Main Page - Lake Griffin State Park

View of a Limpkin on a tree along the Dead River.

Manager's Message

Fall has arrived! Have you been outside lately? We’d love to have you come visit our park. Lake Griffin offers a wonderful outdoor experience for the whole family. The park’s oak-canopied picnic area provides a great spot to cook-out, relax, read a book, play horseshoes, or watch the children have fun on the playground. Take a stroll along our half-mile nature trail and you’ll find something that will amaze children and adults alike: the 5th largest Live Oak tree in Florida. How many people does it take to reach all the way around the tree?

Campers will find clean restrooms and showers conveniently located nearby their campsites, as well as an easy-to-access laundry facility. Many of our campsites are shaded and well-buffered offering a comfortable and enjoyable experience for our campers. Build a campfire in the ring on your site, sit by the firelight, roast marshmallows, and have a memorable outdoor camping experience with your friends and family.

Although we are not located directly on the shore of Lake Griffin, the park does have boat access to the lake through the Dead River. Recent heavy rainfall has increased the lake level significantly. Boats up to 20' in length can be launched from our ramp. The marshlands and river provide beautiful scenery with a variety of wildlife to be enjoyed, including anhinga, ducks, herons, soft shelled turtles, and yes, often American alligators make an appearance. Aside from wildlife viewing, fishing is a large part of the park’s available activities. Bluegill, large mouth bass, catfish and crappie are just a few of the fish anglers can expect to catch in the boat basin, along the river or on the lake. Whether you bring your own watercraft or rent a canoe, there is plenty to do and see out on the peaceful water.

Don’t suffer from nature deficit disorder! Go outdoors today, visit the park, have a picnic, and enjoy …the Real Florida!

- Doug Watson, Park Manager

Welcome to Lake Griffin State Park

Located within an hour of central Florida attractions and theme parks, this park is home to one of the state's largest live oak trees. A short trail near the park entrance takes visitors to the mammoth oak tree. A canal connects the park to Lake Griffin, the eighth largest lake in Florida, where visitors can enjoy boating and canoeing, as well as fishing. Anglers will find plenty of largemouth bass, bluegill, speckled perch, and catfish. Visitors can observe the park's wildlife while picnicking or strolling along the half-mile nature trail. A shady, full-facility campground beckons travelers to spend the night or an entire vacation here. There is no swimming due to a healthy alligator population. Located three miles north of Leesburg and 30 miles south of Ocala.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Lake Griffin State Park, please call 352-360-6760.

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Hours of Operation

8:00 a.m. to Sunset - Daily

Driving Directions

Lake Griffin State Park is located 2 miles north of Leesburg and 30 miles south of Ocala. The park is also within an hour of central Florida's major attractions.