Dispersed camping dominates the landscape around Anthony, Florida, with most sites concentrated within the Ocala National Forest to the east. Primitive locations like Davenport Landing, Trout Lake Primitive Sites, and Blue Sink offer true backcountry experiences without developed amenities. These sites typically feature access to waterways including the Ocklawaha River and St. Johns River, providing opportunities for fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing. Most dispersed sites in the region remain free to use and do not require permits, though they lack facilities such as potable water, restrooms, or designated fire rings. The terrain consists primarily of flat, sandy soil beneath canopies of magnolia, sweetgum, and maple trees, creating shaded camping areas characteristic of central Florida's forest ecosystems.
Road conditions present significant challenges for accessing many dispersed sites near Anthony. As one camper at Trout Lake noted, "Main road entry is packed dirt; smaller access road to sites is two-track about 1/4 mile through woods—very narrow tree clearance. 4WD recommended." Similar conditions exist at Freak Creek, where a visitor reported, "The main road in has huge deep ruts, the other road has a water crossing that was over my bumper on my lifted Mojave." Weather compounds these challenges, as sandy roads become impassable when wet, and summer thunderstorms can develop quickly. Cell service remains limited or nonexistent at most sites, requiring self-sufficiency and advance planning. Safety concerns have been reported at some locations, particularly regarding unauthorized long-term occupants and isolated areas with limited oversight.
Water access represents a primary draw for campers in the region, with riverfront and lakeside sites receiving the highest ratings. The St. Johns River dispersed camping area offers stargazing opportunities, with one visitor noting, "Right next to the river and the trees open up so you get a great view of the stars." Wildlife sightings add to the experience, with reports of alligators, black bears, and even panthers in more remote areas. Site conditions vary dramatically between locations and seasons, with some visitors reporting pristine natural settings while others encounter evidence of misuse. Davenport Landing exemplifies this variability, with reviews ranging from "nice and cool in the forest" to concerns about unauthorized residents. Campers seeking solitude should consider weekday visits and be prepared for truly primitive conditions with no amenities beyond the natural setting.
"Pprimitive, no reservations, gets some traffic visiting historic site."
"Pulled in around 9:30 pm. Big open spot. Last 100 yards driving back in were very bumpy but no problem with our van. Not sure about a larger RV. But great Tent/van spot."
"Set of primitive spots near lake. Main road entry is packed dirt; smaller access road to sites is two-track about 1/4 mile through woods — very narrow tree clearance. 4WD recommended."
"Very narrow trails but really easy access, you will leave with some new pinstripes"
"The Forestry Service recently chopped down trees and covered the easy access roads."
"If you don’t have 4wd and recovery gear I wouldn’t risk it."
"I was very pleased visiting Lake Dorr campground. Very clean restrooms and water available every 20 feet. Would recommend if you enjoy peace and quiet."
"Right next to the river and the trees open up so you get a great view of the stars."
ScoutSet of primitive spots near lake. Main road entry is packed dirt; smaller access road to sites is two-track about 1/4 mile through woods — very narrow tree clearance. 4WD recommended. Just barely scraped a FWD Promaster through the trees, into a pullout just before sand started. Poor cell service even with booster. Plan on returning after antenna upgrade. Not the cleanest but passable.
LegendLocated a hefty trek down a winding gravel road west of Route 19, you’ll have to maneuver around divots and potholes along this narrow gravel, dusty roadway for the better part of 2 miles before arriving to a small sign on the left-hand side of the road that indicates you’ve arrived at Davenport Recreational Area – so finding this place is relatively easy. Unless you make the unwise decision to turn into one of the small handful of options beforehand that would have you drive down a patch of road that likely you are not authorized to, my only advice would be not to exceed 15 MPH on this road as the poor condition of the road could do damage to a lower-lying vehicle. Once you come across the Davenport Recreational Area sign, take a right and slowly (as the road conditions worsen as you get off the main road) follow the narrow tire-rutted pathway to a fork, where on the right you’ll see TRAILHEAD marked on a tree to your right– here you want to turn left instead and follow the pathway to its conclusion, which is a round-about that you will have no other alternative but to stop and park your vehicle.
Here at literally ‘the end of the road,’ you’ll be greeted by a dozen or so medium-sized Magnolias that blot out the sun’s rays and cast an unusually spooky shadow on this area, made even more dramatic by all of the Spanish moss falling from the tree limbs of these magnificent trees. While the ground here is flat – welcome to Florida, where for the most part, that’s par for the course – but barren and comprised of a combination of dirt and sand silt, which isn’t so bad when it’s dry, but when there’s rain, we’re talking some pretty messy mud-like conditions. As for what you’ll find here at this natural cul-de-sac, there isn’t anything. Literally. No picnic tables. No fire ring. No stand-up grill. No potable(or for that matter, non-potable) water spigot. Nothing. There is what looks to be a small wooden sign that likely was filled with information at some point in time that might have educated you about your stay here, but even that had nothing on it, apart from a single hand-made sign above it, indicating: “You are trash, if you leave trash,” which I wholeheartedly agree with. In all, perhaps there’s 5-6 individual spots that you could make a campsite from.
If you are a true primitive camper who really wants NOTHING to complement or aid their outdoor survivalist experiment, then you have hit the primitive camping jackpot! Apart from the solid peace & quiet you’ll experience here, there’s an amazing little access point here to the Ocklawaha river that runs through this neck of the woods – which used to be a riverboat stop where steamboats would stop to fuel or disembark enroute to Silver Springs via the St. Johns which this tributary eventually connects to. Apart from being a scenic access point to the river, if you are looking to catch and eat your meals, then this will certainly be an added bonus. The steps down the ravine to the river basin are somewhat steep, but for anyone towing a light-weight kayak or paddleboard, me thinks you could likely manage to bring your watercraft down here and easily access emerald-green waters shouldered with an abundance of spade-shaped lily pads to grab some great oaring.
When we stopped by, there was a team of fisherman there – not camping, mind you – but having a great afternoon nonetheless of ‘hooking‘ em’ and according to these local anglers, the fishing was great. Apart from this and the shade that the mighty Magnolias provide, the only other amenity that exists out here are the few trails that you can jump on to get a bit of hiking in. One word of caution, from my fishermen friends, is to be on the look-out for ‘Coyo-Dogs’ (a cross between canine species where a dog mates with a coyote) and black bear, both of which have been known to frequent this area, especially at night.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) There’s a 1.2 mile interpretive hiking trail called Davenport Landing Trail that will take to you to the former steamboat landing, which makes for a medium-grade hike with some interesting history; (2) If you have an explorer’s mindset, you’ll be richly rewarded here as there is a small gravesite from the Civil War that you can find along with middens along the Ocklawaha River hiding traces of the Timucuan Indians that once populated this area; (3) For fellow arborists, in addition to finding these amazing Magnolias that seem to be especially planted here for you, additionally there’s sweetgum and red maple trees; and (4) You definitely want to keep your eyes peeled for alligators in this area, where while we didn’t see any right at the ravine’s base, we were told that plenty were sunbathing right around the bend in the river from where we were.
Happy Camping!
TravelerSo I was desperate trying to find my very first primitive camp site and started to panic and then came across the review "you might get pinstripes", well let me tell you the trail to the lake is so narrow I wasn't sure I was driving my Chevy Malibu through the forest because it was so overgrown. I started panicking and trying to find a turn around after going through a very soft sandy spot. Figured I'd never be able to get out or reverse. Then the lake appeared and someone left some firewood so I figured better pitch my tent fast before dark. I was scared to death all night alone , I had a black bear sighting that afternoon and I had no bear spray no cellphone service but all there was was whispering pines! It was soothing, and decided if I had to I could spend the night in car. It rained all night and morning. I knew I couldn't drive out or take the risk. I spent the second night. It's a beautiful lake and forest. The setting is breathtaking. I'd go back in a proper vehicle!
GuideAttempted to stay at this campground but left because it felt unsafe. Spoke to a local that warned of violence, robbery, and killings in this area of the national forest.
Got stuck in sand on the way out and had to wait for a tow truck. Tow truck driver carried a gun because of how unsafe the area is and warned us not to stay.
Please avoid the Ocala NF!
If you do decide to come to this campground, avoid north part of Ron Paul Drive. You’ll either get stuck in sand or have issues to low/tight trees. Drive further south of the other side of Ron Paul Drive.
ScoutMost beautiful place to stumble upon. You may need ATV or creative backpacking to get there now. The Forestry Service recently chopped down trees and covered the easy access roads.
ScoutPprimitive, no reservations, gets some traffic visiting historic site.
ScoutPulled in around 9:30 pm. Big open spot. Last 100 yards driving back in were very bumpy but no problem with our van. Not sure about a larger RV. But great Tent/van spot.
GuideI really enjoyed this spot, but I did spot a bear on my way in and scat along the road. I wouldn't recommend this spot to beginners or inexperienced outdoor enthusiasts. There is a campground nearby that charges 10bucks a night that I would recommend for families or beginners. Delancy Campground is accessible from this (FS Road 74) location
GuideThe main road in has huge deep ruts, the other road has a water crossing that was over my bumper on my lifted Mojave. I talked to another person that use to go out there and said she has seen a panther. I’ve yet to see anything. The campground is overgrown, and not many ppl visit due to not being able to get back. If you don’t have 4wd and recovery gear I wouldn’t risk it. There is a nice creek area where you can swim and or fish if you have the right equipment to get back there it can be fun, but if you don't you will be stuck until Some one comes by.
Dispersed camping sites around Anthony, Florida cluster primarily in the northern reaches of Ocala National Forest. The region features elevation changes between 50-200 feet, with dense stands of longleaf pine forests and occasionally cypress wetlands. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing, making rustic camping near Anthony, Florida accessible year-round, though summer humidity consistently exceeds 80% and afternoon thunderstorms are common from June through September.
Paddling opportunities: The primitive campsites near Freak Creek Dispersed Camping area provide direct access to multiple waterways. "There is a nice creek area where you can swim and or fish if you have the right equipment to get back there it can be fun," notes camper Hilary G., though she cautions about the difficult access requiring high-clearance vehicles.
Historical exploration: At Davenport Landing, visitors can discover remnants of Florida's past. "If you have an explorer's mindset, you'll be richly rewarded here as there is a small gravesite from the Civil War that you can find along with middens along the Ocklawaha River hiding traces of the Timucuan Indians that once populated this area," writes Stuart K.
Stargazing: The St. Johns River Dispersed Spot offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. According to Mike D., "The trees open up so you get a great view of the stars," making this a prime location for astronomy enthusiasts who should plan visits during new moon phases for optimal viewing.
Seclusion factor: The remote nature of many sites attracts those seeking isolation. At Freak Creek Dispersed Camping, Adamm A. reports, "It's super secluded and quiet. Depending when you stay there's at times people who show up to party and then leave."
Forest cover: Mature tree canopies provide natural climate control at several sites. Ethan B. noted about Davenport Landing, "Had no one around and nice and cool in the forest," highlighting the temperature moderation effect even during warmer months.
Water proximity: Access to lakes and rivers ranks highly among camper preferences. The primitive sites at Blue Sink earned praise from Destiny R., who called it the "Most beautiful place to stumble upon," though she warns access has become more challenging after recent forestry operations.
Vehicle requirements: Most dispersed camping areas near Anthony demand high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles. At Trout Lake Primitive Sites, one reviewer cautions, "Main road entry is packed dirt; smaller access road to sites is two-track about 1/4 mile through woods — very narrow tree clearance. 4WD recommended."
Safety considerations: Some camping areas have reported security concerns. Michael S. shared his experience at Lake Dorr: "Attempted to stay at this campground but left because it felt unsafe. Spoke to a local that warned of violence, robbery, and killings in this area of the national forest."
Transient occupants: Several dispersed sites occasionally host long-term unauthorized residents. Dylan D. observed at Davenport Landing: "Really nice area unfortunately there's a homeless commune. We set up camp earlier in the day when there was only a few people hanging out wasn't until a few hours later when I realized that they were living there."
Vehicle impacts: Tree clearance on access roads presents challenges for wider vehicles. Joe P. from Trout Lake Primitive Sites warns, "Very narrow trails but really easy access, you will leave with some new pinstripes," referring to potential scratches from branches.
Site selection timing: Arrive early in the day (before 2pm) to secure the safest and most level sites, particularly during weekends and holidays when primitive camping areas fill quickly.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children proper food storage techniques as bears and other wildlife are present. Stuart K. at Davenport Landing advises visitors to "be on the look-out for 'Coyo-Dogs' (a cross between canine species where a dog mates with a coyote) and black bear, both of which have been known to frequent this area, especially at night."
Emergency planning: Cell coverage is extremely limited or non-existent at most dispersed camping locations near Anthony. One camper at Trout Lake Primitive Sites noted, "Poor cell service even with booster. Plan on returning after antenna upgrade."
Size restrictions: Most primitive camping areas around Anthony cannot accommodate large rigs. David P. noted about access to Davenport Landing: "Last 100 yards driving back in were very bumpy but no problem with our van. Not sure about a larger RV."
Recovery equipment: Always travel with extraction gear when attempting rustic camping near Anthony. Hilary G. from Freak Creek emphasizes: "If you don't have 4wd and recovery gear I wouldn't risk it...if you don't you will be stuck until someone comes by."
Water crossing assessment: During rainy periods, access roads may feature water obstacles. At Freak Creek Dispersed Camping, a reviewer encountered "a water crossing that was over my bumper on my lifted Mojave," indicating potential challenges even for well-equipped vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Anthony, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Anthony, FL is Davenport Landing with a 3.1-star rating from 9 reviews.
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