Exploring the Ocala National Forest in Florida

Exploring Florida's beautiful and Squatchy Ocala National Forest.
Copyright © Petakov Media 2021.

[@curtis10of10]

I live in South Florida, but love the whole area around Ocala. This has inspired me to plan a camping weekend!

[@AleksPetakov]

Glad to hear that! Enjoy, there are some awesome areas down there!

[@solarindependentutilitysystems]

Yes the owls at night are really awesome to hear ! We seen a family of baby owls here north of the forest ! Feeding birds is better than tv

[@haydenarchambault2927]

Just imagine driving down those remote sand roads at night with a thermal imaging system.

[@TrailTrek]

Enjoyed this so much! More videos like this showing the stunning landscapes away from populated area in the good old USA. thumbs up from the UK

[@AleksPetakov]

Thank you! Definitely will be putting more stuff like this out.

[@KelliburnsBlondieRepresent]

Thanks I am not to far I always want to go out West to the mountains I really need to take a second look at how beautiful Florida is. Thanks Kelli Burns Navarre Florida

[@jmoniquet]

Wow… music… scenery… peaceful solo vibe in a state that has become such a popular tourist destination. Beautiful footage! Well done!! Makes me miss my remote camping days. Living near Ocala Nat Forest now. Great inspiration 🙏🏻🐊

[@bottomlinebassin2001]

I'm from Georgia and camped and fished alot in the Okeefenokee swamp, amazing how similar it is. Awesome video 💪🏻🐟

[@hendo3680]

i live in south florida and this video made me fall in love again

[@AleksPetakov]

Glad to hear that! Beautiful state you all have down there!

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

FWIW: I have lived in northeastern North Carolina since the mid-1990s. However, I am originally from St. Petersburg, Florida. I also lived in Dade County, Florida from 1988 to 1995. I _WISH_ I had been *MORE AWARE* of the BF phenomenon when I was living there {in Florida}.

[@exploringbros3076]

Damn, the cinematic shots are dopeee

[@jonussmith7404]

You should start another channel to upload the sounds you capture at night. I see some sleep, relaxing and just hearing nature videos about 8 to 10 hours long. Yours sounds so relaxing.

[@oscarcarrillo7859]

Great scenery and enjoying nature at its best. Liked the shoots over night 🌙 looking at the stars. Simple the best 👌 Best KZbin channel by far. Thanks for sharing bud.

[@AleksPetakov]

Thanks Oscar, appreciate the love!

[@jenniferdavis3410]

I grew up down there. Lived in a remote section of Ocala. Most of my family is from Florida. I miss it every day up here in Ohio. Thank you :)

[@tobygilliland7257]

Beautiful place for sure Aleks 👍 I know it's full of sasquatch. Atleast that is what I hear. Perfect habitat for many species to thrive. Thanks for sharing this with us. God bless 🙏

[@davidjones5237]

Well done brother. I grew up in the Ocala National Forest, but havent been back in a long time. Real nice seeing my formative land

[@michael99144]

Very cool. Thank you.

[@mariannesouza8326]

That was wonderful; thank you!

[@diomiherrington]

Oh my God! I live in Seattle but I’m originally from Palm Bay/Melbourne and I used to take trips to Silver Glen when I was a kid! Used to go Airboating around the area but would take a Speedboat right though the big lake and float to the mouth of Silver Glen and swim from the boat into the Glen. I was about 8-9 years old. I was fortunate. Anyway thanks for the vid.

[@AleksPetakov]

Awesome! Sounds like an awesome way to grow up and enjoy those beautiful natural places.

[@ronbenjamin4351]

I was driving by Hog Walker in NE National Forest on a Thursday night about 8pm. This was about 5 years ago. I was in my Tacoma and something tall and huge walked out crossed the rode and stood behind a tree watching me! Its head was as tall as the roof of my truck!!! Call me crazy but I saw it. The very next day on the sheriff FB account there was a ton of listings of a huge man running through people me back yards!!

[@tigerpisces5506]

If i lived Ocala? I would camp every weekend here. Looks like paradise to me compared to the Maddening Crowd here in California. Every where you go, there's a stampede of humanity.

[@CentralFloridaBigfoot]

Very nice! Let’s do it!

[@mikejohns3104]

As a Florida native I didn't even know you could camp out there. Thought it was illegal.

[@tigerpisces5506]

Lovely. Have family in Ocala, FL. Maybe a visit would be nice. Like to camp 🏕 in Ocala National Park.

[@chipps1066]

I really enjoyed the video,I'm from Georgia and there is so much more beauty in the interior of Florida and Georgia than the beaches.That breakfast looked great.Glad to see you were armed,did you have to have a special permit since you were in a national forest?

[@AleksPetakov]

So true! The beaches are great (but often crowded) so I totally prefer the hidden natural areas! Would love to check out Georgia a little more. On my trip back from Florida I visited Darien, GA right near the mouth of the Altamaha river, supposed home of the "Altamaha-ha" or "Altie", an alleged aquatic cryptid. I'm working on a video about that! As for the armed part, as in many national forests across the country, state and local apply (although make sure you check beforehand) so Florida firearm laws apply here. While I am licensed to carry in the state of Florida, you are permitted to openly carry a firearm to and from a shooting range, while hunting, fishing or camping (even if you don't have a license to carry). Open carry is generally prohibited in Florida, so make sure you follow up with the state laws closely!

[@mikebobson2768]

@@AleksPetakov Can I open carry only at my campsite or while I am going through the trails to my next site.

[@AleksPetakov]

@@mikebobson2768 Not entirely sure, it's best to look up online legal resources on the matter.

[@SilentPrepperFL]

Awesome video... Very inspiring.... subscribed.

[@AleksPetakov]

Awesome, thank you!

[@peterupdikeswildtreasures4055]

Fun video, hope you find your Sasquatch, Never stop looking. exploring, discovering.........Peace

[@raymondparsons902]

Go out to ONF 2-3 times a month, still looking for Sasquatch. Have seen Florida Panther and Black Bear. Great video!!

[@solarindependentutilitysystems]

Ten miles away ! It’s awesome out there! When I go camping I will bring my Solar for sure ! Lights running water stand up showers like I did moving here a decade ago after fleeing Indianas burning garbage issues. Author of Solar Independent Utility Systems Manual online Induction cookers are awesome btw no fuel

[@stevengarcia1105]

I trial ride also my weekly in Ocala!!!!!

[@embededfabrication4482]

the ontario sasquatch fly direct to orlando and take the shuttle to ocala

[@yir9383]

Cool...thanks for posting!!!

[@giannabella9183]

The Dwight Yoakam music! ♡♡♡

[@billmers3219]

Awesome job aleks, that was very interesting! Loved your drone work! Such a beautiful area, I'm sure that was quite an experience! Loved the water video as well. You're a hard-working man with integrity, Enjoy Sasquatch out of the shadows, keep up the good work, your friend bill! BTW that food looked really good 👍

[@AleksPetakov]

Appreciate the kind words Bill! It's hard not to share my enjoyment of nature with the audience, we're so lucky to have such beautiful nature all around us and I just hope I can convey that while having fun in the outdoors and thinking about the Sasquatch topic!

[@dompiumelli]

Cool video, y'all were pretty much camping in our backyard! lol profile pic was taken in Ocala! 😆

[@chadwickbosemanforever3137]

AMAZING!

[@juanitakersey3803]

OMG !. You all in my stompin' grounds! Plenty more other places to squatch too here. awesome

[@AleksPetakov]

Oh I'm sure! I'd love to spend more time down there.

[@haydenarchambault2927]

From the reports i've seen, Sasquatches in Florida seem to be the same species as up north, but on average shorter and lighter. Reports od reddish-brown hair are more common, which might be the result of a local population bottleneck.

[@ooodareooo]

Very cool, loved the video!

[@lorenzoechevarria3235]

Wife and I went 2 day camping at juniper springs. Going to Alexander Springs soon. I would like to do this sorta camping though. Away from everyone. Where did you camp at if you don't mind sharing.

[@Exodus26.13Pi]

Why all the sad music? GREAT content 👍

[@AleksPetakov]

Thanks! Guess I thought it was more dramatic and peaceful than sad!

[@JamesKulungRai]

Any issues with flying drone there , like any permit required ? Im planning to do same, any advice would help? flying as a recreational.

[@yasirisfernandez1802]

Have the same question

[@acmecompany]

Nice video

[@ericrivera7191]

Good video, what cameras do you use and what model of drone?

[@AleksPetakov]

This was done with a 2017 DJI Mavic Pro!

[@haydenarchambault2927]

Northern florida activity has been picking up for some reason lately, south of crestview. Keep an eye out there.

[@johncaban4310]

What route did you take to drive your vehicle on? Looked at these trails on alltrail and a lot state it is too narrow for vehicles. Will be coming down from Massachusetts with my Outback to sleep in and would like to know what trails to use? Thanks for the video

[@AleksPetakov]

I can't remember specifically, I drove on a variety of roads out there. Just be careful of the sugar sand, especially if it's raining. I got stuck out there last year like that in my friends Honda Ridgeline and had to pay $300 to get pulled out of the sand.

[@jbram63]

Sick vid! Love the footage from air and ground. Looking forward to explore this place soon. Can’t help but wonder though…have you ever seen a sunset at 7:20 in the morning (2:25) in Florida? haha Cheers!

[@AleksPetakov]

I misspoke! It was too early in the morning for me haha

[@dakentaijutsu2010]

I currently live in South Florida (PSL FL) but I always found North/Central Florida wilderness beautiful (especially the Ocala national forest) and I always wanted to see it up close, but I'm gonna be honest, I know nothing about camping!

[@jenniferserrao4966]

I’m planning on camping in Ocala National forest soon, what do you do about your food? Did you hang it to keep it from bears? Seems like it would be very difficult to hang a bear bag with nothing but pine trees.

[@AleksPetakov]

I kept all trash and food in tightly sealed container doubled containers and bags and within the car. That might not be the most effective method in some areas, but around that time this past winter when I was there in Florida is when Florida Black Bears are less active. Black Bears don't quite hibernate in Florida but they become "lethargic" and generally aren't as active in the winter months as they might be at other times of year, so I would recommend doing some researcher. If you're going to be in a campsite, some campsites have those big metal bear boxes, but like I said it's best to do some research before you go.

[@jenniferserrao4966]

@@AleksPetakov thanks I appreciate the info, I’ll probably be going more towards the winter as well as to not die of a heat stroke. Lol

[@AleksPetakov]

@@jenniferserrao4966 Smart! Yeah I love Florida but definitely not this time of year with that darn humidity. You should be all good in that case, either way have fun!

[@SnakeEyes223]

Awesome video and beautiful scenery! I go out cruising some of the 4x4 trails in Ocala National Forest occasionally. I'm very interested in checking out the areas you show at the 4:35 and 7:35 minute marks. What forest road can I take to get to those areas? They look awesome for camping.

[@Kris-yi6fm]

I live in the ONF and in my area there are ATV UTV trails . I believe you can use a search engine for off road trails in the ocala national forest.

[@EJJANS01]

Would you be willing to share the directions or coordinates of that camping spot next to the prairie? I want to go out there this weekend and would love to stop by there!

[@kevini4295]

Sounds like a great place. Need to go exploring myself. Do you carry any type of energy radio, gps beacon? Also hiking boots to prevent potential snake bite? Do you always take the shotgun? I would probably take a my pistol.

[@AleksPetakov]

I usually have a Garmin Inreach explorer satellite communicator with me, but you can get somewhat decent service in parts of the Ocala National forest, other parts have no service. I've found muck boots with snake guards to work well for me when I'm in Florida, but perhaps the Floridians have a better recommendation. The shotgun was probably overkill, but the only other firearm I had at the time was a smaller 9mm.

[@kevini4295]

@@AleksPetakov Muck boots with snake guards are fine. I live in Florida, but grew up in the northeast. I have explored the Ocala National Forest a little, but need to do more. I have my concealed carry permit, but rarely carry. I have a 9mm Glock I would take when hiking though. God forbid I would ever need to use it.

[@ericrivera7191]

Brother can you camp freely or do you have to pay something or register somewhere?

[@AleksPetakov]

Dispersed camping is allowed in the Ocala National Forest. It's important to follow the guidelines however as to preserve some of these wild places for future visitation: www.fs.usda.gov/activity/florida/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=70792&actid=34

[@ericrivera7191]

Thanks broo..

[@parkininparadise]

Great job informing us on how much wilderness I actually in Fla...do you think I could get a 30' travel trailer to that camp? I have 4wd truck..is it just off a FS rd?..have coordination by chance? Thanks so much for your efforts!

[@AleksPetakov]

Hmm I'm not sure. I think it might be possible, the only issue is some tight turns on the sandy road, I'd be worried about sinking in a little bit there, but then again I have no experience with travel trailers. 4WD on those roads however is perfect!

[@marthawashington209]

Brother your a dude after my own heart!!!Have pasts will travel!!! Who says Italians can't Rough it...lol...peace God Bless!!! I'l a tutte zitti a Monga..

[@tigerpisces5506]

They have manatees in Lake Ocala? Who knew?

[@hearanecho]

What cooler do you use?

[@AleksPetakov]

Not sure of the brand but it was a cheap one from walmart, maybe $25 or so!

[@jeanroeder5534]

I was going to do a trip through on my own and was cautioned not to do that because there are numerous homeless people living in the forest

[@jeanroeder5534]

Did you come across any homeless people in the forest?

[@AleksPetakov]

Not yet! I've been there twice and camped in some of the more remote spots, I know there are issues with homeless there occasionally but have yet to run across anything.

[@insightandintuition276]

I don’t like those trees at All that place looks baron to me.Are there any campgrounds in central Florida or anywhere in Florida that has flash greenery like upstate New York?

[@opeyonecanopy]

Brown Owl

[@scygnius]

For this man to be in a hoodie AND a puffy jacket in *Florida* ... Yeah I don’t think he’s from my part of the country lol

[@AleksPetakov]

It's a light shell jacket over a hoodie. I guess it's not cool to be comfy early in the morning when it's chilly ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@FSU-xn8em]

My ex-wife is a skunk ape.