Best Dispersed Camping near Coral Springs, FL

Dispersed camping near Coral Springs, Florida is limited to a few primitive sites in the broader South Florida region. L-31 Boat Ramp provides a basic area for bank fishing but offers minimal camping amenities. The site has no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities. This location primarily serves as an air boat launch point rather than a dedicated camping area. Nearby Panther Camp in Big Cypress National Preserve offers a more established dispersed camping experience approximately 5 miles from the preserve entrance via the Blue trail.

Access to these areas varies significantly. L-31 Boat Ramp has parking areas but challenging terrain, with one spot located next to a pump building down a steep hill. The site's proximity to a detention center, bright lights from canal crossings, and a nearby casino create significant light pollution. Panther Camp requires a 5-mile hike on trails that can become muddy depending on the season. A free permit is required for Panther Camp, though enforcement appears inconsistent. Lucky Hammock, another primitive site in the region, is accessible via hiking trails but offers no amenities.

The camping experience at these locations presents distinct challenges. Panther Camp features a picnic table and fire pit with space for multiple tents and hammocks in a tree grove maintained by the Florida Trail Association. A water hole at the back of the camp can be filtered for drinking water, though wildlife is present. "There is a water hole in the back of the camp which can be filtered. However a gator generally lives there. Better to pack your water in," notes one visitor. Lucky Hammock has been described as "infested with feral pigs," making overnight stays difficult. L-31 Boat Ramp receives mixed reviews, with one camper noting, "There is a detention center across the highway, the lights from the canal crossing and water pump building are extremely bright."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Coral Springs, Florida (3)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Coral Springs, FL

7 Photos of 3 Coral Springs Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Coral Springs, FL

2 Reviews of 3 Coral Springs Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2025

    Panther Camp — Big Cypress National Preserve

    Great spot to disconnect. Primitive. Free.

    I have hammock camped twice at this location. There is no cost to stay, no reservations needed. You can fill out a permit from the website. However I have never been asked for it. The trail in can be muddy depending on the time of year. 5 miles from the entrance on the Blue trail, it is a tree grove with a picnic table and firepit. Large and maintained by the FTA, space for 10+ tents and hammocks. There is a water hole in the back of the camp which can be filtered. However a gator generally lives there. Better to pack your water in. Strong cell signal due to cell towers at the rest stop.

  • Pavel T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2018

    Lucky Hammock

    oink oink

    This area is infested with feral pigs, so don't plan on sleeping at night.


Guide to Coral Springs

Dispersed camping near Coral Springs, Florida requires careful planning due to limited options. The region sits at the edge of the Everglades ecosystem with an average elevation of just 7 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can dip to the 50s, creating more comfortable camping conditions from November through March.

What to do

Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Panther Camp — Big Cypress National Preserve, campers can observe native Florida wildlife in their natural habitat. "I have hammock camped twice at this location. The trail in can be muddy depending on the time of year," reports J R. The site's proximity to wetlands attracts various bird species and occasional alligator sightings.

Bank fishing access: L-31 Boat Ramp provides opportunities for freshwater fishing along canal banks. "Bank fishing, no water, no services," notes Scott O. in his review. The location primarily serves as an access point rather than a dedicated recreation area, with limited space for overnight stays.

Stargazing challenges: Light pollution impacts night sky viewing at most primitive camping sites near Coral Springs. At Lucky Hammock, despite being a primitive site, urban glow from nearby developments diminishes stargazing quality. The site allows alcohol, unlike some other local dispersed camping options.

What campers like

Cost-free camping options: Dispersed camping areas around Coral Springs typically have no usage fees. "There is no cost to stay, no reservations needed. You can fill out a permit from the website," mentions J R. about Panther Camp, making it an economical option for overnight stays.

Cell connectivity: Despite the remote setting, some dispersed camping locations maintain surprisingly good communication access. According to J R., Panther Camp offers a "Strong cell signal due to cell towers at the rest stop," allowing campers to stay connected while enjoying primitive conditions.

Spacious group accommodations: The tree grove at Panther Camp provides ample room for larger camping parties. J R. notes it has "space for 10+ tents and hammocks" and is "maintained by the FTA," making it suitable for group camping experiences in a primitive setting.

What you should know

Wildlife encounters: Nocturnal wildlife activity can disrupt sleep at some locations. Pavel T. warns that Lucky Hammock "is infested with feral pigs, so don't plan on sleeping at night." Other sites may have similar wildlife challenges, including alligators and insects.

Water availability: Potable water access is severely limited at dispersed sites near Coral Springs. Campers must typically carry in all drinking water. Surface water, while sometimes available, requires proper filtration and comes with risks. J R. advises regarding Panther Camp's water hole: "Better to pack your water in."

Light pollution concerns: Urban proximity creates significant light pollution at several sites. One camper at L-31 Boat Ramp reports, "The lights from the canal crossing and water pump building are extremely bright, there is a huge lit up casino about 1/4 mile away." This impacts the wilderness experience at many locations.

Tips for camping with families

Emergency planning: The remote nature of dispersed camping near Coral Springs requires careful emergency preparation with children. Each family member should carry a whistle and know basic navigation. Cellular service at Panther Camp provides some security, though service at other locations may be unreliable.

Wildlife education: Prepare children for wildlife encounters before camping. Teaching proper food storage prevents animal attraction, especially in areas with feral pigs or other wildlife. All food items should be secured in sealed containers and never left unattended.

Weather monitoring: South Florida's climate includes sudden thunderstorms and potential flooding, particularly during summer months. Family camping trips should include weather radio or apps with alert capabilities, with plans for quick evacuation if weather deteriorates.

Tips from RVers

Access limitations: Most dispersed camping sites near Coral Springs are not suitable for RVs. L-31 Boat Ramp has challenging terrain with limited parking. One visitor notes, "There are two places to park, but one of them is right next to the pump building and down a steep hill." RVs should consider established campgrounds farther from Coral Springs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Coral Springs, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Coral Springs, FL is L-31 Boat Ramp with a 2.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Coral Springs, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Coral Springs, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.