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Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Ocala Forest/ Rodman Dam

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Exterior
Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Dining
Interior detail

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 687 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Fort McCoy, FL
  • Place, Rodman Reservoir
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Silver Glen Springs Recreation
    ‪41 min drive‬
  • Place, Juniper Springs Recreation Area
    ‪53 min drive‬
  • Airport, Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
    ‪75 min drive‬

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About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Ocala Forest/ Rodman Dam

Calling all nature lovers! Hiking, four-wheeling, fishing and more... create your base camp for a long weekend, a week or more. 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 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. 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 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. ***
During your stay at this cottage, you're just a quick walk from Ocala National Forest. Features include laundry facilities. The cottage includes amenities such as free WiFi and a kitchen.
  • Air-conditioned cottage with kitchen, washing machine, and 1.5 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Amenities include laundry facilities
  • Steps from Ocala National Forest and 9 minutes by car from Rodman Reservoir
This cottage offers its guests barbecue grills and laundry facilities. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Interlachen cottage is smoke free.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • 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
  • Up to 23 kg per pet

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • 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
  • Snorkelling 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

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 are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

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

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 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
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.

Property is also known as

Ocala Forest Escape

Ocala Forest Escape rodman Dam Area

Ocala Forest Escape-Rodman Dam area (Ft. McCoy/ Palatka) Cottage

Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Ocala Forest/ Rodman Dam Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

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

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Chris P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything was as listed and it was such a peaceful place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emily S.

Liked: Cleanliness
We absolutely loved this stay! Saw lots of wildlife! It was perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah P., East Taunton USA

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Christine H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful Area and Cabin

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anthony C.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Mikita B.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Jeanie P.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

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

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

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

Nature Lovers

If you like quiet and secluded, this is the place for you.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Howard L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Awesome getaway!!

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

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne S., Orlando FL

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Fany G.

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

10/10 Excellent

Nicole G.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

8/10 Good

john r.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Nicole G.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

patricia A.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

8/10 Good

Ray r.

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

10/10 Excellent

Destiny S.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Jennyfer C., Athens

Liked: Cleanliness

😍😍 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

10/10 Excellent

Melinda N., Pickerel

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Michael H., Beech Grove, IN

Liked: Cleanliness

Great getaway in Ocala National Forest

The cottage was perfect for our stay. We enjoyed the peace & quiet and remoteness for getting away from city life.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

Celeste A.

Getaway from Maine winter

My husband and I spent 35 nights here. We had no ATVs and do not fish. We went for the remoteness and to experience the Ocala forest, as well as to play disc golf and get away from Maine snow. Definitely recommend a 4 wheel drive capable vehicle. It is a dirt road in and out with many many dirt side roads. If you want a getaway to ride and experience the forest and many trails this place is perfect! . We only gave it 4 stars because we found the cabin furniture uncomfortable and don't feel the property was quite ready for guests. Minor repairs are needed inside with a kitchen fan that does not turn off, a sliding screen door that doesn't close correctly, a living room fan that is very loud and is on its last leg, broken rocking chair, etc. Also, the outside entrance lighting at night was intermittent. Washer and dryer are not inside the main building. The " deck" needs cleanup and has no railing. Neighbor's dogs roam freely and were occasionally on our lot. I did mention the chair, lighting, and fan to Tina so she was aware. The lot also could use a good clean up. We lost water and Tina immediately addressed the issue as well as refunding us the two days it took to repair the well. We lost it a second time due to the unusual cold temps but that was fixed within a short time as the sun came up and warmed things. To prevent another loss of water, Jerald insulated the pipe and there were no more issues. Tina was awesome in communication and got back to us promptly with concerns. The camp was stocked with necessities. The sounds of nature at night were wonderful! You have to provide your own firewood which we didn't do so had no fires. Also, there is a bird feeder.which is fun to watch with plenty of action! We purchased one bag of food and it didn't last long! We play disc golf and visited many courses in Ocala, Gainesville, and St Augustine! Also loved the Marion County flea market in Bellevue! All of these locations are at least an hour away with Palatka and Fort McCoy closest at about 30 min. There are prescribed burnings in the area so if you are sensitive to smoke this would not be the place for you. Again,. I feel this would be great for getaways to just ride trails, hike, fish etc.
Stayed 35 nights in Jan 2022

8/10 Good

Kevin A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Enjoyed our stay

House was clean and plenty of room. Outside parking was big enough to park 2 trucks and boats. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021