Entire home

Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Relax or Explore in the Ocala Forest.

Photo gallery for Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Relax or Explore in the Ocala Forest.

A rustic wooden building with a stone wall and a small waterfall. - Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Relax or Explore in the Ocala Forest. (Fort McCoy)
A kitchen with a wooden island, two wicker bar stools, a refrigerator, and a door with a circular window. - Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Relax or Explore in the Ocala Forest. (Fort McCoy)
A nighttime view of a garden with trees and a pathway. - Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Relax or Explore in the Ocala Forest. (Fort McCoy)
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a refrigerator, a window with a view, and a wooden countertop. - Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Relax or Explore in the Ocala Forest. (Fort McCoy)
A small, single-story cabin surrounded by trees. - Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Relax or Explore in the Ocala Forest. (Fort McCoy)
Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Relax or Explore in the Ocala Forest. provides amenities like a firepit and laundry facilities. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 687 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Add dates for prices

About this property

Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Relax or Explore in the Ocala Forest.

  • Calling all nature lovers! Hiking, four-wheeling, fishing and more. Located in the Ocala National Forest, near Rodman Dam. Create your base camp for a long weekend, a week or more. Looking for a few month’s stay? We can accommodate. 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 the full bath.

    Back patio overlooks grassy pond which brings in a variety of wildlife a special treat for birdwatching. A true forest escape, many activities are nearby. Enjoy the local springs, fishing, hunting, hiking or ATVs.

    Pet friendly with a $75 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). 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. High clearance vehicles are recommended. 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!

    ***Please take note you may not have WiFi-GPS services as you approach the area. G00gle Map is best but not accurate for our turn. Directions will be sent to you in advance. Please print them for your trip in case you loose your signal. ***

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Charcoal grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • No elevator
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: No smoking inside. $150 penalty held from deposit.

Location highlights

  • In a rural location

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 936 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Lock the doors
Turn off bedroom A/Cs and set dining room A/C to 78 prior to leaving.
Wednesday or Thursday check outs, please take garbage can to outside of gate for Friday pickup.
Thank you for staying. Be sure to book future dates with us soon!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

Bag all trash before putting it in garbage can. A $30 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.
Absolutely no rearranging inside furniture. A $50 extra charge will be added if furniture has to be moved after your stay.

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Previous huntcamp, keep eye on small ones please

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking inside. $150 penalty held from deposit.

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

About the neighborhood

Located in Interlachen, this cottage is in a rural area. Welaka National Fish Hatchery Aquarium is a local attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Ocala National Forest and Rodman Reservoir. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and hunting. Visit our Interlachen travel guide
View more Cottages in Interlachen
Map
FL, Fort McCoy

What's nearby

  • A calm river reflecting trees and sky.
    Rodman Reservoir
    6 min drive - 4.1 km
  • A clear blue water body surrounded by dense green foliage and trees.
    Silver Glen Springs Recreation
    39 min drive - 49.1 km
  • Lake Kerr
    26 min drive - 27.2 km
  • Rice Creek Conservation Area
    30 min drive - 39.5 km
  • Palatka Welcome Center
    32 min drive - 40.7 km

Getting around

  • Palatka Station
    33 min drive
  • Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV)
    76 min drive

Restaurants

  • Hog Valley Civic Center
    15 min drive
  • Hog Wild Country Cafe
    27 min drive
  • Backwoods Smokehouse
    27 min drive
  • Daytona
  • Hog Heaven
    11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Relax or Explore in the Ocala Forest. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Relax or Explore in the Ocala Forest.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Relax or Explore in the Ocala Forest.?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Relax or Explore in the Ocala Forest. located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is steps from Ocala National Forest and 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Rodman Reservoir. Lake Kerr is 9.5 mi (15.2 km) away.

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Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Relax or Explore in the Ocala Forest. Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 30 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 34 reviews

9.6

Cleanliness

9.4

Location

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely loved this stay! Saw lots of wildlife! It was perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway in nature!

Had an amazing time staying at this peaceful property in the Ocala National Forest, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. We enjoyed seeing a wide variety of local wildlife, property is near Salt Springs which is an amazing place to visit. Looking forward to staying again sometime in the future!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cabin!

Nice quiet area, and Cabin was fantastic. Cabin was very clean and not far from areas for hiking etc. Owners were very responsive and always responded very quickly. Thank you! We will definitely consider returning the next time we are in the area!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was as listed and it was such a peaceful place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome getaway!!

Great location for getting away from it all, very relaxing and comfortable, will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

We had a great relaxing time. The cabin was in good clean condition we had no problems.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wechad a great time

A nice place with a lot of wildlife around.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Restful and relaxing

Pleasant, quiet, peaceful stay in a lovely cottage. An added bonus was an evening visit from a friendly bear.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Mother's Day Weekend

Was our second time visiting and we had an absolute amazing time ridding trails and just relaxing. We seen so much wildlife, 2 fox squirrels, a snake, some turkeys, and even a bear. The best ever mini vacation.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place for a weekend getaway

Property is nice. It’s a work in progress but it is obvious that the owners put a lot of work into it. It was a hot summer weekend and the house was nice and cool. It has all basic amenities and close to some of the springs around Ocala. Overall a nice place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous

We have been here many times because of the awesomeness of the owners. We always feel right at home. The quietness and the wildlife is the best. We love ridding trails. We saw lots of bears, deers, turles, quail, guineas, rabbits, and birds. It is the best place to relax and enjoy mother nature.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location to enjoy Ocala National Forrest

Quiet secluded location with all the comforts of home. Clean and well kept , we had no issues or concerns the host’s were excellent communicators and friendly . My daughter and husband are avid ATV trail riders so they LOVED NOT having to pack up and go to trail head . They just hoped on the atv and went . Ocala national Forrest is a wonderful place to get away and enjoy nature .
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ocala fun

If you’re looking to stay at a great place near the Ocala National Forest, this place is excellent. We were able to take our SxS from the property and ride tons of national forest trails. It close to hog Waller and Salt springs. Also the renters were excellent communicators and the house was clean with a great view of the pond. Thank you Tina!! I’m sure we will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

If you enjoy nature and being outdoors this place is for you!

Perfect place to stay if you love fishing or trail riding. The house was like home away from home. Very comfortable and clean. Multiple boat ramps within 30 mins or less to Rodman Reservoir or Ocklawaha River and trails are by the house. We loved the seclusion and the feeling of it just being us. We watched a beautiful sunrise off the porch and sat in the living room and bird watched looking out the sliding glass doors while eating breakfast. It was a perfect way to celebrate our Anniversary. The owner had great communication and everything was already in detail so we didn't have to ask any questions. Our stay was smooth. Thank you so much for sharing your house. We will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rustic Getaway

Tina is such a gracious host! The property was as described in the middle of the National Forest. It is a perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The home was quite accommodating for all five of us. The kitchen is rather small, it is not a complaint, however, an observation. There is limited counter space so plan meals accordingly. We had hoped that the weather would've been a little cooler for late November, but the property was a lot of fun. The swing was a great addition and all three of our teenagers took turns swinging on it! One thing more, we were grateful we had a Jeep Wrangler to get to this property, if we had had a car, it would've been a challenge to get there. All in all, it was a fabulous weekend and we quite enjoyed ourselves.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice Stay

We stayed for a weekend so we could work on our land close by. The beds were comfortable and the shower had better pressure than ours at home. We enjoyed sitting on the small back porch in the evenings. Penner Pond Rd was impossible for us to drive into off of FR74. Someone had gotten stuck and dug ruts so deep my 2 wheel drive truck couldn't go through there. We went back out to FR74 and came in on Boree Blvd. That worked out great. We cooked while we were there and there was everything we needed except a pot big enough to boil corn in and a 9x13 pan. If you plan on doing a lot of cooking, be sure to bring any specialty items you may need.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to visit.

The was good just wish they would have mention that if you are coming to trail ride that you have to trailer your machines to the trailhead. The roads leading to the house are tight and was hard to pull a trailer of 20 foot long down the tight paths. The house was nice but there was trash under one of the beds and the bathroom needs an exhaust fan since that bedroom does not have a fan or AC unit.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

County Vaca

Tina was very easy to contact. She was very friendly and welcoming. We love the size of the home and the flexibility of multiple bedrooms for our family to stay comfortably. We had access to a fire pit, a grill, a swing for the kids and a bird feeder which was convenient & a nice treat. The best road to the stay was a little hard to find and other road was a little rougher than we thought. I would definitely stay again if I'm ever in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

😍😍 will be going back

Loved it. Kids had so much fun. It was far away from stores but so peaceful
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nature Lovers Home Base

This lovely cottage is in a central location in the Ocala National Forest. It was conveniently located to many trails and salt springs. It's on a lovely pond with abundant wildlife all around. It was so quiet the peepers sang us to sleep each night. The home had every modern amenity. We were able to cook all of our meals for a week. The weather was unseasonably warm and the air conditioning worked wonderfully. Everything we needed, including wifi, was provided. My husband was easily able to do some work. The bed was very comfortable. It was also great to pack less and be able to do laundry. Lots of attention to cleaning at this cottage. We will choose this cottage again when we visit the Ocala National Forest.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022