ATV Florida Forum

My dad and I want to go to either ONF or Croom over the holiday break but cannot decide which one to go to. I already know that ONF is supposed to be better than Croom, but the lack of a place to stay there (we aren't set up to camp) is making us think twice about going. Where should we go?

What kind of atv's are you riding?


Things to consider....

1) Ocala is free, Croom is $50.00 per bike for a year long pass.
2) Ocala is way bigger and you can really get back into the forest if you're into the scenic thing (bring a GPS so you don't get lost)
3) Croom is a little bit more technical, a few more hills, jumps, and mud holes. (But still no track)


I'm riding Croom on Monday. I park up front near the  sandpit.
I'm in the gold SUV on the black 450r..stop by and say Hi if you decide on Croom

I prefer Ocala. Simple for the fact that there isn't half as much whoops as Croom and you can actually open the bike up unlike Croom. Granted it's an hour longer drive for me but it's worth it. But like said above, bring a GPS. This place is huge!  -Mark

I live 10 minutes from Croom, but I would rather drive to ONF than go to Croom. If you like whoops (and I mean you better like them), go to Croom. If you want to open up your bike and never have to ride the same trail twice, go to ONF. I just got back from Big Scrub today and it was a blast. Plus, Croom is too crowded this time of year.

is onf really crowded with hunters?

Yes, there are a lot of hunters. But they know there are going to be a lot of people riding near Big Scrub and there aren't that many around there.

I just wouldn't go too early or too late in the day. Stay towards the middle of the day.

As far as a place to stay I have heard alot of good things about is the "Ocala Forest Campground" suppossidly they have trailers and A frame apartments with all the ammenities. The place is located off hwy 42 which is just south of Big Scrub. Here is the contact info:
Ocala Forest Campground
(352) 669-3888
26301 SE Highway 42
Umatilla, FL 32784

Yes the Ocala forest campground is great. I stay there at least once every other month you can ride right from the camp ground. If you do not have an r.v. or a camper they have a couple you can rent or they even have a pretty cool cabin on site.

The place you are talking about is Big Bass Lake, and it is for camping only.  I dont know if the trails are any good around there, but you are not allowed to ride your bike in or out of the camp site.

Definitely try Big Scrub (ONF).  We are a family of ATV'ers.  It has all different levels for ages 2 to 100!  Our 15 year old loves the trails & pits.  We go camping as well as just day trips and by far, this area has provided the most hours of fun for us.  DO NOT ride the non-posted areas, swail or forest roads - you WILL be ticketed if caught (and they are out there every weekend).

We camped during hunting season (they have until the 15th to clear out)- hunters are not a big deal - just watch out for fast moving trucks through what you thought was an ATV trail.

If you like nature - its got it - even a black bear!  We hit the trail across from BS in the a.m. and must have caught him on his morning stroll...we weren't sure who was more spooked - us or the bear.  Momma has a hard time shifting - but I can tell you - seeing a bear 10 feet in front of you larger than the Praire 360 - Momma had NO issue getting in reverse!

Take care and have fun!

This weekend was my first time to Ocala and whoever said to bring a GPS was not kidding.  I spent about an hour trying to find my way back to camp.  The trails were a blast though.

By the way, does anyone know where you can rent ATV's in that area?  I've got a couple of friends who want to check it out.

there's no place to rent close by Ocala, but in Orlando is a place called Eagle Riders and they have a couple of Polaris Trailblazers for rent,,,,the price is high(around $100 per day) but if you really want one, you got it.

they also give you all the safety gear with it which is a bonus, and don't bother washing it, they do that.

Id@

Thanks for the info on the rental, do you know if they rent trailers as well?  Also, I read something about rentals @ Mill Dam and wasn't sure if they rent ATV's or not.

   NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Ocala Forest Campground is NOT Big Bass Lake!!!!!

dunno, maybe, give em a call.

or visit their website.

Id@

Yes, Eaglerider has trailers for like $20 a day. http://eaglerider.carrentalexpress.com/r1.php?

The rentals at Mill Dam Lake are cottages

how far is it to ocala from jacksonville

600 miles

ocala theres less whoops and sand ;)

do u mean less woops, more sand.

What do you guys mean by "whoops"??

I think it's about 120miles to from jax to ocala.
I know lake city is about 60miles from jax,
plus another 70 to 80 miles from lake city to ocala.

I'm about 80miles north of ocala.

ya thanx