Map showing campground location near Christmas, Florida

Camper submitted image from Hal Scott Preserve County Park

Hal Scott Preserve County Park

Within the St. Johns River Water Management District's Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park, this primitive campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with sites accessible only by foot. Two hike-in sites sit roughly two and 2.5 miles from the parking area, while a third group site allows drive-in access with advance reservations.

The walk to reach individual sites requires hauling all gear along well-marked trails, though campers report ankle-deep water covering portions of the path during summer months. "Expect some areas of water covered trails, ankle deep, especially in the summer months," notes Jamie C.. Each cleared site features mature oak canopy, picnic tables, fire rings, and hand-pump wells providing non-potable water that requires filtering.

The preserve offers extensive hiking trails throughout its boundaries, with wildlife viewing opportunities along the network. A storm shelter sits near the second campsite for afternoon thunderstorms common in the region. Campers frequently recommend bringing folding carts or wagons to transport supplies from the large parking area. For those seeking developed amenities, Christmas RV Park provides full hookups about seven miles northeast.

The camping experience here centers on earning your spot through effort and planning ahead for basic facilities in exchange for oak hammock shade and trail access.

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Location

Public Campground

Hal Scott Preserve County Park is located in Florida

Directions

Head east on State Road (SR) 50 to SR 520. From SR 520, turn west into the Wedgefield subdivision on Macon Parkway. Turn left on Bancroft Boulevard, right on Meredith Parkway, left on Dallas Boulevard. The park entrance is 1.6 miles from the Meredith/Dallas intersection, on the right. There is an exit for Dallas Boulevard from the BeeLine Expressway east-bound.

Address

5150 Dallas Blvd
Orlando, FL 32833

Coordinates

28.48615702 N
81.09661181 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verizon5G
Good Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verizon5G
Good Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Market
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

22 min from Orlando, FL
48 min from Deltona, FL
1 hr 1 min from Wildwood, FL
1 hr 1 min from Lakeland, FL

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out of 5

5 Reviews

Free primitive camping with well-shaded sites requiring 2+ mile hikes, featuring basic amenities like fire rings and water pumps. Access issues and first-come uncertainty noted by some visitors.

Maria Mercedes M.

Legend

Reviewed Feb. 6, 2026

Primitive Peace Beneath the Oaks

Tucked just east of Orlando, Hal Scott Preserve County Park feels like stepping into an older, quieter version of Florida, where primitive camping still means earning your spot by foot and being rewarded with real peace once you arrive. This is a small, hike-in, first-come / first-served primitive campground set beneath mature oak trees that create a beautiful natural canopy, with clearly marked trails that make the walk manageable but still adventurous, especially if you are hauling gear. Amenities are intentionally minimal with cleared campsites, picnic tables, fire rings and a non-potable well pump for water, so planning ahead is essential and a folding wagon or cart is a very smart move to haul things from the very large parking lot. Our boys treated the hike-in like a mini expedition, counting steps, spotting birds along the trail and proudly helping to carry gear, which made the payoff of settling into camp under the oaks feel even sweeter. The best campsite is one slightly set back from the main trail under the thickest oak cover, as it offers the most amount of shade and a stronger sense of seclusion. We would recommend Hal Scott Preserve for families who enjoy primitive camping, hiking and wildlife watching, but it is best suited for those comfortable with basic facilities and a little extra effort in exchange for quiet and connection to nature.

Month of VisitJanuary

(10) View All

Kirsten G.

Scout

Reviewed Dec. 13, 2020

Unable to access with padlock code given :(

Second trip all the way out here with a camping reservation and lock code...with no other way to access and absolutely no contacts available for help. Pleeease consider investing in a new lock (heck, I'll buy it for you!). So very disappointed....

Month of VisitDecember

Jamie C.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 21, 2020

Tucked away gem

Be prepared for a hike to the sites (except group site). Expect some areas of water covered trails, ankle deep, especially in the summer months. The second site, about 2 miles in, has a storm shelter nearby for those sudden afternoon thunderstorms. Sites are neatly cleared with mature oak trees that provide a canopy for shade. Picnic tables, prep table, & a well pump for water (not for drinking) are welcomed amenities. Trails are well marked. Peaceful location. Plenty of hiking trails and chances to see wildlife. Will be back!

BT E.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 24, 2019

It's a walk!

It's a long walk to a primitive site, but totally worth it. There's no real way of knowing if the sites are already taken, so be prepared for that. There's a fire pit, table and plenty of space for tents. If I go again, I'll bring a folding cart to bring more supplies. Can't complain for a free campsite.

Billy A.

Ranger

Reviewed Apr. 1, 2015

Easily accessible and free camping

Hal Scott Preserve has three campsites. Two of the sites require a hike in and are first come first serve. One is about two miles from the parking lot and the other is about 1/2 mile further. The third is a group campsite that must be reserved in advance, and you can drive to the site. All of the sites are free. The park has lots of trails to hike, and the sites are in nice shaded oak hammocks. The group site has a porta potty. The sites all have fire rings and two sites have pitcher pumps for water you can filter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hal Scott Preserve County Park have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hal Scott Preserve County Park has water hookups and sewer hookups.

Are fires allowed at Hal Scott Preserve County Park?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Hal Scott Preserve County Park, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Hal Scott Preserve County Park have wifi?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Hal Scott Preserve County Park does have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Hal Scott Preserve County Park?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is good coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and good coverage for Verizon.

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