The Ocala National Forest is a national forest located in the central part of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the second largest nationally protected forest in the state, covering approximately 383, 000 acres. The forest is home to many species of plants and animals, including the threatened Florida black bear and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. It also contains several large lakes, rivers, and springs, as well as the world's largest concentration of sand pine scrub. The forest is popular for recreational activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking.