See all properties
Save
Entire home

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

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

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
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • WasherWasherWasher

Check out 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

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

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Spices
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Combined shower/bath
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided
  • Hairdryer
  • Soap

Entertainment

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

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

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

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

  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Horse riding nearby

Safety features

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

Similar properties

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Camp My Way Ocala National Forest Rodman Reservoir Fish/Hunt/Ride/Hike PRIVATE
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (39)
Camp My Way Ocala National Forest Rodman Reservoir Fish/Hunt/Ride/Hike PRIVATE

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

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

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 50 lb per pet)

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
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

Property is also known as

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

About the area

Interlachen

Located in Interlachen, this cottage is in a rural area. While the natural beauty of Ocala National Forest and Syracuse Island can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can head to Royal Manor Winery. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Visit our Interlachen travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Cottages in InterlachenOpens in a new window

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, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional) - 76 min drive

Restaurants

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

Frequently asked questions

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

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lb per pet.

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.

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

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

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

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Ocala National Forest and within 20 miles (32 km) of Syracuse Island and Hog Island. Beecher Springs and Mud Spring are also within 20 miles (32 km).

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