Lake Weir encompasses nearly 5,700 acres in Florida's Marion County. The town of Oklawaha occupies the northern shore while private residences line most of the remaining shoreline. The area's biggest draw is its natural beauty and plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors doing everything from fishing to hiking and mountain biking on the trails at the various parks and the nearby national forest.
Parks
- Lake Weir features five parks and recreation areas with direct access to the water. These include the Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Area, Hampton Beach, W.H. Willoughby Park, Hope Boat Ramp and Kiwanis Beach. All of the parks feature picnic areas and all but W.H. Willoughby Park have public restrooms. The Hope Boat Ramp on the southern shore and Carney Island on the western shore, are the only places where visitors can launch watercraft such as jet skis, kayaks, motor boats and sailboats. Kiwanis Beach to the southeast, Hampton Beach to the northeast and Carney Island are all great spots for a nice swim. Fishing is restricted to Carney Island, the Hope Boat Ramp and W.H. Willoughby Park.
On the Lake
- Motor boats, jet skis, sailboats and canoes are just a few of the ways people choose to enjoy a day on the lake. Park passes, available from the Marion County Parks & Recreation Department website, cover your vehicle, your boat and up to eight people. Fishing is another favorite activity. Anglers reel in bluegills, largemouth bass, chain pickerel and several other species from the shore or the deck of their pleasure craft. March and April are especially good for shellcracker fishing. The white sand beaches at Kiwanis Beach, Hampton Beach and Carney Island make them perfect spots to enjoy the Florida sun with an occasional dip to cool off with a relaxing swim.
Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area
- The Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area sits roughly 3 miles northeast of Lake Weir. This 6,000-acre conservation project seeks to restore the Ocklawaha River to its natural state as a flood plain. The restoration area is on the edge of the Ocala National Forest and offers visitors the chance to explore the trails on foot, by bike or on horseback. Besides being a great place to go canoeing and trekking, nature lovers may even get a chance to spot some of the indigenous wildlife like sandhill cranes or black bears that live in this protected area.
Ocala National Forest
- The Ocala National Forest is made up of pine scrubs, lakes and hiking trails situated between the Ocklawaha River and the St. Johns River. The Ocklawaha Visitor Center, about 35 minutes north of Lake Weir, is the closest entrance to the lake. Besides the gift shop, which offers maps, interpretive guides and other souvenirs, the visitor center also provides trail access to the Silver River Trail. This 3-mile hike takes people through typical river basin and pine-palmetto flatwoods and is perfect for day hikers who want to experience the forest without the need to camp.
