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

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A house with a porch, a swing, and a large tree in front.
A rustic cabin area with two small cabins, surrounded by trees and a dirt path.
A dining room with a table covered by a patterned tablecloth, surrounded by four grey chairs. There is a ceiling fan above the table, and a window with blue curtains to the right.
A living room with a plaid sofa, a wooden coffee table, and a view of a garden through a glass door.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a refrigerator, a window with a view, and a wooden countertop.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Wildlife at your doorstep
    Guests love spotting wildlife right on the property grounds.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill

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
    ‪39 min drive‬
  • Airport, Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
    ‪81 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bunk Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

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. ***
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
Previous huntcamp, keep eye on small ones please
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to 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 rubbish
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.
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.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2157310vb
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Interlachen

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 hunting and hiking/biking trails.
View more Cottages in InterlachenOpens in a new window
Map
Fort McCoy, FL

What's nearby

  • Rodman Reservoir - 6 min drive - 4.1 km
  • Lake Kerr - 26 min drive - 27.2 km
  • Ravine Gardens State Park - 32 min drive - 37.6 km
  • Silver Glen Springs Recreation - 39 min drive - 49.1 km
  • Juniper Springs Recreation Area - 53 min drive - 71.7 km

Getting around

  • Palatka Station - 33 min drive
  • Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional) - 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

Frequently asked questions

Is Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Ocala Forest/ Rodman Dam pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Ocala Forest/ Rodman Dam?

As of 29 Jul 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Ocala Forest/ Rodman Dam on 30 Jul 2026 start from £325, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Ocala Forest/ Rodman Dam?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Ocala Forest/ Rodman Dam?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Nature Lover’s Cottage at Penner Pond, Ocala Forest/ Rodman Dam?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

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

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens 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

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

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
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Dec 2025
Thank you for taking time to submit a review. We are glad you found it a peaceful stay. We hope to see you again in the new year!
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
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Nov 2025
Thank you for taking time to share your experience. We hope to host you again!
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
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Mar 2023
We are glad you enjoyed your stay. Thank you for the review.
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
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Jun 2022
Thank you for your review. We are glad you enjoyed your stay. We hope to host you again! T&J
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
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jun 2022
Thank you for the review. We hope to see you back again!
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

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

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

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
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Nov 2023
Thank you for your rating and comments. We are glad you enjoyed a peaceful stay.
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
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Dec 2023
Thank you for your review. We look forward to hosting you again.
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
Response from VrboOwner on 27 May 2022
We are glad you enjoyed a second stay and hope to become your “go to” spot to relax and unwind! Thank you for the 5-star review!!!
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
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Feb 2024
We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay and experienced the peacefulness of the forest. Thank you for taking time to leave us a review. We welcome you back anytime.
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
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jun 2022
We are glad you enjoyed your stay. We welcome you back again!
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
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Feb 2024
Thank you for the review. We are glad you enjoyed your stay and look forward to hosting you again!
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
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Mar 2024
Thank you again for staying with us. We are glad you enjoyed your stay!
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
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Jun 2022
Always a pleasure to have you stay with us. See you again soon!
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
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Oct 2021
We are happy you enjoyed your stay! Thank you for the 5-stars. Looking forward to hosting you again!
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
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Jun 2021
We are glad you enjoyed your stay and hope to see you back soon! Thank you for your very nice comments.
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
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Oct 2021
Thank you for being our guest and for the nice review. We love that you spent your anniversary enjoying the forest and our little place in the woods. We look forward to seeing you again!
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
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Nov 2022
We are so glad y’all had a good time and enjoyed our swing! Thank you for the kind review. We hope you visit again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

patricia A.

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
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May 2022
We are glad you found the house comfortable. Congratulations on your new property!
Verified

8/10 Good

Ray r.

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
Response from VrboOwner on 17 May 2022
Thank you Ray for your review. We drive to be sure everyone is aware of trails and parking areas prior to arrival. Our apologies this was missed prior to your arrival. We will follow up with our cleaning company regarding the trash under the bed(s). As far as the bathroom fan, it is on our list as we fine-tune some of our rehab items… we will make it a priority as we continue making the place more comfortable for everyone. We appreciate your input and hope to see you back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Destiny S.

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
Response from VrboOwner on 24 May 2022
We are glad you enjoyed your stay. Yes, the forest roads are unpredictable as far as their condition. We try to let our guests know the best routes ahead of time. We hope to see you back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennyfer C.

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
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May 2022
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay! Thank you for the review.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melinda N.

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
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May 2022
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and welcome you back anytime! Thank you too for sharing your photos and experiences with us. You had some terrific sightings!

About the host

Hosted by Tina Arant

Host profile image
We are both licensed Florida real estate agents. More importantly, we love to explore new areas. When COVID locked us down to Florida only, we decided to share our love of our forest property with others.

Why they chose this property

A piece of old Florida that remains in the peaceful area of the Ocala Forest. It is a nice little escape not too far from convinces but allows you to enjoy serene evenings star gazing or exploring many of central Florida’s activities.
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