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Ocala Forest Camp & Kayak Expedition
This is an Adventure packed expedition exploring the Ocala National Forest There are so many beautiful springs, rivers, hiking trails and sinkholes hidden in the Ocala National Forest!!! As we explore the area we will see lots of wildlife both on land and in the rivers, an abundance of different plants and habitat communities!
This is perfect for active families or groups that love the outdoors! This is indeed one of the funnest and educational guided wilderness experiences we are excited to offer!!!
Let us deal with all the stress of planning and coordinating everything!
As experienced wilderness guides, we have a set itinerary of fun activities that include camping, kayaking, swimming, hiking, wildlife viewing, stargazing and a toasty campfire. We take care of everything and provide the kayaks, equipment and knowledge!!!
The only thing you will need to bring is a pillow, blanket, cooler for your drinks and food to cook on the grill at night. Along with your personal items such as clothes, sunglasses, bug spray, etc.
This unique expedition must be planned at least 2 weeks in advance due to campground facility availability and preparation of equipment and guides.
We highly recommend choosing weekdays over weekends to avoid crowds if possible!
Itinerary:
Day 1: Juniper Springs Kayaking Adventure!
One Way > Distance: 7 miles > 4.5 Hours
This is the most beautiful and scenic kayaking adventure in the crystal clear waters of Juniper Springs Run! We will see the most diverse ecosystems as we paddle down the narrow winding creek of the Juniper Prairie Wilderness which is 13,260 acres of subtropical palm trees, aquatic plants, sawgrass, swamp hardwoods, prairies rimmed by long leaf, sand pine scrubs and dense oak hardwood hammocks!
The transition from start to finish is by far the most impressive Florida has to offer! And to add a little bit more excitement, there are rapids about half way down just before the creek widens up!
We are likely to see quite a variety of wildlife including alligators, otters, turtles, fish, wading birds, deer, foxes, turkey and even wild boar!
There is No shuttle service, it is your responsibility to make sure your group has a ride back to your vehicles from the take out point Wayside Park bridge.
Day 2: Alexander Springs Kayaking Adventure!
Loop Route > Distance: 4 mile round-trip > 3 Hours
Launch at 8:00am from the CR445 bridge.
We kayak about 1 mile upriver to the beautiful crystal clear head springs of Alexander Springs State Park to observe the first magnitude spring.
After learning about the springs, ecosystems and rich native indian history we head back down river and paddle a short distance past the CR445 bridge before we end our adventure. The river is quite wide in most places surrounded by dense aquatic vegetation and plenty of wildlife such as alligators, otters, turtles, fish and wading birds.
* The vast majority of paddlers do this route because it is a moderately easy paddle.
One Way Route > Distance: 6.5 miles to 52 Landing > 5 Hours!!!
Launch at 8:00am from the CR445 bridge and take out at Freak Creal Ramp.
We kayak about 1 mile upriver to the beautiful crystal clear head springs of Alexander Springs State Park. We will observe the 1st magnitude headspring then turn around and head back down river. The river is quite wide in most places surrounded by dense aquatic vegetation and plenty of wildlife such as alligators, otters, turtles, fish and wading birds. However after we get a couple miles past CR445 bridge that is when it gets real primitive and turns into the Real Florida wilderness. There is no turning back after this point as the river narrows and becomes a dense jungle.
* There is No shuttle service, it is your responsibility to make sure your group has a ride back to your vehicles from the take out point at 52 Landing! ( Long sugar sand road, truck or suv vehicle is highly recommended to leave at take out point. )
This option is only available for experienced and avid paddlers. It can be very challenging. We will decide which route is the best after we evaluate your paddling skills.