Ocala, FL Outdoor Activities

On Wayne's World of Paintball's 60 acres of land, safety-mask-clad players square off in a variety of different games coordinated by trained referees. Strewn about 15 distinct areas of play, multilevel forts, shacks, and abandoned aircrafts provide ample cover from opposing enemies and unwanted kisses blown from fans on the sidelines. Wayne's battlegrounds include open fields, a woodsball area, and a 2-acre post-apocalyptic town replica. Those seeking fast-paced showdowns can also test their reflexes on a full-size speedball playing field. Wayne's World of Paintball is also known for its regularly scheduled, 24-hour scenario games. Between battles, a covered pavilion gives players a place to rest up, and a pro shop provides paint slingers with reloads of air cartridges and hoppers. Patrons must be at least 10 years old to play at Wayne's.

As the head trainer of Cactus Jack's Trail Rides, Debbie Zito cares for a fleet of healthy, happy, and well-trained horses, which she also pairs with beginners and experienced riders for leisurely tours. Debbie and her other guides call upon their seasoned riding experiences as they lead visitors throughout the shade-speckled trails of the Florida Horse Park and the 110-mile Cross Florida Greenway trail system. While groups trot along, the guides point out historic sites and natural inhabitants, such as great horned owls, red-tailed hawks, coyotes, cardinals, and armadillos. Debbie and her team also offer lessons to increase riders' confidence and help them communicate with horses effectively rather than sending them commands through email.

In the wide pastures of The Gypsy Gold Farm, sunlight dances playfully upon the long, flowing manes of Gypsy Vanner mares and stallions. The rare horses, which were first bred in the gypsy camps of Great Britain nearly 70 years ago, made their North American debut at The Gypsy Gold Farm after a chance discovery by owner Dennis Thompson and his late wife Cindy.

The couple had been driving through the countryside of England when the oddly compelling sight of a far-off stallion prompted them to pull over. Soon after, the two tracked down the owner and found themselves immersed in a culture rich with vibrant caravans and music.

The selectively bred horses currently roam the Ocala farm where Dennis educates visitors on their smart, affectionate nature and origin. Colorful painted vardo wagons—the type the horses were designed to pair with—also help enliven the landscape.

Clear water trickles through the stream at Otter Springs Park & Campground, sourced from the naturally formed Otter Springs that flows at an average temperature of 72 degrees. The cool, clear water continues to flow into the nearby Suwannee River, which fills with canoes and kayaks when conditions are favorable. Many of those explorers make their basecamp on the park’s 636-acre property, where tent campsites provide outdoor respite and more than 100 RV sites supply electricity, water, and sewer systems. The campground also houses air-conditioned cabins equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, and private front porches with rocking chairs for enjoying a cool evening or rocking a cranky parent to sleep. No matter their lodging, campers can stage feasts at a picnic area, clean up at bath and shower facilities, and decamp to a lodge with a dance floor that can accommodate 150 to 200 guests for events such as weddings, retreats, and family reunions. Conveniently located near restaurants, groceries, and convenience stores, Otter Springs Park & Campground is a short drive away from Gainesville’s thriving collegiate atmosphere.