Bouncing Through the Backwoods at Florida’s Best Place to Ride ATVs: Hog Waller

As I pull my windblown hair back in a ponytail and look down at my shoes caked in mud, I can’t stop smiling. The mud is part of the fun. There’s just nothing more exhilarating than bouncing around on an ATV as you weave your way through the bumpy roads of the expansive forest. 

There aren’t many places in Florida where you can enjoy the great outdoors in this way, but tucked away in Palatka is a hidden spot that is a must for those who love exploring the forest on four wheels. Part campground and part ATV playground, Hog Waller offers an adrenaline-fueled experience that is perfect for the whole family. 

The Best Place to Ride ATVs in Florida 

Sure, Florida may have an abundance of trails, and there are several located in Putnam County. However, there aren’t many that allow motorized vehicles. Enjoying the backwoods scenery and terrain of Old Florida on an ATV, SXS, or UTV is one of the coolest ways to experience it, though. And if you’re looking for a place to do it, Hog Waller is a thrilling, family-friendly spot that you’ll want to check out. 

The vast footprint and abundance of trails are big factors that qualify this as the best place to ride ATVs in Florida. The 1,100 acres that make up the dirt and mud-filled playground known as Hog Waller include about 90 miles of rideable trails. You’ll experience a variety of terrain as you wind through the never-ending dirt roads that all intertwine, creating an impeccable experience that you can customize to your liking. 

Choose Your Own Muddy Adventure 

Before you even make your way into the forest, you’ll see the giant mud bog, and yes, you can have some fun in there, too. Once you enter the Thousand Acre Woods, there’s no shortage of places to play. The trails immediately start unfurling before you, and you’ll encounter diverse terrain that allows you to create your own perfect ATV adventure. Go from the swampy areas to the sandy, high hills. Take a mud bath as you ride through the boggy mud holes. Roll through wide open spaces or take a journey along the narrow pathways. Hang out with fellow ATV enthusiasts, or escape to a serene spot in the forest with the distant hum of engines serving as white noise. The possibilities are endless, and you truly can create your own experience. 

Adding to the signature charm of Hog Waller is its distinctive history. Many of the trails at Hog Waller date back over 100 years, as this was once a significant logging and turpentine community. There are also some trails that are on old railroad beds from the retired Ocklawaha Valley Railroad. As you’re riding through the tree-lined dirt roads, it’s a nostalgic feeling to be able to know that people have been using this forest for over a century. There’s even a spot in the middle of the woods where you can see a graveyard that dates back to the 1800s. It’s a unique thing to see alongside the ATV trails, but there are some other spots you’ll want to check out as well. 

Must-See Spots in the Thousand Acre Woods

The size and diversity of the terrain that exists at Hog Waller is beyond impressive. With so many routes, you can create a different ride each time you go. As you hang out there more, though, you’ll hear repeat riders talk about some of the popular spots. 

Some favorite spots on the ATV trails at Hog Waller include:

• RPM Alley 
• Gator Hole
• Tiger Hole
• Kiddie Playground
• Moon Crater 

You also have to make a stop at the Mailbox. Yes, it’s an actual mailbox hidden in the middle of the woods, and you can reach it by ATV. You never know what kinds of things you’ll find inside. If you take something out though, just make sure you leave something behind for the next rider. That’s part of the fun!

All Hours Weekends – Keeping the Fun Going After Dark 

If you thought the trails were fun during the day, just wait until the sun goes down. During certain weekends, you can ride all night long. Hog Waller hosts All Hours Weekends about 15 times per year. During those weekends, the trails are open all day and night starting on Friday at 8 a.m. and ending on Sunday at 5 p.m. You can of course just come out for the day during the All Hours Weekends. However, this is a fun time to come and stay for a few days to enjoy nonstop, 24-hour fun. If you decide to make a weekend of it, there are a few ways to do it. 

Staying Overnight at Hog Waller – Sleep, Mud, Repeat 

Many people enjoy the buzz of the All Hours Weekends and decide to enjoy all three days. Those who do can book a cabin or RV site, or can bring along a tent and claim a spot to dry camp. 

However, visitors are welcome to book a getaway at Hog Waller anytime – even when it’s not an All Hours Weekend. The cabins and RV campgrounds are open year-round, allowing riders to hop on the trails as early as 8 a.m. during regular hours. 

Cabins

There are eight rustic cabins onsite at Hog Waller and all have heat and air conditioning, which you’ll appreciate thoroughly in the summer. Each also has two bunk beds (one twin and one full), but you’ll need to bring your own air mattresses and linens. The cabins are positioned in a horseshoe shape in close proximity to each other, and this is a fun area where people hang out, cook out, and reminisce about their adventure-filled days on the ATV trails. Cabin rentals have a two-night minimum stay, and if you’re hoping to stay in one, you can book it online in advance. During All Hours Weekends and special events, they can book up quickly, so try to book as early as you can. 

RV Camping

Hog Waller has 70 RV sites across the property, and with the ATV trails hugging the campground, it’s certainly one of the most fun places to go RV camping in Florida. All RV sites have electricity and water, and the 30-amp pull-through sites can accommodate vehicles up to 65 feet long. The 50-amp back-in and pull-through sites have space for vehicles up to 70 feet long. You can book RV sites in advance, too. 

Tent Camping

If you’re up for roughing it, you can find a spot to pitch a tent on All Hours Weekends. You’re welcome to find a spot wherever you can to set up your home for the weekend. If you prefer to car camp, or just sleep outside in a sleeping bag with the sound of the ATV engines as your lullaby, that’s fine, too. Just find a spot away from the edge of the mud pit, and at least 25 feet away from the main roads. You can even bring a generator with you and run it if you like. These spots aren’t reserved, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis during All Hours Weekends. Dry camping is free, so this is a very good way to have a budget-friendly trip. 

ATV and UTV Rentals in Palatka 

No ATV or UTV? No problem. On All Hours Weekends, Forrest’s Motorsport Rentals is onsite with a variety of rentals. You’ll find multiple options that range from Honda and Can-Am ATVs to Polaris Four-Seaters. If you just want to get out and see some of the trails to give it a try, you can rent an ATV or UTV for as little as 90 minutes. There are other options available for three-hour or all-day rentals.  If you want to play all weekend, you can rent one for the entire All Hours Weekend. Forrest’s is onsite for the entire All Hours Weekend, and can also help with any repairs of your own personal ATVs or UTVs, if needed. 

Onsite Amenities at Hog Waller

• Two bathhouses

You’ll appreciate a warm shower after a day of muddy fun. 

• Wash areas  

Yes, your vehicle will definitely need a place to clean up, too, and Hog Waller has set up some user-friendly spots to do that. 

• A parts store 

Broken belts happen, right? It’s annoying, but if (when) it happens, just get a new one there and get back on the trails quickly. 

• The Hog Trough Restaurant  

The onsite restaurant offers a variety of options to help keep you fueled up during your ATV adventure. There’s a walk-up window where you can place your order, and outdoor picnic tables where you can have a bite to eat before heading back to the trails. 

• The Hoggly Woggly 

This is a general store that has snacks, drinks, camping supplies, and all of the other things you forgot to pack. If you’re looking for a souvenir to take back home, this is the place to find it. 

What to Know Before Visiting Hog Waller

• Hog Waller is open seven days a week. In the fall and winter, it’s open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the spring and summer, you can ride from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
• Hog Waller is very family-friendly, and you’ll see several kiddos smiling from ear to ear as they get introduced to the outdoors in the most exciting way. Kids 10 and under always get in for free, too. 
• Anyone age 16 or younger is required to wear a helmet when riding an ATV. If you need one, new and used helmets are available to rent or buy onsite. 
• Guests 21 and older are welcome to bring adult beverages, except for those in glass bottles. 
• Dirt bikes and three-wheelers aren’t allowed. (Sorry – insurance requirements.) 
• Super Bowl weekend, Thanksgiving, and Memorial Day are some of the most popular times at Hog Waller. During those special events, you may want to buy your parking pass in advance. 
• Hog Waller also hosts other events throughout the year, such as their Beater Races. If you have a beater truck, bring it out!  

Where is Hog Waller Campground and ATV Resort? 

Hog Waller is located in Florida’s northeastern corner in the city of Palatka. It’s less than an hour away from Gainesville and St. Augustine. It’s only a 20-minute drive from downtown Palatka, which is home to several great shops. 

Foodies love downtown Palatka, too. If you go, make sure to visit some of the local restaurants such as The Magnolia Cafe, which is operated by the family who also owns Hog Waller. Downtown Palatka is adorable, and it’s definitely worth adding on some time to explore this charming, historic town. You can download the Visit Putnam FL app for Apple or Android to learn about more exciting activities to see in the area while you’re here. 

Hog Waller Campground and ATV Resort
400 County Road 310
Palatka, Florida 32178
(386) 643-8042
hogwallerfl.com