Best Dispersed Camping near Daytona Beach, FL

Daytona Beach area dispersed camping can be found in several remote spots about an hour's drive from the city. South Lake Tahoe provides a quiet place to camp despite having a name that sounds out of place in Florida. At Bliss State Park Campground, you'll need to bring everything with you since there are no facilities - stick to Leave No Trace practices here. When camping on public lands around Daytona, you need to set up at least 200 feet from roads and water to protect natural resources. You can stay up to 14 days at most sites before needing to move on. Many of the best dispersed spots require trucks or SUVs with good clearance since roads can be rough and sandy. Remember that you'll have no restrooms, water, or trash service, so plan accordingly and pack out everything you bring in. Fire bans are common throughout much of the year in this part of Florida, so check current rules before planning to have a campfire. The main appeal of camping this way is the basic, quiet experience away from crowds. Summer thunderstorms can quickly turn dirt access roads into mud pits, while winter (November-March) brings drier, more comfortable camping weather. Eagle Point Campground offers primitive sites where you can disconnect completely from city life. The basic nature of these sites means more preparation but also more solitude than developed campgrounds. Following the rules helps keep these areas open for everyone to use. First-timers should research thoroughly before attempting dispersed camping here. When heading out to camp around Daytona Beach, bring extra water, food, and emergency supplies since you'll be far from services.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Daytona Beach, Florida (8)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Daytona Beach, FL

2 Photos of 8 Daytona Beach Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Daytona Beach, FL

14 Reviews of 8 Daytona Beach Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 25, 2024

    Davenport Landing

    Magnolia-Shaded Cul-de-Sac Primitive Camping

    Located 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!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 26, 2024

    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.

  • M
    Nov. 13, 2023

    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.

  • Destiny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 4, 2022

    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.

  • Frank E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2019

    Davenport Landing

    Generally quiet primitive camping with water access

    Pprimitive, no reservations, gets some traffic visiting historic site.

  • D
    Feb. 4, 2021

    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.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 19, 2025

    Freak Creek Dispersed Camping

    Remote and lifted 4wd needed

    The 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Trout Lake Primitive Sites

    Great spot

    Very narrow trails but really easy access, you will leave with some new pinstripes


Guide to Daytona Beach

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Daytona Beach, Florida, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of spots to choose from, you can enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors while engaging in activities like kayaking, stargazing, and exploring the wilderness.

Secluded Spots for Stargazing

  • The St. Johns River Dispersed Spot - Ocala NF offers a stunning view of the stars, especially when the trees open up near the river. It's a perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration.
  • For those seeking solitude, Freak Creek Dispersed Camping provides a quiet environment, ideal for stargazing without the interference of city lights.
  • If you're up for a bit of a trek, Blue Sink is a hidden gem that requires some effort to reach, but the breathtaking night sky makes it worth the journey.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Daytona Beach

  • Kayaking enthusiasts will appreciate the access to water at Freak Creek Dispersed Camping, where you can easily launch your kayak and explore the serene surroundings.
  • Hiking is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area, and Blue Sink offers trails that lead to picturesque views and a chance to connect with nature.
  • For those who enjoy fishing, Trout Lake Primitive Sites provides a peaceful setting to cast your line and relax by the water.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Lake Dorr

  • While Lake Dorr has received mixed reviews, it’s worth noting that some visitors have found it to be a unique experience, despite warnings about safety concerns.
  • If you’re looking for a more adventurous route, be prepared for challenging access roads that can test your vehicle's capabilities at Lake Dorr.
  • Always stay informed about the area, as local insights can help you navigate the best spots and avoid potential issues while enjoying your time at Lake Dorr.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free camping near Daytona Beach?

Free camping near Daytona Beach is available in several locations within Ocala National Forest. Blue Sink offers beautiful dispersed camping, though access roads may require an ATV or creative backpacking as Forestry Service has limited easy access. St. Johns River Dispersed Spot - Ocala NF provides riverside camping with great stargazing opportunities, though access roads are bumpy. These free sites are primitive with no amenities, so come prepared with water, food, and waste disposal plans. Always check current forest regulations as they may change seasonally.

Are there free RV parking spots available near Daytona Beach?

Free RV parking near Daytona Beach is limited but available at select dispersed camping locations. Davenport Landing can accommodate smaller RVs, though the last portion of the access road is very bumpy with potholes. Freak Creek Dispersed Camping is another option, but only for small, rugged RVs due to deep ruts and water crossings on access roads. These spots have no hookups or facilities, so you'll need to be fully self-contained. RVs over 25 feet will likely struggle at most dispersed sites in this area due to narrow, rough forest roads.

What are the primitive camping options around Daytona Beach?

The Daytona Beach area offers several primitive camping options in the nearby Ocala National Forest. Trout Lake Primitive Sites features wooded spots near the lake with narrow access roads requiring careful navigation and possibly 4WD. Lake Dorr provides another primitive option, though visitors should check current safety conditions before planning their trip. These sites lack amenities like running water, electricity, or developed facilities, so campers should bring everything they need and be prepared for true backcountry camping.