Lochloosa Lake: A Lost Paradise?

Lochloosa Lake is a natural freshwater lake located in Alachua County, Florida. The lake is approximately 4,000 acres in size and is surrounded by lush greenery and is part of the Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area.

Lochloosa Lake is a serene and beautiful place that is perfect for a nature getaway. There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Lochloosa Lake, such as fishing, swimming, canoeing, and hiking.

The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, eagles, and ospreys.

The lake is fed by several small creeks and has two major inflows, Newnans Lake and Orange Lake.

Lochloosa Lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and bird watching.

Are There Alligators in Lochloosa Lake?

Lake Lochloosa is in southeast Alachua County and outstretches 6,100 acres of land. It is specially designated for the fish management that takes care of the area, and there is vegetation also lining the area.

There are a few houses around the area where you can reside or buy a property with a lake view.

Lake Lochloosa is not known for having alligators as there is a dock around the area where people hang out. However, one of the residents in the area around the lake spotted an alligator in the vegetation.

The alligator seemed not to mind the human population around.

It wasn’t until one person stomped on the dock; the alligator went inside the water.

A few years later, one of two alligators was spotted in the lake. The authorities removed them as they could have been a potential threat to people, vegetation, and pets.

It offers the best black crappie fishing in January, where you can find the best fish. Grass shrimps are also one of the sea creatures available in the lake. Fishing activities on the lake are supported, and there is a small speed boat service that gives you the lake tour.

What Is There to Do in Lochloosa, Florida?

There are quite a few spots in Lochloosa that you can take advantage of and do fun activities.

Here are a few things to do around the Lochloosa Lake area:

1. Lochloosa Park

Lochloosa park is one of the least explored destinations by the locals. However, it is an amazing spot to relax and talk to your loved ones for hours. It has a shaded pathway and a dock with a couple of benches. It is a great place to have a small picnic with a lake view.

2. Skunkie Acres

Skunkie Acres is a great place to visit in Lochloosa if you are an animal lover. You have to pay $30 per hour for each person to enjoy guided or unguided horse riding.

There is open land for picnics and grills for barbeque. The staff is extremely welcoming; it is a fun place for kids as there are other animals.

3. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

The Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is open land and a hidden gem that most people don’t know about. It is a stunning place to spot animals, enjoy a lovely picnic and sit with nature.

This park will provide stunning natural backgrounds if you want a photo shoot.

How Do You Fish in Lake Lochloosa?

Lake Lochloosa is one of the best lakes for fishing as you will find a variety of fish there including:

Sunfish
Crappies

Bluegill
and bass are a few fish you will easily find in Lake Lochloosa

However, how to fish is one of the concerns of many people, especially if you are a beginner.

Lake Lochloosa is associated with a fish management department that manages and overlooks the area. You can hire personal boats and go fishing and try your luck.

Booking guided tours will be quite sufficient as you will catch better fish.

A 10-pound bass is commonly found in the lake, which you cannot catch without an expert’s help. A guided tour comes with experts, fishing equipment, ice and cooler, fresh drinking water, and free photography.

You will have a great time knowing you will have plenty of fish in your bucket after you are finished.

You can book the tour in advance to avoid last-minute issues. The tour duration is between 4 to 8 hours, with multiple fun activities. You can get a full refund back if there is a weather-related issue.

Can You Swim in Orange Lake, Florida?

People want to not only chill by the lake but take a dip if they can. Orange lake is one of the most famous in Florida, with many fun activities to do by it. One of the things people do to hang out by Orange Lake finds a nice RV park and spend a few days with the mesmerizing view.

One of the things people have on their minds is swimming in the lake. Orange lake has no toxin levels, but it is quite deep.

There is no designated swimming area; hence, you can dive in the lake when boating or near the deck.

You must swim in the lake if you know how to do it in open water. There are fish in the lake; but be aware and not startle yourself.

How Big Is Lake Lochloosa in Florida?

Lake Lochloosa is in Alachua County and spreads over 6,100 acres. The lake is a 24.69-kilometer huge square. If you think that the lake is small, it isn’t.

You have much to do when you visit the lake as it has stunning views to offer.

From boating to fishing, every experience on the lake is enjoyable.

The lake is 4 miles from Hawthorne and about 10 feet deep. People like to swim in the lake as it is not as deep and the water is quite warm throughout the year.

However, January is a colder month, and lake Lochloosa is freezing at the start of the year.

The best time to visit the lake for fishing is after October as it is less crowded but still warm.

You can also find picnic spots around the lake where you can have a fun time with loved ones.

Do You Have to Pay for a Lazy River at Orange Lake Resort?

Staying at Orange Lake Resort has its perks as it offers users various amenities. There are six pools in the resort and a lazy river. You can visit any pools and rivers for free if you stay in the resort.

However, you have to pay $9 per person if you are not staying at the resort and going to the lazy river through it. The charges may vary from time to time depending on the time, day and season.

You have to pay for the tube and not particularly the river.