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Experiences & Amenities

Back to Ross Prairie Trailhead & Campground

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  • Cross Florida Greenway
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Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling

Approximately 5.7 miles of natural surface single-track trails are accessible from this trailhead and campground. Traveling 1.3 miles on this multi-use section of the Florida Trail north of the campground will connect you to the western end of a 16-mile-long paved multi-use trail that ends at the Santos Trailhead.

  • Helmets are recommended for all cyclists on our trails. Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
Birding
Birding

The Ross Prairie area has hawks and other upland avian species around it as well as various waterfowl and wading bird species when there in water in the ephemeral prairie located north of the trailhead and campground on the east side of State Road 200.

Camping
Camping

Ross Prairie is a full-service campground with 14 sites, each available with 30- and 50-amp electrical pedestals as well as potable water hookups. Picnic pavilions, a dump station and a bathhouse are available in the campground.

For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.

Camping Equestrian
Camping Equestrian

The Ross Prairie Campground provides equestrian camping facilities with high tie posts at all 14 sites with the option of using personal portable stalls/pens if preferred. There is also a designated horse wash-down area in the campground for post ride cool down.

For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.

Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking

Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices. It's effectively an inexpensive, interactive, high-tech treasure hunt that's a great way to learn geography. Participants use location coordinates to find caches. Some caches are easy to find; others are more difficult.

The biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place where you have never been. Geocaching should have minimal impact to the environment and conscientious land-use ethics should be followed.

  • Operation Recreation GeoTour
  • Numerous geocaches have been placed all along the Cross Florida Greenway. Locations are available via the various geocaching websites available online.
Hiking
Hiking

The Florida National Scenic Trail has a 1-mile-long shared blue blaze multi-use connector that connects to the Ross Prairie Trailhead and out to the main orange blazed through trail that runs east and west across the greenway between Dunnellon (west) and Santos (east). Maps are available from the Florida Trail Association. These trails are considered moderate in difficulty.

Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding

Fourteen miles of equestrian trails are located in this segment of the greenway between State Road 200 and County Road 484. The trails meander through upland sandhill communities as well as the 1930s Depression era historic sea-level Cross Florida Ship Canal diggings to the east of Ross Prairie. There is a day use equine trailhead with a horse wash-down facility.

Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking

Nearly 5.7 miles of single-track trails are located in this segment of the greenway between State Road 200 and County Road 484. The trails meander through upland sandhill communities as well as the 1930s Depression era historic sea-level Cross Florida Ship Canal diggings to the east of Ross Prairie.

  • Helmets are recommended for all cyclists on our trails. Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
Picnicking
Picnicking

Picnicking is available in the covered pavilion or in open grassy areas as desired.

Walking and Running
Walking and Running

The Florida National Scenic Trail has a 1-mile-long shared blue blaze multi-use connector between the Ross Prairie Trailhead and out to the main orange blazed through trail that runs east and west across the greenway between Dunnellon (west) and Santos (east). Maps are available from the Florida Trail Association. These trails are considered moderate in difficulty.

Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Diverse species of wildlife are available for viewing in the Ross Prairie segment of the greenway. This is attributable to the diverse habitats in this area with the seasonal Ross Prairie wetland, particularly when flooded, along with the surrounding xeric sandhill and oak island communities. Species often seen include deer, turkey and numerous types of birds and reptiles.

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities

The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to visitors.

These amenities include:

  • Accessible restroom/bathhouse.
  • Accessible picnic pavilion.
  • Accessible parking.

Service animals are welcome in all areas of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.

Campgrounds
Campgrounds

Ross Prairie is a full-service campground with 14 sites, each available with 30- and 50-amp electrical pedestals as well as potable water hookups. There are also picnic pavilions, a dump station and a bathhouse available in the campground.

For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.

Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail

Nearly 14 miles of equestrian trails are located in this segment of the greenway between State Road 200 and County Road 484. The trails meander through upland sandhill communities as well as the 1930s Depression era historic sea-level Cross Florida Ship Canal diggings to the east of Ross Prairie. There is a day use equine trailhead with a horse wash-down facility.

Parking
Parking

The Ross Prairie Trailhead provides ample paved parking for cars, trucks and RVs for day use as well as the compacted shell surface within the equestrian friendly campground for overnight guests.

Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets

Pets are welcome at Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. All pets must be on a hand-held, 6-foot leash at all times. Pets may not be left unattended.

  • Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles.
  • Service animals are allowed in all areas of the park.
  • See our Pet Policy.
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion

There is a picnic pavilion located within the Ross Prairie day use area.

 

Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities

Restrooms are located at Ross Prairie for use by daytime visitors and registered campers.

RV
RV

Ross Prairie is a full-service campground with 14 sites, each available with 30- and 50-amp electrical pedestals as well as potable water hookups. There are also picnic pavilions, a dump station and a bathhouse available in the campground.

For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.

Water Fountain
Water Fountain

Public potable water is available at the Ross Prairie Trailhead.

Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible

The day use parking, picnic pavilion and restroom facility are all wheelchair accessible.

Florida State Parks

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(850) 245-2157

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