Camping with Dad in Ocala/Marion County

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ocala/Marion County VCB for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Camping with Dad in Ocala/Marion County 
If you’re looking for fun Florida Travel ideas, one of the most memorable times I had as a kid was camping with my dad. Camping is a special time when the business of the world slows down, and you can just enjoy spending time fishing, hiking, making S’mores, and enjoying the Earth. 

Ocala/Marion County is home to the Ocala National Forest which is the second largest national forest in Florida! With 78 campsites including Juniper Springs Recreation and Campground, Salt Springs Recreation Area and Horseshoe Lake Park & Retreat this makes it the perfect place to enjoy a long outdoor camping adventure with dad this summer or for a Father’s treat. When camping, you’re going to want to make sure you bring everything you need. Here are 10 things you need to go on a long camping trip with dad:
#1 Lots of Extra Clothes: 
When it comes to camping, you never know just what the weather will bring. Mother Nature has a mind of its own and you certainly don’t want to be unprepared. Even if the weather is supposed to be 80 degrees all week, brings some pants and sweatpants just-in-case temps drop.
#2 Hiking Shoes:
You may be tempted to go out in the woods with your flip flops on, but Ocala/Marion County offers countless trails for you to hike through. Make sure your shoes are comfortable enough for the terrain, yet safe enough to step on things in the path.
#3 Bring Sunscreen:
Marion County Campsites offer the opportunity to Kayak or Canoe down the 7-mile Juniper Springs Run. Because the sun reflects off the water, it is easy to get sunburnt while out enjoying the day. Make sure you bring enough sunscreen that you won’t have to cut your trip short.
#4 Swimming or Bathing Suits:
You won’t want to leave your swim gear at home when you come to Ocala/Marion  County Campgrounds. Salt Springs is a natural spring of fresh water that produces thousands of liters of water per day. Whether it’s cool or not, this water stays 72-degrees all year round. So, don’t forget your swimsuit for a splashing good time.
#5 Keep a Lantern at your Campsite:
Covering more than 380,000 acres of land in North Central Florida, the city lights won’t get through the layers of nature. It is important to have a lantern at your discretion to ensure you have light wherever you go.
#6 Bring Emergency Supplies: 
With so much to do and see in Ocala/Marion  County, you won’t want to go home. Whenever you take a long camping trip or even a short one, it is important to bring some little emergency essentials such as:

• Band-Aids
• Pocket Knife
• Extra Blanket
• Fire Starters
• Water
• Fishing Line

#7 Get out your Cowboy Boots: 
Keeping their track record of Horse Capital of the World, you will undoubtedly want to take a ride through the riding trails on horseback. Make sure to bring comfortable clothes, boots, and gear for horseback riding.
#8 Bring Snacks for your Excursions:
Whether you are roughing it down the waters in a canoe, hiking through the forest, or visiting the Historic Mill House, you will want to keep snacks handy. Bring things like protein bars, raisins, nuts, dried fruit chips, or any other energy enriched snacks.
#9 Pack up your Fishing Gear:
With over 600 lakes, rivers, and freshwater springs, you will want to bring your fishing line, pole, and bait. Nothing quite says camping with a dad like fishing. Be sure to ask the best place to fish at.
#10 Don’t Forget the Bug Spray:
Whether you are roughing it in the wild at Juniper Springs Recreation and Campground, staying in a cabin at Horseshoe Lake Park & Retreat or enjoy an RV experience at Salt Springs Recreation Area, bugs are everywhere. Bring your bug repellent whatever it may be to keep away mosquitoes, ticks, and pesky bugs.

Camping with dad in Ocala/Marion  County is an experience you won’t want to miss. What are you waiting for; get your camping gear and head on over to Ocala National Forest to build memories with Dad this summer! Here’s further info about Ocala/Marion County Lodging if you wanna skip the tent but still enjoy all of the outdoor fun mentioned above! And here you’ll find  a listing of Ocala/Marion County Activities you can enjoy in this outdoor mecca!