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Big Scrub Recreation Area
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
| Other Names | Big Scrub Trails, The Big Scrub, Ocala Adventure Trail, Blue Sink OHV Corral, Ocala National Forest, Farles Prairie, Centennial Trail |
| Last Known Status | Open |
This popular area offers a large campground and several day use areas that provide direct access to the Ocala Adventure Trail, a 47-mile long twisty loop that winds through the largest sand scrub pine forest in the world. The terrain is mostly sandy and flat but has nice flow and some fun berms.
The main entrance road is long and dusty but flat. A trail pass is required to ride which can be purchased onsite at the self pay kiosk and is good for three consecutive days.
Day use parking can be found at Blue Sink, Farles Prairie and Big Scrub Campground. The campground offers 62 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Two large bathhouses are available that have flush toilets and hot showers.
There are both primitive and electric sites but a few water spigots. Reservations are not required but recommended, especially during holiday weekends.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | OHV Trail Pass |
| Dates Open | Daily Year-Round | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Unknown | |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | Yes (65 inches) | has entrance gate or posts |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Permitted | |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | (maximum width 65 inches) |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Prohibited | |
| Dune Buggy & Swamp Buggy 4x4 (unregistered) | Prohibited | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
| MX Helmet Required | Youth Only | required for persons under 16 by state law (RiderPlanet strongly recommends helmets for all riders.) |
 Camping | Some Areas | (camp in developed sites only) |
 Campfires | Some Areas | (permitted in developed campsites only) |
| Night Riding | No | |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | no trailblazing |
| Rule Enforcement | Few/Periodic | On-Site Office/Station |
| Comment | Florida law requires OHVs to be titled when operating on public land. Proof of ownership is required when operating machines. | |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 25,600 acres (40 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 47 | |
| Climate Type | Forest | |
| Elevation | 100 to 150 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Little | |
| Hard Pack | Little | |
| Sand |  Mostly | |
| Mud |  None | |
| Dust | Little | |
| Rocks | None | |
| Trees |  Many | |
| Steep Hills | None | |
| Water Crossings | None | |
| Small Jumps | None | |
| Large Jumps | None | |
| Berms | Many | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | None | |
| Roads | None | |
| Intersections |  Some | |
| Rider Traffic | Many | very popular during holiday weekends |
| Shade |  Few | |
| Ranges/Gunfire | None | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards not marked) |
 Novice | Mostly | |
 Amateur | Little | |
 Expert | None |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | National Forest |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 20-30 Miles (SE) | Kangaroo Express (352) 669-3233 |
| Diesel | 20-30 Miles (SE) | Kangaroo Express (352) 669-3233 |
 Water | On Site | |
 RV Hookup | On Site | |
 RV Disposal | On Site | |
| Campground | On Site | Big Scrub Campground (352) 625-2520 |
 Conv Store | 20-30 Miles (SE) | Kangaroo Express (352) 669-3233 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | Yes ($10.00 per rider) Three Day Pass - $10; Seven Day Pass - $25, Annual Pass - $75 |
| Camping | Yes Tent: $20.00 RV: $30.00 Addtl. Vehicle: $0.00 non-electric sites - $20/night, electric sites - $30/night |
RATINGS
| Pros | trail is nicely maintained, large campground with direct trail access |
| Cons | no full hookups, can get busy during winter months and holiday weekends |
| Our Rating |  Very Good |
| Recommended Stay | 1-2 Days |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Umatilla, FL | ||
| Address | SE 241st Ave, Umatilla, FL 32784 | ||
| From: Ocala, FL
1) Take SR-40 East about 20 miles 2) Turn right (south) onto NFS 13, continue 2.9 miles 3) Staging area is on the right (west). For Big Scrub Campground: 4) Continue south on NFS 13 about 6 miles 5) Campground entrance is on the right (west). |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Ocala National Forest - Supervisor's Office 325 John Knox Road, Suite F-210 Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 523-8500 www.fs.usda.gov |
| Contact Info | Recreation.gov (877) 444-6777 (352) 625-2520 www.recreation.gov |
| Comment | campground reservations |
Big Scrub Trail Photo
The trail is mostly sandy and smooth with gradual elevation changes. Two-way traffic is allowed but a 20mph speed limit is enforced.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
This is the entrance to Big Scrub Campground.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
The trail forms a long loop that connects to several day use areas.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
Big Scrub Campground is popular with both tents and RVs. Each site comes with a picnic table, fire ring and grassy parking. Photo Submitted 11/1/2011 (Thanks!)
Big Scrub Trail Photo
The trailhead is located at the campground entrance. The kiosk has a self pay service area and trail maps.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
The campground is usually empty during the summer but picks up in the fall and winter months, especially Thanksgiving weekend. Reservations are recommended.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
This ATV trail takes riders through the largest sand scrub pine forest in the world.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
The staging area at Blue Sink has a nice pond for wading. Photo Submitted 03/30/2012 (Thanks!)
Big Scrub Trail Photo
One of the handful of shady sites at Big Scrub Campground.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
Several water spigots can be found throughout the campground. The water is potable, but should still be filtered by a Big Berkey or something similar.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
Keep speeds at a reasonable level - trails are open to two-way traffic.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
The trail is long and sandy and is best explored on an ATV or side by side.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
The trails wind through some unique vegetation that is found nowhere else in the world. Bring the camera!
Big Scrub Trail Photo
The trail is deep and sandy. ATVs and UTVs will have a good time here.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
The trail is mostly flat but has some twisty sections.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
The trail is marked with brown carsonite posts and is open to machines up to 65 inches wide.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
Only street legal vehicles are permitted on the main entrance road.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
This is the self service fee station at the trailhead.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
This is the current fee to ride as of 2014. Bring cash (exact change) or checkbook.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
The informational kiosk has a map of the area. As you can see, the trail forms a long loop around the Pinecastle Naval Range.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
The bathhouses have flush toilets and showers.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
Antother view of the pond at Blue Sink Staging Area. A small sandy beach can be seen, perfect for wading or having a picnic after riding. Photo Submitted 03/30/2012 (Thanks!)
Big Scrub Trail Photo
Another view of the campground. If you get here during the off season, you can have your pick of sites. During three day weekends, the place is usually packed.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
Big Scrub Campground has 62 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
Each campsite comes with a picnic table and fire ring.
Big Scrub Trail Photo
This is the main entrance road leading towards the campground. Flat and wide, even large RVs can make the trip.
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS