Lake George State Forest, Protected forest in Volusia County, Florida

Lake George State Forest is a 21,176-acre protected forest in northwestern Volusia County, Florida, managed by the Florida Forest Service. It is divided into three tracts: the northern Astor Tract, between Pierson and Lake George south to State Road 40, and the Mary Farms and Dexter Tracts south of SR 40, bounded by the St. Johns River, Barberville, US 17, and Lake Dexter. The forest is mainly longleaf and slash pine, with bald cypress and hardwood hammocks in lowlands and along the floodplain.

The region was originally inhabited by the Timucua people, who built shell middens along the St. Johns River and Lake George. European settlement later transformed the landscape and land use of the area.

The forest's name comes from Lake George, the largest lake of the St. Johns River system and Florida's second largest after Okeechobee. The Bluffton Mound and Midden at the Bluffton Recreation Area preserves shellfish middens left by the Timucua along the St. Johns River and Lake George. A three-quarter-mile interpretive nature trail explains the surroundings, and the forest lies on the Great Florida Birding Trail, drawing migratory bird watchers in fall and spring.

The forest offers various trails for visitors of different abilities and interests, ranging from simple walks to longer routes. Permits are needed for activities like camping or horseback riding, so plan ahead before your visit.

The forest's two southern tracts form the Dexter/Mary Farms Unit Wildlife Management Area, while the Astor Tract joins neighbouring land to form the Lake George WMA. These protected lands are part of a wildlife corridor considered critical to the survival of the Florida black bear.