Lakefront Cottage Near Forest & Cities with canoes, grill, and more!
Totally charming and well-maintained, this cozy cottage is in a wonderful lakefront setting with 300 feet of shoreline outside your door. With a substantial dock, clean beach, and a concrete boat ramp, you can enjoy this spring-fed natural lake.
The cottage's interior boasts hand-finished tongue and groove pine paneling, and every room has a view of Miles Kale Lake!! A breezy screened porch overlooks this special place as well. This sand-bottom lake is clean and wonderful for fishing, swimming, and boating. Our whole family learned to ski here.
Exactly half-way between Ocala and Gainesville, you can be in either city or Palatka in 30 minutes for dining, shopping, entertainment, cultural events, or health care. Or, drive 55 minutes to Daytona Beach, or less than 2 hours to Disney attractions. This serene setting is for those who like to be close to nature with the advantages of cities nearby.
Great summertime place for the family - you commute to Gainesville or Ocala or P
Fantastic winter haven from the frigid north!! Wonderful Central Florida retreat for retired couples or family who are sick of go-go attractions.
Centrally located: this wonderful lake home is centrally located between Ocala, Gainesville, and Palatka, Florida. it is one mile from the intersection of Marion County Roads 318 and 315.
OTHER OPTIONS: I have two other homeawayc.om lakefront properties: Listing/property ID 127321 on the acre next door and Listing/property ID 910353 on the next lake over. Both of these listings are larger homes with many fine amenities as well. All 3 are close in case you wish to have a large group or family reunion.
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Ft McCoy
Lakefront Country Haven near Ocala & Forest -With Canoe, Lifejackets and Grill!
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
Note from host: Special events would need to be cleared by owner
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Fort McCoy
Located in Fort McCoy, this cottage is near theme parks and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Orange Creek Restoration Area and Putnam Lakes Preserve, while Micanopy Historical Society Museum and Ocala Civic Theater are cultural highlights. Discover the area's water adventures with snorkelling and waterskiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and hiking/biking trails.
Orange Creek Restoration Area - 13 min drive - 12.8 km
The Orange Shop - 21 min drive - 22.7 km
Getting around
Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional) - 54 min drive
Restaurants
Orange Springs Restaurant And Grill - 9 min drive
Pig Pen Saloon - 37 min drive
Hog Valley Civic Center - 42 min drive
Hog Valley saloon - 37 min drive
Ivie's Country Cafe - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Lakefront Cottage Near Forest & Cities with canoes, grill, and more! pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at Lakefront Cottage Near Forest & Cities with canoes, grill, and more!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Lakefront Cottage Near Forest & Cities with canoes, grill, and more!?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Lakefront Cottage Near Forest & Cities with canoes, grill, and more!?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is Lakefront Cottage Near Forest & Cities with canoes, grill, and more! located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 9 miles (15 km) of Orange Springs Park, Rodman Reservoir and Orange Creek Restoration Area. Putnam Lakes Preserve and The Orange Shop are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This was a great place to stay and our dog absolutely loved being able to go outside and sniff around at everything. Throughout the day the sandhill cranes would come and visit which was very nice too. We'll definitely come back here.
Christine H.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2026
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. Please come again!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tracey
14 Feb 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful area, quiet and great spot to relax with our dogs.
Tracey
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Viki
9 June 2024
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The cabin was very comfortable and quaint and very clean. We enjoyed our stay very much.
We had a great short weekend getaway. We enjoyed the provided canoe and spent several enjoyable hours fishing from the dock. Overall just as advertised and delightfully quiet and relaxing!
My fiance and I took our pups for a short getaway here. It was perfect! The cabin was clean and well kept. It was a quiet weekend on the lake, we spent most of the day fishing on the dock. We loved our stay here!
Hope E.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Feb 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words. We would love to have you come again. Best regards
I and five other friends piled into this adorable cabin for a weekend and had the time of our lives! The kitchen was perfectly efficient and stocked with the tools and cookware we need. We had a great time sitting by the fire pit and star gazing on the dock. We'll definitely be back!
It's a great place! The cabin has everything, so many windows, so much peace and quiet. We didn't want to leave! Hopefully we can make it a yearly trip!
Sierra O.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 June 2022
Τhank you so much for your kind comments. Please come again.
Ed
We had wonderful weather which was a plus. The property was great, we ran the boat all day, lake was nice to swim and play. Cabin was nice, beds were comfortable. kitchen was well equipped.
Would definitely consider going again.
Daniel O.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar 2020
Unclear as to why it was a 4 star versus a 4 star. The owner is disappointed int eh rating from either the system or the guest. We work for perfection and do not agree with the rating.
Thank you so much for opening the doors to your beautiful cottage Mr. Wynne. My family really enjoyed our mini vacation by the lake. The cottage was cozy and just what we needed to relax. We will definitely want to stay there again!
-Erika
Erika C.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Dec 2020
Thank you so much for being guests and the thoughtful response. Come again!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Maci H.
28 June 2013
Peace and quiet...
We loved the little brown cabin on the lake. We were looking for a getaway, and we found it. It was clean, peaceful, quiet and all we needed to relax. We loved canoeing on the lake and just sitting on the dock. We will definitely be back!
We really enjoyed our stay. The lake is fantastic and the old trees in front of the house are beautiful!! We will come back soon!! Thank you Ed!!!
Lorenza G.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 24 May 2021
I am very pleased you had a nice time and were able to enjoy natural central Florida. It is quite unique and beautiful in the woods and lakes and rivers.
Come again,
Ed
A rustic cabin on a lake; just what the doctor ordered! My daughter and I had a great time. It was fabulous to disconnect and enjoy a simple life for a moment. My favorite part of the cabin is the dock. I watched a beautiful morning unfold. It brings the kind of peace you wish everyone could experience.
This was my fourth stay at Ed's property. The setting and surroundings are beautiful and the property is always clean and well-maintained. Ed is a great, communicative host. I'll be back again!
The cabin was perfect and exactly what we needed. The lake was everything we hoped for. We kayaked, fished, swam and reconnected. The water is clear. The WiFi works well within the cabin and porch area. Make sure to map your way out before leaving. There is a store about three miles away just in case you forgot anything . The host was kind and helpful. Can’t say enough good things about Ed and Wanda. I definitely recommend this place for a quiet getaway as a couple or a family.
Bonnie W.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
About the host
Hosted by Edward Wynne
My family has owned property around this area since the late 1940's, and my ancestors came to Florida in 1845, when it was still a territory. It became at state 1848. After extenisve renovations and infrastructure upgrades, I began renting our other 2 lake homes in 2004. I wanted others to enjoy this part of Florida as I did growing up. I have a wonderful local staff that works to ensure that guests are satisfied.
Why they chose this property
I bought this property in 2011 because Island Lake is a stunning body of water. It is THE real natural Florida. Spectacular views, privacy, wooded lot, and no traffic or crowds.
What makes this property unique
Beautiful lake for all activities: boating, fishing, swimming, etc. Rural, yet elegant home with great furnishings.
Languages:
English, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests