Island Lake, Florida, USA

Island Lake is a 130-acre spring fed lake in Marion County, Florida. This private lake has no public access, making it a perfect winter or summer retreat for those who prefer a quiet and peaceful setting with limited competition for fishing and boating space. Located 20 minutes from the natural beauty of Silver Springs and a short drive from the lush grounds of the Ocala National Forest,…
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    • All About Island Lake, FL

    Lake Locations: USA - US South Region - Florida - Cross Florida -

    Island Lake is a 130-acre spring fed lake in Marion County, Florida. This private lake has no public access, making it a perfect winter or summer retreat for those who prefer a quiet and peaceful setting with limited competition for fishing and boating space. Located 20 minutes from the natural beauty of Silver Springs and a short drive from the lush grounds of the Ocala National Forest, it is no wonder that picturesque Island Lake is one of Florida’s most fiercely kept secrets.

    Many vacation rentals and lakefront real estate on Island Lake offer private boat ramps and docks that stretch out over the water. Fish from your own dock or take a boat out on the calm water to truly enjoy the serenity of the area. Toward the northern end of the lake, you will find the island that gives the lake its name. Marion County is primarily an outdoor recreation area where residents and visitors enjoy all the perks of living in a warm climate. Fish in Island Lake include largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, perch, bream, shellcracker, and bluegill. Note: Although most fish taken from Florida’s waters are safe to eat, refer to the Florida Fish Advisory (link below) before eating fish caught from Island Lake or any Florida waterway.

    Further opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water sports are within a short drive from Island Lake. Ocala National Forest, just east of Island Lake, is the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River. This unique forest offers visitors year-round outdoor activities for camping, walking trails, hiking, biking and various water activities in its many springs, rivers and lakes. The National Forest also has designated areas for horseback riding and hunting.

    Bicyclists visiting Island Lake will want to make use of the many trails and open roads in the area. The Santos Trailhead in nearby Ocala has received national praise for its superb mountain bike trails, which range from relatively easy-pedaling family trails to those for more experienced riders. Along with Marion County’s other excellent trails, Santos has helped establish Marion as an unsurpassed place for mountain biking. You’ll find bicycle rental shops along with maps to guide you in your exploration of the area.

    For bird watchers, the Cross Florida region has a varied population of native birds and a large number of migratory species. Watch birds from your canoe or kayak on Island Lake or visit one of the many parks or forests in the area for a glimpse of a majestic bald eagle or a flock of snow geese passing through.

    Northwest of Island Lake is the city of Gainsville, home to Florida’s largest and oldest university, The University of Florida, and one of the state’s premier centers of education, medicine, cultural events and athletics. Known for its historic buildings and beautiful natural surroundings, Gainesville’s numerous parks, museums, cultural centers, golf courses, and lakes provide entertainment for thousands of visitors.

    For a truly relaxing vacation, Island Lake offers tranquility and the beauty of nature in a private and peaceful setting. Swim, fish, motorboat, kayak, canoe, or just pull up a chair on your floating dock and enjoy the beauty of Cross Florida’s gorgeous sunsets.

    Things to Do at Island Lake

    These are some activities in the Island Lake, FL area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Golf
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Horseback Riding
    • Hunting
    • Birding
    • National Forest
    • Museum

    What Kind of Fish Are in Island Lake?

    Island Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Perch
    • Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker)
    • Sunfish
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    Find Places to Stay at Island Lake

    If you’re considering a Island Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Island Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Island Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Island Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Surface Area: 130 acres

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 52 feet

    Maximum Depth: 30 feet

    Trophic State: Eutrophic

    Island Lake Map
    Local Weather Forecast

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