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

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

Enjoy two patios with views of pond wildlife!
View as you approach 110 Penner Pond
Set for fall… enjoy a home cooked meal or your favorites from the outdoor grill.
Relax in comfort while overlooking the patio & pond.
Entrance at the kitchen (under the covered patio)

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

Reviews
9.8 out of 10 Exceptional
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen

Explore the area

Map
Fort McCoy, FL
  • Popular LocationOcala National Forest1 min walk
  • Popular LocationSilver Glen Springs Recreation41 min drive
  • Popular LocationSilver Springs State Park60 min drive
  • AirportGainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)75 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bunk Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining Area

About this property

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
Premier Host
Premier Host

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Previous huntcamp, keep eye on small ones please

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 50 lbs per pet (limit 2 pets total)

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking inside. $150 penalty held from deposit.
Bag all trash before putting it in garbage can. A $50 fine otherwise. Keep our forest clean. Also for bear prevention.
Trailer ATVs to appropriate parking areas. Install Avenza and get the WMA maps for Ocala. They are for licensed vehicles to help stay on legal trail.
$50 non refundable pet fee. $50 per night for each additional guest above 6.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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

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 check out Royal Manor Winery. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Fort McCoy, FL

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

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 28 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 28 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 28 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 28 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 28 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jeanie P.

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

About the host

Hosted by Tina Arant

Host profile image
We are both licensed Florida real estate agents. More importantly, we love to explore new areas. When COVID locked us down to Florida only, we decided to share our love of our forest property with others.

Why they chose this property

A piece of old Florida that remains in the peaceful area of the Ocala Forest. It is a nice little escape not too far from convinces but allows you to enjoy serene evenings star gazing or exploring many of central Florida’s activities.

Premier Host

Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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