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U.S. Forest Service |
Osceola WMA covers much of northwestern Baker County and northeastern
Columbia County. This more than 266,000-acre area is part of the Osceola
National Forest. Over 21 miles of the
National Scenic
Trail loop through open pine flatwoods, sandhills, and cypress
swamps. These natural communities provide habitat for the
red-cockaded
woodpecker, Florida
black bear,
eastern
indigo snake,
gopher
tortoise,
pileated
woodpecker,
bobcat,
fox squirrel and many songbirds.
The Forest also offers several other shorter interpretive trails. The
West Tower camping area has horse stalls, leading to more than 50 miles
of equestrian trails. Ocean Pond Campground offers electric hookups at
some sites and bathhouses with hot water showers. The lake is a popular
spot to fish for largemouth and sunshine bass as well as for boating,
sailing, swimming, and water skiing. During general gun season
(generally the first week in November through the first week in
January), camping is restricted to designated hunt campsites. Deer
hunting is good, and turkey hunting is excellent. This area is a
site on the
Great Florida Birding Trail.
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