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Ocala Forest Escape-Rodman Dam area (Ft. McCoy/ Palatka) Nature Lover’s Cottage

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Interior detail
Property grounds
Exterior
3 bedrooms, free WiFi, bed sheets
Smart TV, DVD player, books, video library
Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendlyPet friendlyPet friendly
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Outdoor SpaceOutdoor SpaceOutdoor Space
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • WasherWasherWasher

Explore the area

Map
Fort McCoy, FL
  • Popular LocationSilver Glen Springs Recreation41 min drive
  • Popular LocationJuniper Springs Recreation Area54 min drive
  • Popular LocationSilver Springs State Park60 min drive
  • AirportGainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)75 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Interlachen

In Interlachen .You'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Ocala National Forest and 16 miles (25 km) of Syracuse Island. Hog Island and Beecher Springs are also within 20 miles (32 km).

What's nearby

  • Ocala National Forest - 1 min walk
  • Orange Springs Park - 38 min drive
  • Silver Glen Springs Recreation - 41 min drive
  • Juniper Springs Recreation Area - 54 min drive
  • Silver Springs State Park - 60 min drive

Getting around

  • Palatka Station - 39 min drive
  • Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) - 76 min drive

Restaurants

  • Hog Wild Country Cafe - 27 min drive
  • Pig Pen Saloon - 20 min drive
  • Hog Heaven - 11 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Ocala Forest Escape-Rodman Dam area (Ft. McCoy/ Palatka) Nature Lover’s Cottage

Calling all nature lovers! Hiking, four-wheeling, fishing and more... create your base camp for a long weekend or a week. Looking for a few month’s stay? Ask about our multi-month discounts! House offers three bedrooms plus one and a half baths. First bedroom has the half bath and queen bed, second bedroom has queen bed, plus a third bedroom is equipped with twin over twin bunks with walk through to full bath.

Back patio overlooks grassy pond which brings in a variety of wildlife. A true forest escape, many activities are nearby.

Pet friendly with a $50 non refundable pet fee. Please keep pets on a leash when outside in. Neighbors’ dogs and wildlife roam through the yard.

THINGS TO DO: simply enjoy getting away from life's hustle & bustle and enjoy a fire (in the fire ring please). Firewood is provided. Smart TV and wifi are available. Wild animals are around, please do not feed or harass.

Rodman Dam is 2 miles away and offers great fishing. Bring your fishing gear as the ponds at Penner Pond are known to have great fishing too! Various four-wheeling trails surround the area (please trailer your ATVs to appropriate parking for trailheads). For hikers, several trails will take you through the Penner Ponds area or other Florida trails nearby. A popular spot is Hopkins Prairie for trails and observing wildlife.

LOCAL INTERESTS: Other nearby activities include the Hog Waller Mud Bog, events at Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, Palatka Bass fishing Tournaments and a variety of festivals in nearby Ocala, Gainesville or Palatka. If going to the springs (Salt Springs or Juniper) arrive early as they reach capacity quickly on weekends!

ACCESS INFORMATION: Discover what is beyond forest roads. Penner Pond Drive is a narrow dirt road that leads to a small community and your home for a few days. Once there, a partially fenced yard with a grassy pond and forest space as your boundaries on one side. A quiet neighborhood with farm animals as well as wildlife welcome you. The property offers over an acre of outdoor space. We have charcoal grills for outdoor cooking too!

Owners are licensed Florida real estate agents. We invite you to like and follow our Facebook page for events and weather updates: @NatureLoversCottageONF Feel free to tag yourself, share your photos and rate your stay. Thank you for your interest!!! We hope you enjoy!

*All-Wheel Drive and 4WD suggested if planning to explore the forest roads away from the cottage.

**Monthly option is available. Inquire for details including actual month/ months needed.

***Please take note you may not have WiFi-GPS services as you approach the area. Google Map is best. Directions will be sent to you in advance. Please print them for your trip in case you loose your signal. ***

Property manager

Tina Arant

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: No smoking inside. $150 penalty held from deposit.

Location highlights

  • In a rural location

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • 1 unit

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Previous huntcamp, keep eye on small ones please

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation. Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.

Property is also known as

Ocala Forest Escape
Ocala Forest Escape rodman Dam Area
Ocala Forest Escape-Rodman Dam area (Ft. McCoy/ Palatka) Cottage

Frequently asked questions

How close is Ocala Forest Escape-Rodman Dam area (Ft. McCoy/ Palatka) Nature Lover’s Cottage to the airport?

This cottage is 52 mi (76-min drive) away from the Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Ocala Forest Escape-Rodman Dam area (Ft. McCoy/ Palatka) Nature Lover’s Cottage have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this cottage.

Does Ocala Forest Escape-Rodman Dam area (Ft. McCoy/ Palatka) Nature Lover’s Cottage offer free breakfast?

This cottage does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Ocala Forest Escape-Rodman Dam area (Ft. McCoy/ Palatka) Nature Lover’s Cottage?

No, there is no casino at this cottage.

What time is check-in at Ocala Forest Escape-Rodman Dam area (Ft. McCoy/ Palatka) Nature Lover’s Cottage?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Ocala Forest Escape-Rodman Dam area (Ft. McCoy/ Palatka) Nature Lover’s Cottage?

Free parking is not available at this cottage.

Does Ocala Forest Escape-Rodman Dam area (Ft. McCoy/ Palatka) Nature Lover’s Cottage have a pool?

This cottage does not have a pool.

Does Ocala Forest Escape-Rodman Dam area (Ft. McCoy/ Palatka) Nature Lover’s Cottage have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this cottage.

How close is Ocala Forest Escape-Rodman Dam area (Ft. McCoy/ Palatka) Nature Lover’s Cottage to downtown Interlachen?

This cottage is 10.1 mi away from Interlachen.

Ocala Forest Escape-Rodman Dam area (Ft. McCoy/ Palatka) Nature Lover’s Cottage Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mikita B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Restful and relaxing
Pleasant, quiet, peaceful stay in a lovely cottage. An added bonus was an evening visit from a friendly bear.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeanie P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fishing with a side of relaxation!!
We really enjoyed the Nature Lovers cabin. We were there for fishing at Rodman's reservoir, and the non fishing time was spent enjoying all the birds that frequent this location. Even extended for an extra day!! Thank you Tina!!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judith P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful retreat
Enjoyed the peace of the wilderness and mother nature's presence
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

David T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend getaway
We wanted to get out of town for a weekend to ride on the ATV trails and visit with family. It was always a pleasure talking with Tina, she answered all of our questions promptly and accurately. The cottage was clean and stocked with the basic amenities. Had a wonderful time.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

John R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to get away and enjoy naturee
We came to ride the trails and loved seeing all the wildlife. The cottage is very comfortable and the property managers were great to work with. We will be back many times in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steven R., Sebring

Liked: Cleanliness
Nature Lovers
If you like quiet and secluded, this is the place for you.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Howard L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome getaway!!
Great location for getting away from it all, very relaxing and comfortable, will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne S., Orlando FL

Liked: Cleanliness
Rustic Getaway
Tina is such a gracious host! The property was as described in the middle of the National Forest. It is a perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The home was quite accommodating for all five of us. The kitchen is rather small, it is not a complaint, however, an observation. There is limited counter space so plan meals accordingly. We had hoped that the weather would've been a little cooler for late November, but the property was a lot of fun. The swing was a great addition and all three of our teenagers took turns swinging on it! One thing more, we were grateful we had a Jeep Wrangler to get to this property, if we had had a car, it would've been a challenge to get there. All in all, it was a fabulous weekend and we quite enjoyed ourselves.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Fany G.

Nice place for a weekend getaway
Property is nice. It’s a work in progress but it is obvious that the owners put a lot of work into it. It was a hot summer weekend and the house was nice and cool. It has all basic amenities and close to some of the springs around Ocala. Overall a nice place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nicole G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous
We have been here many times because of the awesomeness of the owners. We always feel right at home. The quietness and the wildlife is the best. We love ridding trails. We saw lots of bears, deers, turles, quail, guineas, rabbits, and birds. It is the best place to relax and enjoy mother nature.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022