| About Ocala National Forest |
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| Lake Eaton Recreation Area |
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Elevation:
5 - 10 Feet
Length of Stay:
14 Days
Number of Sites:
14
Reservation Status:
First Come, First Served
Reservation:
No
Season:
Year-round
From Lynne, FL, (Several routes, over a network of forest roads, lead you to Lake Eaton. These directions provide the most direct route with the fewest turns.) Travel east along State Highway 40 approximately 6 miles (past the visitor center). Turn left (north) onto Forest Route 79. Travel FR 79 about 5 miles north. Here the road makes a sharp left. Continue on about a mile where the road takes a sharp right, all the while remaining FR 79. Signage is good.
Location Information
The Lake Eaton Recreation Area is an interesting geological evolution of natural forces. The main attraction at Lake Eaton is its sinkhole, a depression formed when limestone beneath the earth's surface crust dissolved and land collapsed. The sinkhole is 80 feet deep and 450 feet in diameter at its rim. It is considered a dry sinkhole, because most sinkholes this size will collect water resulting in a pond.Visitors are encouraged to explore the sand pine scrub forest on a 2.2-mile interpretive hike. At least an hour should be set aside to discover the various plant communities thriving with birdlife. Most visitors are treated to glimpses of the Florida scrub jay, a variety of woodpeckers, and perhaps a wild turkey or red-shouldered hawk. Two short trails of one half mile each offer easy access to the sinkhole rim where an observation deck provides sights down into the enormous hole. For a closer look, continue your walk and explore the bottom via a boardwalk and stairs. The magnitude of the hole is incredible. This is certainly a moment when a camera makes a good accompaniment. In addition to this fabulous geologic feature, the walk is very picturesque draped in lovely swaying Spanish moss. The recreation amenities include 14 tent or RV campsites for a cost of $6 per night. A fishing pier at Lake Eaton, a small boat launch, restrooms, and drinking water may be found in the developed area. A $2 day use fee is charged. Lake Eaton is a shallow, stained lake with an abundance of rooted aquatic vegetation that helps support a very good population of sport fish. Although fishing from a small power boat is the most popular fishing method, the pier extends approximately 100 feet into the lake providing an attractive alternative to the shoreline angler.
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