National Forests in Florida closes campgrounds, some day-use areas amid COVID-19 concerns

National Forests in Florida closes campgrounds, some day-use areas amid COVID-19 concerns Agency continues to evaluate remaining day-use areas and concessionaire sites

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 20, 2020—Sixteen campgrounds on the Apalachicola, Ocala and Osceola National Forests will close indefinitely at noon tomorrow for the health and safety of visitors and staff.    Effective at noon today, the following campgrounds will be unavailable to rent via Recreation.gov and will close indefinitely tomorrow at noon:   Apalachicola National Forest: Camel Lake Osceola National Forest: The Group Landing Ocala National Forest: Big Scrub, River Forest and Lake Shore Notifications to renters will be made as soon as possible and refunds will be processed.   Effective at noon tomorrow, the following campgrounds will close indefinitely: Osceola National Forest: Hog Pen Landing and Ocean Pond Ocala National Forest: 52 Landing, Big Bass, Davenport Landing, Fore Lake, Lake Delancey East, Lake Delancey West, Lake Dorr, Lake Eaton and Shanty Pond, Effective at noon tomorrow, the following day-use areas will close indefinitely: Apalachicola National Forest: Camel Lake Osceola National Forest: Olustee Beach and Boat Ramp Ocala National Forest: Farles Prairie and The Group Landing Effective at noon tomorrow, the bathroom facilities at the following areas will be closed, but the areas remain open: Osceola National Forest: 17 Mile Hunt Camp, Cobb Hunt Camp and West Tower Hunt Camp. Ocala National Forest: Farles Prairie Boat Ramp, Lake Dorr Boat Ramp, Ocala Centennial OHV Trail, Ocala North OHV Trail System and Wandering Wiregrass OHV Trail. As we work through an unpredictable and rapidly changing situation, health and safety is our number one priority. We are committed to continuing to support our communities and fulfill our mission as we all work together to minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19.    These actions have been taken based on the best available medical advice for cleaning per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and to promote social distancing. Visitors are encouraged to contact their ranger district office with additional questions.

The National Forests in Florida continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and evaluate potential impacts and adjustments to reservations and our reservation policies through Recreation.gov. Reservation holders will be notified via email and/or cell phone text messages if there are any changes affecting their reservation. In the event of delayed openings of some, part or all of the campgrounds to ensure safe social distancing, visitors will receive a full refund for their reservation. Please remember to review current recommendations from the CDC and focus on recreating safely while protecting yourself, Forest Service employees and our volunteers.     ###      USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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