Lake in the Forest, Oklawaha (Ocala), FL Site 39 ~ 9/03/10-9/06/10

This was our first 3 Night ~ Holiday Camping Trip. We got there Friday night after they closed at 5:30, but the owner stayed late for our arrival, around 7:30pm. Great family owned and managed campground. We settled in fairly quickly, for a really unleveled site. It was a challenge to assist with directing Neil on pulling through and backing up and so forth and so on, onto itty bitty wood planks to "level" the site. The wood pieces were a bit too thin for my liking, or for the trailer's desire as they would not stay put on these pieces, but he prevailed, as always... and did the best he could to level out the camper for the next few nights. It is always a bit tense, while the kids have got to sit tight until we get set up, but then they were off. They went out in teams to explore, but in site of parents while we I got dinner ready. After a quick dinner and setting up the chairs and mat outside, we got to relax for a bit before we started the bedtime camping routine :) But before that, we went on a family bike ride. It was tough, as Owen had on his training wheels which don't mix well with the soft sand. We brought all the bikes for the first time (carting them in the camper) and took full advantage of our new mobility. We found a few trails, especially the one that leads to the dock.

Morning started early, as the boys were anxious to get a chance on the dirt trails on their bikes. . While I was working on the inside cooking, Neil was out cooking on the outside griddle, all while helping my youngest get his training wheels off(as I was unaware). When I came out to call them all to breakfast ~ he was officially was a true bike rider (amazing quick learner, all of 20 minutes) We had been trying this for about 6 months, so this was a HUGE accomplishment. Once he learned ~ he was off all weekend, trying to jump trails with his older brothers!!

Our daughter got to head to the rec room for the first of the scheduled crafts ~ a glass picture frame ~ that she got to create and design! This campground was cool for this, as they had fun crafts lined up all weekend for the kids, which there were alot of at the campground. After she was done, we headed to the pool for a few hours of relaxation and a little sun before the sprinkles started. Saturday night, our little singer loved the fact that they had a band there and 8000 songs to choose from for Karaoke. If anyone knows her, knows she loves the spotlight. She was one of the first to sign up, and did so 6 times. She sang Miley Cyrus, Hannah, Carrie Underwood, and was disapointed that they didn't have any Zradio artists (Christian Contemporary) She did an awesome job, and loved getting to watch the videos that we got of her singing. The youngest got to go up on stage on the last song :)  

The next day, more swiming, bike riding, exploring, fishing, gator watching but most of all llama and goat walking. Yes they had a small petting zoo to feed, walk, and pet the animals :)

I told you they were kid friendly...

REVIEW: Nice family friends campground, with 40 sites and 8 or so cabins. Lake front access with canoe/kayak rentals, heated pool, full hook ups, kids activities, rec hall, and lots of room to play. The kids loved the group campfire along with karaoke and dancing Saturday night and the chance to meet lots of other kids!!! The site that we had was the only pull through that they had (or could tell) but it was very unlevel. Great and complete shade and pretty much on it's own. Some of the other sites were fairly close to one another, but all sites looked pretty nice. Will come back to same site with the leveling blocks next time!