We returned once again to this quiet little park just south of Clermont on SR27. There are 60 sites within 3 loops. All have 50/30/20 amp and water. Fifteen of them have sewage hook-up. The first time we came here there was not much shade, but despite Hurricane Irma there is more shade in the campground as the small trees have grown. We did notice that there was a mass clearing of underbrush in an effort to open up the park. It did that, but there is still ample privacy.
We were able to get our favorite site, #15. Level sand/gravel and some side privacy. The trees have grown, but the site has been opened up by cutting the undergrowth back. Still a good site.
Us and the neighbors in Loop A
Something new to us this time. Between the campground road and Loop A sprouted a small camp store and boat & bike rental building. Very convenient. Nice folks running it. It's right across from the fishing dock and boat launch on Dixie Lake.
Early morning fishing off the dock on Dixie Lake.
Or, you can take the boat to Hammond Lake. Just a short walk past Loop A entrance.
An inhabitant of Hammond Lake. Didn't see any gators this week.
A few more turtles on the shore of Dixie Lake, north end by the Dixie Lake Outpost. At one point there were 13 on these logs.
Not far away a Blue Heron walks the tightrope in search of lunch.
One tree that didn't survive Hurricane Irma. Providing habitat for countless creatures.
A lone splash of color amongst the brown marshy shore.
Trees that did survive Irma.
Seed pods opening on the bush in our campsite.
More roadside flora.
And, more.
An early morning glass-like Dixie Lake. Cabins on the far shore.
A marker along the South Loop near the entrance off the campground road. This loop is about 2.5 miles with a few spur trails to make it a longer trail. The trail is mostly a grass field bordered by hardwood trees. It's pretty well marked with these numbered markers. Pick up a trail map at the ranger station or at the trail head kiosk.
The loop is a service road like trail. Clear and wide. Easy hiking. You can take your bike, but there are soft sand spots along the way. Besides, walking is slower and you see more.
A lone dead tree amongst the seasonally dry grass along the South loop. Clear blue sky all day.
Walked a little too far on this loop. Discovered where they park their equipment.
Part of the loop skirts a hardwood and pine forest. And, partially, a small creek. I mean small.
Some fallen trees along the way. Still alive, though.
Another trail to travel this trip. The Sandhill Loop (1.5mi). Another wide trail that heads to Pine Point, a primitive campsite and the bridge to the Equestrian/Bronson Loop (5.5mi).
The path is shady, wide, level, bikeable and ...
...you may spot a horse and rider or two. The next day was the start of a two-day equestrian event. The lady said over a hundred and fifty participants were expected. The equestrian campground is about 3 miles from the bridge from which she came.
The equestrian bridge. It crosses Big Creek. Maybe that other creek was Small Creek. Go this way and you are on the equestrian loop headed for the equestrian campground.
Big Bear Creek is brackish water and ends up at Lake Louisa.
Near the bridge is a small clearing with picnic table, grill and hitching post.
Another view of Big Creek.
A destination along Sandhill Loop is Pine Point...primitive camping. A few picnic tables and space for several tents. Bring your water. Dig your sanitation pit. If you continue around this loop beyond the bridge you can actually connect to the South Trail, then the South Loop. Having been there yesterday, I continued on this loop for another couple of miles of unmarked trail.
One more bridge to cross. On the way to the Lake Louisa beach area is another trail. With a bridge. Big Creek Loop.
The hiker at the post top indicates this trail is foot only. It leads along Big Creek to another primitive campground, Wilderness Point. It is a 2mi loop. You can take a spur trail to the Ranger Station in case you need wood or ice to take back to your campsite.
The trail is in the woods and is a narrow, level trail and shady.
Big Creek and the foot bridge.
A small cactus. Walk enough on a Florida trail and you will inevitably see a cactus plant of some sort.
We didn't visit the beach on Lake Louisa this trip, but since we were nearby I just had to revisit this section of the road. How fast can your RV take these curves?
This is a quiet park, yet, there is a lot to do if you like hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking. Or, you can do nothing but enjoy nature and quiet.
There are three piers to visit to sit and watch the world go by.....
Or, watch a beautiful sunset. Enjoy.
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