Ross Prairie Trailhead
A serene campground and trailhead offering miles of trails for hiking and equestrian use, plus exceptional dark sky stargazing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Ross Prairie Trailhead
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene campground and trailhead offering miles of trails for hiking and equestrian use, plus exceptional dark sky stargazing.
"Wonderful sky gazing opportunities and a very nice, quiet park."
🐾 Pet Paw Protection
Crushed shells on paths can be sharp. Consider booties for your pets' paws.
✨ Dark Sky Delight
Pack your telescope! This is a fantastic spot for stargazing with minimal light pollution.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ern and Burn Trail
South Trails
Challenging blue trail with elevation changes and technical sections for a thrilling ride or hike.
Wildlife Viewing
Throughout the park
Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife in this natural Florida landscape.
Stargazing
Campground
Designated as a dark sky campground, offering incredible opportunities for celestial observation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Quiet Stays & Dark Skies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Trails
🐾 Pet Paw Protection
Crushed shells on paths can be sharp. Consider booties for your pets' paws.
✨ Dark Sky Delight
Pack your telescope! This is a fantastic spot for stargazing with minimal light pollution.
💧 Water Levels
The lake may have low water levels, so don't expect extensive water activities.
🎛️ Site Proximity
Pull-through sites offer good spacing, allowing easy communication with friends nearby.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Pet Paw Protection
Crushed shells on paths can be sharp. Consider booties for your pets' paws.
✨ Dark Sky Delight
Pack your telescope! This is a fantastic spot for stargazing with minimal light pollution.
💧 Water Levels
The lake may have low water levels, so don't expect extensive water activities.
🎛️ Site Proximity
Pull-through sites offer good spacing, allowing easy communication with friends nearby.
🗺️ Trail Connections
Easily access other trailheads like 49th via connectors for extended exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ross Prairie Trailhead for its peaceful atmosphere, friendly staff, and excellent dark sky viewing opportunities. While the crushed shell paths can be a concern for pets, the well-maintained facilities and extensive trail system make it a highly recommended spot for nature lovers and equestrians. +1
"Bath house is a bit of a walk but clean and well maintained. Park staff is friendly and helpful. Should be listed as a dark sky campground. Wonderful sky gazing opportunities."
Faith Stainbrook
"I would give this place 4.5 stars honestly if I could, but I don't want to drop it to 4 😅. It was a very nice, quiet park with crushed shell over the roads and driveways. I can see why they may have done this, but in my opinion gravel would be much better as the shells can be sharp and hurt. I was worried about my pups paws on walks because of this. All sites are pull through which was nice. We were in 12 and it felt like a decent size site not too close to the neighbors (and not too far away either which was nice since we were camping with friends who stayed in sites 3 & 11 and we were able to see both from our site and communicate easily). There aren't many trees for shade, but it was pretty cloudy for most of our stay so we weren't bothered by the lack of shade. It was a little strange that the bath house is outside the fence, but not a huge deal. Facilities seemed clean and well maintained. The camp hosts were absolutely amazing humans as well! Overall we enjoyed our stay and would camp here again in a heartbeat."
Amber Thornton
"Kinda close to SR200, so at times, road noise is kinda loud, but overall, it is a good place to rest for a couple of days. Nice trial. There's not really much water in the lake or any for that matter . This Campground is set up for equestrian users. Riding trails close by,stays busy from what i have seen."
T Gomez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ross Prairie Trailhead is accessible via local roads. It's noted as being somewhat close to SR 200, so road noise can be a factor at times.
Yes, the campground is set up for equestrian users with riding trails nearby, and it can get busy.
Absolutely! Nearby options include Marjorie Harris Carr, Paine's Prairie, and Sweetwater Wetlands for more nature exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While not explicitly stated, it's always recommended to book campsites in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak seasons or weekends.
Operating hours for the trailhead and campground are typically from dawn to dusk for day use, with specific check-in/check-out times for campers. It's best to confirm directly with the park.
Campground fees apply for overnight stays. Day use may have a separate, smaller fee or be included with camping. Check with park management for current pricing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trailhead offers a variety of trails, including the popular 'Ern and Burn' blue trail known for its elevation changes and technical areas. There are also connectors to other trail systems.
Yes, there is a bathhouse that is noted as being clean and well-maintained, though it is located outside the main campground fence.
Campsites may have limited trees for shade, but the overall atmosphere is quiet and peaceful.
Dogs are generally allowed in Florida State Parks, but must be leashed. Be mindful of the crushed shell paths for their paws.
The roads and driveways within the campground are covered in crushed shells, which can be sharp. Gravel would be a preferred alternative for some visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Ross Prairie Trailhead is primarily a campground and trailhead, so there are no on-site dining facilities. Visitors should plan to bring their own food and supplies.
You'll need to travel to nearby towns for groceries or restaurants. Ocala is a larger city within driving distance that offers various dining and shopping options.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers opportunities for nature photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. The dark skies also make it ideal for astrophotography.
Yes, the park is home to various wildlife, providing excellent opportunities for nature photographers. Remember to maintain a safe distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Pet Owners
🔭 Stargazers & Astrophotographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
When planning your trek, be aware of the trail surface. Much of the park features crushed shell paths. While this provides a distinct texture, some visitors find the shells sharp and potentially uncomfortable for pets' paws.
Campground Experience
One of the most unique aspects of this campground is its designation as a dark sky campground. This means minimal light pollution, offering spectacular opportunities for stargazing. If you're an amateur astronomer or simply enjoy looking up at the night sky, this is a significant draw.
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