Top Free Dispersed Camping near Citra, FL
Want to go dispersed camping near Citra? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Citra, FL (8)
1. Davenport Landing
Welaka, Florida5 Reviews•1 Photo•52 SavesMany people enjoy this solitude and primitive experience, but knowing your limits, skills and abilities is a must. Following certain rules and regulations will help make your experience safer and ensure settings remain unspoiled.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/florida/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=70792&actid=34- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Blue Sink
Altoona, Florida1 Review•1 Photo•34 SavesArea may be unavailable. Please check with the local USFS Ranger station to check on status.
Many people enjoy this solitude and primitive experience, but knowing your limits, skills and abilities is a must. Following certain rules and regulations will help make your experience safer and ensure settings remain unspoiled. https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/florida/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=70792&actid=34
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. St. Johns River Dispersed Spot - Ocala NF
De Leon Springs, Florida1 Review•132 SavesMany people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of dispersed camping - camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers with few services or facilities. Additional skills are necessary for a successful trip. It is your responsibility to know your limits and abilities before you try this experience. Certain rules and regulations will make your experience safe and ensure settings remain scenic and unspoiled.
Leave No Trace. Be Bear Aware. Minimize Waste. Pack it in, pack it out. Dispose of all garbage in proper receptacles. Bury all human and pet waste at least 6 inches deep and at least 100 feet away from any water source. Camp Considerately. Dispersed camping is not allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas or less than 100 feet from streams and other water sources. Pick a previously used site. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites. Make your campsite less visible, so other visitors can experience a “wild” setting. Avoid camping in the middle of a clearing or meadow. Be aware of forest boundaries. Get permission before camping on private property. Control your Campfire. Do not camp in an area with campfire restrictions listed under Alerts & Notices and Forest Supervisor's Orders. Use existing fire rings, fire pans or mound fires to minimize scarring rocks, soil and plants. Gather and use down and dead firewood. Do not cut standing trees or limbs off standing trees. Burn all wood and coals down to ashes. Make sure campfires are dead out and cold to the touch before leaving. Douse them with water and stir with a shovel. Know the Rules. Generally, there is a 14-day per month stay limit on the National Forests in Florida. Establishing residency is against federal regulation. Groups of over 75 people must obtain a special use permit from the nearest national forest office. Pets are welcome in most areas but must be kept on a leash. Camping is allowed only in designated campsites during general gun season, as defined in Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations for the Wildlife Management Areas.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Citra
9 Reviews of 8 Citra Campgrounds
Trout Lake Primitive Sites
Nice secluded sites
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. 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.
Lake Dorr
Area Unsafe and Had to Leave. Please avoid.
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.
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.
Davenport Landing
Sketchy
There are some permanent party there seemed like 2 dudes in a truck with a big tent mad sketchy looking I wouldn’t recommend straight out of a horror movie
Blue Sink
Blue Sink
Most 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.
Davenport Landing
Yes, this is a place to sleep if you need it
I would not come back here again. There were obviously some long term residents that had set up shack here, and while they did not make the campground feel unsafe, they were trashing up the place. For example, at our site there was a literal burning pit of garbage that we had to set up next to. We had to douse the fire just to not feel nauseous. Suffice to say, we left very early the next morning and never looked back.
Davenport Landing
Nice….but.
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. Then the rest of them showed up. It got super rowdy. Not to mention the whole area smells like burning plastic.
St. Johns River Dispersed Spot - Ocala NF
Hidden Gem
The roads to get here are bumpy. Right next to the river and the trees open up so you get a great view of the stars.
Davenport Landing
Quiet spot
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.
Davenport Landing
Generally quiet primitive camping with water access
Pprimitive, no reservations, gets some traffic visiting historic site.
Guide to Citra
Camping near Citra, Florida, offers a great mix of nature, fun activities, and family-friendly spots. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
What to do
- Explore the Springs: Check out the beautiful springs in the area. For example, at Ginnie Springs Outdoors, you can swim, kayak, or float down the lazy river. One visitor said, "This is clearly one of the best natural springs in all of Florida."
- Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds, like Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground, have trails for hiking and biking. A camper mentioned, "The trails are absolutely gorgeous. Natural palms growing among tall pines."
- Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. At Manatee Springs State Park Campground, one camper noted, "The springs are amazing and full of wildlife."
What campers like
- Shady Spots: Campers appreciate the shady spots at places like Anastasia State Park Campground. One review said, "Beautiful campground in St Augustine. Very shady spots."
- Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus. A visitor at Florida Salt Springs mentioned, "The bathhouse by us was always clean."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. At Silver Springs State Park Campground, a camper said, "Very friendly staff (Melinda & John, camp hosts were amazing)."
What you should know
- Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during weekends. A camper at Blue Spring State Park Campground advised, "If you find yourself out-of-luck in finding an available campground site to reserve, try your luck at booking one of the cabins."
- Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at Florida Manatee Springs State Park noted, "No cell coverage period. You'll get 1 bar to tease you."
- Wildlife Encounters: While wildlife is a treat, it can also be a nuisance. One camper at Florida Wekiwa Springs State Park mentioned, "A few raccoons so take necessary precautions with trash and food storage."
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. North Beach Camp Resort is a great option, with nearby restaurants and activities. A reviewer said, "The camp is located in a great location between the beach and the river."
- Plan Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. A family at Rainbow Springs State Park Campground enjoyed the hiking trails and swimming areas, saying, "This secret little spot is the perfect escape into the jungle of Florida."
- Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Juniper Springs Recreation Area suggested, "When you get tired of digging through your cooler, check out some local fare."
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Florida Salt Springs mentioned, "Our site was a really good size! We had plenty of space on all four sides."
- Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with good amenities. A camper at Silver Springs State Park Campground appreciated the "clean bathroom, washer/dryer, soda machine."
- Be Prepared for Dust: Some campgrounds have dirt sites. A reviewer at North Beach Camp Resort noted, "All the sites are dirt, including the roads, so you will have dirt and dust."
Camping around Citra, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Citra, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Citra, FL is Davenport Landing with a 2.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Citra, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Citra, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.