Osceola National Forest was created by President Herbert Hoover's proclamation on July 10, 1931.

The forest is made up of approximately 200,000 acres (810 km2) of pine flatwoods and cypress-hardwood swamps in northeastern Florida, and is about 50 miles (80 km) west of Jacksonville.

It is located in parts of Columbia, Baker, Bradford, and Hamilton counties.

A 28-mile (45 km) section of the Florida National Scenic Trail is included in the park grounds.

Two horseback riding trails pass through open pine flatwoods and near scenic bays.