Conquering the Ocala National Forest: A Bronco Adventure with Muddy Mishaps and Shelter Lessons

[RustysBronco]

Sharing my most recent offroading experience over the long weekend. This past weekend wasn't just about escaping the city; it was about testing my Bronco's capabilities in the unforgiving terrain of the Ocala National Forest. As I navigated the sandy trails, the forest unfolded its beauty – towering pines, sun-dappled clearings, and the occasional burnt offering of the forest.

The forest, however, had other plans for me. As the heavens opened up, the sandy trails transformed into mud bogs. My Bronco, as expected plowed through the muck with ease. But the downpour had a surprise waiting for me back at camp.

My hastily chosen tent, more suited for a casual backyard campout, succumbed to the relentless rain. I spent a soggy night huddled under the leaking shelter, vowing to invest in a proper all-weather tent before my next adventure.

The experience was a humbling one, reminding me that respecting the elements is crucial for any off-road trip. But even with a soggy tent and mud-caked clothes, the thrill of conquering the trails made the weekend unforgettable.

Another highlight of the trip came when I stumbled upon an adjoining campsite teeming with fellow Bronco enthusiasts. Their rigs, decked out in mud and sporting custom decals, were a sight to behold.

So, if you're planning an off-road adventure, remember: choose your shelter wisely, pack for the unexpected, and embrace the mud – it's all part of the experience!

Photo credit to Chad @ King Creative Photography

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[Fossil]

Heyyy a fellow Florida Trail Stomper. Love that water crossing photo (is it even a mud pit? lol)

 

[DoYouBronco]

We were camping down there too this weekend. I think you may have actually been next to us in Hopkins prairie, we were a bigger group of mostly Broncos

 

[vbrad26]

Haven't made it to Ocala yet. But definitely on the list.
Great pics.

 

[Beach_Bum]

Heyyy a fellow Florida Trail Stomper. Love that water crossing photo (is it even a mud pit? lol)

He's not the only one.

 

[RustysBronco]

We were camping down there too this weekend. I think you may have actually been next to us in Hopkins prairie, we were a bigger group of mostly Broncos

That's actually where we were camped out, so you're probably right. I saw you guys and then I saw my tent on the ground. Started hitting the bourbon pretty hard after that, so if stopping by and saying hi was on the docket, I probably wouldn't have been the best company.

 

[Faust]

Practically in my back yard

What trails did you hit? I haven't been out there in a while, but there are a lot of tight trails in ONF - I would prefer to hit some that won't mimic a cheese grater.

 

[Aonarch]

Make sure you have the alternator shield.

 

[Ninjak]

Nice! Look like a great time. I have not been to Ocala yet, I was at Ol Florida last month, I plan to get to Hard Rock, and then Ocala. Have to plan that trip out of Miami.

You may have seen some from our group, Miami Dade Bronco's I think they were camping somewhere last weekend.

 

[Medicin3man]

I am in Eustis and have a Raptor. I am nervous that the trails are a little too tight. Maybe a get together soon??

 

[lethalchristy]

Awesome pics!! I just got my Bronco (I live in north Gardens, I see you're in Jupiter) and I can't wait to get it dirty. Sucks we don't have anything around here.

I did join Florida Trail Stompers and am going to their Beginners meetup on March 9th. Can't wait to do more.

 

[TheRealSasquatch]

I grew up not far from Ocala. I hate mud so I moved to the high desert of Colorado. I much prefer to roll over rocks than slog through mud. Although the snow here isn’t much better than mud.

 

[RustysBronco]

I grew up not far from Ocala. I hate mud so I moved to the high desert of Colorado. I much prefer to roll over rocks than slog through mud. Although the snow here isn’t much better than mud.

How do you like that Gazelle tent? I was told this weekend that's what I should have bought.

 

[bgcfman]

Sharing my most recent offroading experience over the long weekend. This past weekend wasn't just about escaping the city; it was about testing my Bronco's capabilities in the unforgiving terrain of the Ocala National Forest. As I navigated the sandy trails, the forest unfolded its beauty – towering pines, sun-dappled clearings, and the occasional burnt offering of the forest.

The forest, however, had other plans for me. As the heavens opened up, the sandy trails transformed into mud bogs. My Bronco, as expected plowed through the muck with ease. But the downpour had a surprise waiting for me back at camp.

My hastily chosen tent, more suited for a casual backyard campout, succumbed to the relentless rain. I spent a soggy night huddled under the leaking shelter, vowing to invest in a proper all-weather tent before my next adventure.

The experience was a humbling one, reminding me that respecting the elements is crucial for any off-road trip. But even with a soggy tent and mud-caked clothes, the thrill of conquering the trails made the weekend unforgettable.

Another highlight of the trip came when I stumbled upon an adjoining campsite teeming with fellow Bronco enthusiasts. Their rigs, decked out in mud and sporting custom decals, were a sight to behold.

So, if you're planning an off-road adventure, remember: choose your shelter wisely, pack for the unexpected, and embrace the mud – it's all part of the experience!

View attachment 613559

My wife and I enjoy tooling through Ocala national forest as well as a couple of our grandsons. My wife wouldn’t camp there or anywhere else…,she enjoys the comfort of home. The forest is beautiful, and you know what you might see.

 

[bgcfman]

I am in Eustis and have a Raptor. I am nervous that the trails are a little too tight. Maybe a get together soon??

Given the width of the Raptor, you would likely get some light schratches.

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