Dispersed camping near Bell, Florida centers around several hunt camps in the Osceola National Forest. The area features primitive sites at locations like West Tower Hunt Camp, Cobb Hunt Camp, and 17 Mile Hunt Camp, all offering free camping with minimal amenities. These sites function primarily as hunt base camps but remain open to general dispersed camping throughout the year, providing alternatives to established campgrounds.
Access roads to these dispersed sites vary in quality and may become challenging after rainfall. Many campers report potentially muddy conditions that could strand vehicles without adequate clearance. Most sites accommodate both tent camping and smaller RVs, though big rigs are not recommended. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days at West Tower Hunt Camp. Facilities are minimal, with some locations offering portable toilets and trash receptacles that are serviced twice weekly. As one camper noted, "Sites are spread out and the road is rough getting in. No water or electric. Porta potty on site." Cell service is limited or non-existent at most locations, particularly at 17 Mile and West Tower Hunt Camps.
These dispersed camping areas provide varying levels of privacy and seclusion. West Tower Hunt Camp stands out with its bathroom, outdoor cold shower, and horse stables with drinking water. Cobb Hunt Camp has experienced periodic closures but camping just beyond the entrance has been permitted. 17 Mile Hunt Camp features well-maintained dispersed spots with natural flat areas suitable for camping. "It was really peaceful. There were only a few other people there and we hardly ever saw them," reported one visitor about 17 Mile Hunt Camp. Some sites offer views of small ponds, though campers should be prepared for complete self-sufficiency with no hookups or services. During hunting season, expect increased activity and occasional shooting sounds in these areas.
"Camp host was nice and they have a 14 day stay limit. Verizon service was pretty spotty. Having a host with no charge threw me for a bit of a loop."
"This is a great place for dispersed camping, but it’s not as quiet as you might expect. Dogs bark all night, so it’s not the best place for those who are sensitive to noise."
"Trash and porta potty’s provided by National Forest."
"Definitely dispersed. Definitely got a little chilly tent camping."
"Nice primitive campground with well maintained dispersed spots. No picnic tables or fire rings but plenty of space. Nice and quiet. Lots of space for RVs as well."
"This was our first time boondocking and it was the perfect site to try it out. We have a 26’ travel trailer and we did a few loops looking for a good site."
TravelerThis is a great place for dispersed camping, but it’s not as quiet as you might expect. Dogs bark all night, so it’s not the best place for those who are sensitive to noise. However, it’s a great place to experience nature, even though there are some houses nearby. Just be aware that it can get extremely hot in the summer, so if you’re planning to go, make sure you have an RV or trailer.
GuideGreat spot to camp, did see a baby bear and a few wood peckers. Quiet clean and beautiful. No marked camp sites no reservations and no fees.
TravelerFeels like true north fl wilderness even though you’re very close to a rural residential area and only about 15 minutes off I-10. Any car can access even after heavy rain. Just don’t go too far deep because the road is rutted and muddy but there’s plenty of spots before that. I had signal (Verizon) at my site but it was spotty throughout the camp. The spots are huge, even had picnic tables, so great for group camping. I did see porter potties and another building next to it but I didn’t look inside. Only caveat is this IS a hunt camp so hunters are out with their dogs at night. I didn’t hear any gun shots but I did hear lots of dogs barking and howling, thankfully a good distance away so it didn’t bother me. Mosquitoes weren’t too bad this time of year even with the rain. I would come here again happily :)
GuideSeveral well marked, well maintained, and easy to pull into to spots. At&t 5g, 2 to 3 bars. Several others out here camping, but everything is spread out. There are toilets available, and they are clean. Once you pull into the parking space below the tower, you will see some dirt/sand roads. You need to head down those to find the spots. I wouldn't bring a trailer down, but my full sized 4x4 truck had no issues and no pinstripes added. Most spots have a picnic table and a firering. Amazing this spot is free.
ScoutThis has been an exceptional experience. Gorgeous trees & quiet, a beautiful rickety tower to climb, several bathrooms to choose from (cleaned daily), an outdoor shower, and mostly great neighbors! There's also a house across the road, which was comforting, given that I was traveling solo as a woman. They even helped when my car broke down and I needed to call a towing company. Speaking of phones, Verizon service was nonexistent at the second site and spotty at the first. I ended up driving out about 10 minutes to make calls & check my phone. Also note that hunters come on weekends and kick up a lot of dust while driving past camp sites; their dogs also make a lot of noise.
🙏🏼💗 So grateful for this time.
ScoutWe pulled in late, a lot of open spots. Other guests were camping. Definitely dispersed.
Definitely got a little chilly tent camping.
TravelerWe weren't sure what to expect considering the ride in past some shacks and few and far-between homes but the forest itself is incredibly spacious and shady with the campsites pretty far apart from each other (at least 4 sites that we saw) and each able to accommodate 5+ tents plus cars or trucks. Our site had three full-size picnic tables plus a fire grate on the ground if you chose to grill. It seemed like each site had an animal-proof trash bin, which was really handy. There were two porta-potties at the entrance to the camp area. This site was easily found on Google maps.
It was a half-moon so scattered moonlight but otherwise, no light pollution. There were a pack of dogs barking throughout the night, but not too loud or close to keep us awake. We saw them being picked up in the morning (at least 5 or 6) and loaded into a truck.
GuideCrime scene tape Has been removed since last visit so that's a plus. Lots of wide open area where if you have a trailer you can park. Not much privacy. Has the feel of a regular campground but its free. Small pond in the middle of the campground seems to have a few swirls. Can't drive thru the campground expect in a lifted truck due to water hole but main road access is available to the other side.
TravelerMy first night here was fantastic. I can stay up to two weeks here. It’s December and there was only two other people camping here my site. I couldn’t even see anybody.
Dispersed camping near Bell, Florida primarily takes place within Osceola National Forest, offering primitive sites where campers can experience Florida's wilderness without established facilities. Winter temperatures average 45-65°F while summer months see 75-95°F with high humidity. Roads accessing these rustic camps become challenging during Florida's rainy season, particularly from June through September when afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Wildlife observation: Osceola National Forest hosts diverse wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. At West Tower Hunt Camp, campers report excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "My first night here was fantastic. I can stay up to two weeks here. It's December and there was only two other people camping here my site. I couldn't even see anybody," notes Dan B.
Fishing: Small ponds throughout the forest provide fishing opportunities, particularly at 17 Mile Hunt Camp. One camper mentioned, "We got an amazing spot with a view of the pond," highlighting the accessible water features. Local anglers recommend morning hours for best results.
Book exchange: West Tower Hunt Camp maintains a unique book exchange in their bathroom facility. As J A. notes, "Nice spots with a bathroom book exchange and power at the bathroom if you need it," providing a welcome amenity for readers seeking entertainment during their stay in this remote area.
Privacy between sites: The dispersed nature of these camping areas offers seclusion. Will J. shares about 17 Mile Hunt Camp: "It was really peaceful. There were only a few other people there and we hardly ever saw them." Many sites provide natural separation with palmetto undergrowth creating boundaries.
Cost-free camping: These rustic camps offer free accommodations with basic amenities. At Cobb Hunt Camp, DeziRay M. appreciates that it's "Free no water or electricity, porta-potties. Most campers stay to themselves and there's room for privacy."
Natural flat terrain: The forest landscape provides naturally level sites requiring minimal setup effort. One camper at 17 Mile Hunt Camp reported, "We didn't even need to level the camper - it was naturally flat," making the area particularly accommodating for both tent and vehicle camping.
Closures and accessibility: Campgrounds in this area may close without notice. At Cobb Hunt Camp, Chris D. noted, "Cobb Camp Osceola is closed though the website makes no mention of the closure. There are people camping just beyond the campground without issue." When faced with closures, campers often find nearby alternatives.
Communication limitations: Cell service ranges from spotty to non-existent. Brian reported about 17 Mile Hunt Camp: "No Verizon cell service," while another camper stated, "Minimal, if any, cell service, so you will be disconnected pretty much." Plan accordingly with offline maps and emergency preparations.
Weather considerations: Ground conditions can deteriorate quickly with rain. Chrischelle N. warns, "Just make sure to check the ground before you park. Very muddy, could get stuck." Forest roads often become impassable for standard vehicles during wet periods.
Safety precautions: Small wildlife may pose risks to pets and children. Will J. cautions, "We did have to be extra careful with our little dog tho because we did get the sense that something could try to eat it since the sites are in the middle of the woods. We generally felt safe tho and just made sure to take bear spray."
Activity planning: Without modern amenities, prepare offline entertainment. Patrick M. from 17 Mile Hunt Camp suggests, "No tv stations, I brought movies, really enjoyed myself." Board games and outdoor activities help keep children engaged.
Site selection: Choose sites with natural play areas. Aliyah B. recommends, "Loved this spot. It had tons of space with space between camp spots. Quiet. Lots of locals during the day but settles down at night." The open spaces allow for safer exploration for children.
Ground assessment: RV campers must thoroughly check ground stability before parking. Will J. advises from experience at 17 Mile Hunt Camp, "We did a few loops looking for a good site. It was pretty easy to see where the areas for camping are but it's not as clear as a paid RV park."
Boondocking preparation: These sites require full self-sufficiency. Patrick M. shares, "I'm in a travel trailer so I had the chance to take advantage of all the amenities my camper has to offer," emphasizing the importance of having operational onboard systems for water, waste, and power.
Size limitations: Smaller RVs and trailers navigate these areas more successfully. Chrischelle N. notes, "Nice primitive campground with well maintained dispersed spots. No picnic tables or fire rings but plenty of space. Nice and quiet. Lots of space for RVs as well." Most sites accommodate smaller trailers under 26 feet, while larger rigs may struggle with access roads and turning radius.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bell, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bell, FL is West Tower Hunt Camp with a 4.9-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bell, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Bell, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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