3MDMwcTJ5cDN5bGwzZTUwNCJ9.IK2OEvl3EWmVLXYD9Rnedw "Find other facilities on map")
This is a separate tract of land managed by Goethe State Forest located in Alachua County north of the main body of the forest. The Watermelon Pond primitive campsites are co-located with the Watermelon Pond Trailhead. The trails in this section of the forest are multi-use so it is likely hikers will see equestrian users on the trail. As these campsites are primitive, there is no electric and or water on site. There is a restroom at the trailhead. Campers have a designated parking spot and walk in 20-40 yards to their campsite. Recreational activities featured here are: hiking, picnicking, bird watching, equestrian, wildlife viewing and photography. This area is also great for stargazing.
The most notable feature in this area is Watermelon Pond- a large intermittent basin marsh. Basin marsh is a mosaic of seasonally inundated and semi-permanent ponds interspersed with marshes and wet prairies, the latter characterized as a treeless plain with woody shrubs and a dense groundcover of grasses and herbs. Water levels in this area have changed dramatically over the years. Basin marshes provide breeding or foraging habitat for species such as the striped newt, little grass frog, southern chorus frog, narrow-mouthed toad, gopher frog, white ibis, woodstork, whooping crane, and sandhill crane. The pond and surrounding hammocks are a great area for birding.
The Watermelon Pond tract of Goethe State Forest has primitive campsites and recreational trails that offer a variety of activities such as hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, birding, wildlife viewing and photography. The state forest is also adjacent to Watermelon Pond Wildlife and Environmental Area managed by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This allows forest visitors to enjoy twice as much state land. Get outdoors and explore the recreational opportunities at Watermelon Pond or other tracts of Goethe State Forest.
For further information please visit:
https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Goethe-State-Forest.
A restroom (no showers) is located in the day use parking area.
Devils Den (scuba dive site)
Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens
Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 11 Month(s) in advance.
*Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, attribute fees (electrical hookups / water hookups), taxes or incremental charges
**Weekly rates may not be available for all sites
