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

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

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6936 sq ft

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
Fort McCoy, FL
  • Place, Rodman Reservoir
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Kerr
    ‪26 min drive‬
  • Place, Silver Glen Springs Recreation
    ‪41 min drive‬
  • Airport, Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
    ‪84 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Interlachen

This cottage places you next to Ocala National Forest and within a 3 miles (5 km) of Rodman Reservoir. The cottage includes a kitchen, a patio, and a fenced private yard.
View more Cottages in InterlachenOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Rodman Reservoir - 6 min drive - 2.6 miles
  • Lake Kerr - 26 min drive - 22.5 miles
  • Silver Glen Springs Recreation - 41 min drive - 36.1 miles
  • Juniper Springs Recreation Area - 53 min drive - 50.1 miles
  • Silver Springs State Park - 57 min drive - 39.2 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Pig Pen Saloon - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Hog Wild Country Cafe - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Backwoods Smokehouse - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Hog Valley Civic Center - ‬15 min drive
  • Daytona

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. ***
The cottage is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 1.5 bathrooms, and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a Smart TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fenced private yard, and a coffee maker.

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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

  • 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

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

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Dogs only
  • 2 total (50 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • 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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a deadbolt lock.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Long-term renters welcome.

Property is also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do around this cottage?

This cottage is located in Interlachen, just steps from Ocala National Forest. Rodman Reservoir is also within a driving distance of 2.3 mi.

Is parking available on site at Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Ocala Forest/ Rodman Dam?

No, this cottage doesn't offer parking.

Is this cottage adjacent to a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Ocala Forest/ Rodman Dam?

Couples staying at this cottage will appreciate amenities like a kitchen and a smart TV as well as a firepit.

Does Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Ocala Forest/ Rodman Dam have a hot tub?

No, this cottage doesn't have a spa tub.

Does this cottage offer breakfast?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this cottage allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this cottage.

Does Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Ocala Forest/ Rodman Dam have connecting rooms available?

No, this cottage doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Ocala Forest/ Rodman Dam?

Yes, every cottage at Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Ocala Forest/ Rodman Dam comes with a patio.

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

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris P.

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

10/10 Excellent

Emily S.

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

10/10 Excellent

Howard L.

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

10/10 Excellent

Sarah P.

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

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

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

Nice little get away tucked in the woods, deer on property made it feel like I was at home

Had a great experience we needed alittle quiet place to stay just 6 adults getting away and this place was perfect
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

john r.

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

8/10 Good

Kevin A.

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

chris s.

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

10/10 Excellent

Anthony C.

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

10/10 Excellent

Mikita B.

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

10/10 Excellent

Steven R.

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

10/10 Excellent

John R.

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

10/10 Excellent

Judith P.

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

10/10 Excellent

Nicole G.

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

10/10 Excellent

Fany G.

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

10/10 Excellent

David T.

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

10/10 Excellent

Jeanie P.

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

10/10 Excellent

Nicole G.

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

Quiet very nice place.

My husband and I needed a restart to our busy lives and this place was amazing. Quiet off the beaten path. We absolutely loved our stay. We had a blast ridding trails in my Jeep and seeing all the wildlife. We will definitely be back and may even bring the family. Maybe lol
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicole G.

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

10/10 Excellent

Ericka S.

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

10/10 Excellent

Patience B.

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

Remote get-away

Roughing it, but with an air conditioner and comfortable furnishings. A great little escape in the woods, with the Florida trail just a half mile down the road. With any luck, you can spot the gator in the pond out back or see the guinea fowl running laps in the neighbors farm yard.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jared H.

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

10/10 Excellent

JASON W.

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

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne S.

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

8/10 Good

Celeste A.

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

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