Best Dispersed Camping near Highland City, FL
Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area provides free dispersed camping options near Highland City, Florida with primitive, pull-through sites under shade trees. The area features fire rings but no water, permanent toilets, or trash facilities. According to one visitor, "We were the only ones there for the weekend, probably because of the summer heat. However, it was nice and free." The grounds are maintained but fire rings may be damaged, and campers should plan to pack out all trash.
Peace River Banks Backcountry offers another off-grid camping experience accessible only by boat. This area runs north to south between Zolpho Springs and Gardner, extending down to Arcadia. Camping is permitted on the west bank with no designated sites, creating a true wilderness experience. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, it provides "excellent backcountry camping" where "canoeing and kayaking are preferred mode of transportation" though Jon boats and airboats are occasionally used. This area represents undeveloped "Old Florida Wilderness" camping with no amenities or facilities.
