Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Area — Attraction in Florida

WORST EXPERIENCE EVER!!!!!!!! Last Saturday I witnessed a terrible abuse of "power" by Florida Fish and Wildlife officers at the Carney Island Park owned by Marion County. Approximately 30 people had gathered to celebrate a girl's college graduation. She is the first to graduate from college in her family and her friends and family gathered at the park to recognize her. Halfway thru the day the group was accosted by three Fish and Wildlife officers and told we had to leave IMMEDIATELY. Apparently a boy affiliated with the group had brought a (unopened) can a beer into the park so they threw out the 35 people there...most of whom were 50 - 75 years old and NONE OF WHOM drinking or causing any problems!! The officers said they were "only following county worker's direction"" and we could complain to the county if we did not like it. Meanwhile, the young girl who graduated was sobbing and her mother was also in tears. I am very upset. The offending boy offered to leave, but were were told in no uncertain terms to "get out" and do it right away. Needless to say, none of us will ever return to this park and have only bad things to say regarding the county and the workers who chose to make this into a terrible ordeal. I even requested by $5 admission fee back as I had done nothing wrong and was told, "we don't give refunds for alcohol?!" Bear in mind most of these folks are retired and it was a family gathering. The officers involved were: Mike Fischer, Mike Rice and John Wilke, all of Fish and Wildlife. I will be writing a letter to the editor of the Ocala Banner Star about this incident. It did not need to be handled in such a heavy handed way and SOMEONE there should have had...

I have been to this place several several times and I love it it is not clear like Alexander springs but it is a nice quiet comfy place to hang out for the day go for a nice swim with your spouse and your kids if you have any I am very happy that corny Island is one of the state parks that is finally open although I still wish and cannot wait for Alexander springs to open among other swimming beautiful places in this state so sorry for all the loss that has happen around the world with this horrible virus I sincerely hope they find something to make things a lot easier for everybody from babies to elderly to now even pets people when you go out please be as safe as you possibly can I know you cannot wear a mask while swimming but make the best out of a bad situation and have a great time doing it thank you for letting me post this again please y’all be safe and take care of one another sincerely Tammy Mooney and Donald Moore and Molly and our oldest pet daughter bb Again going to be very very hot again in this beautiful sunshine State so please like I said let’s all take care of one of the other and...

Beach access to both Little Lake Weir and the big lake. Boat ramp has alot of parking and multiple lanes to launch from so you don't have to wait for the guy in front of you to figure out how to back his trailer up. Playgrounds for the kiddos as well as restrooms to do your duty as it may come. Walking trails from the front gate through the entire park. Horseshoe hole at the big lake. Pavilions to rent for the day for your next party as well as lots of picnic tables and grills to get your grub on. No pets inside the park though. 👎over all a nice place to enjoy a day on the water in this Florida sun. $7 per car unless you have your MC Parks and Recreation pass. This is a well kept park and staff is always watching. So don't do nothing stupid. They will check your cooler if they think you are in possession of alcohol. Weekends can be a bit...