Best Dispersed Camping near Hilliard, FL
Dispersed camping near Hilliard, Florida centers around several hunt camps in the Osceola National Forest. These primitive sites include 17 Mile Hunt Camp, Cobb Hunt Camp, West Tower Hunt Camp, and Sandhill Hunt Camp, all located within 30-45 minutes southwest of Hilliard in Baker and Columbia Counties. Each location offers rustic, no-fee or low-fee camping with minimal amenities and varying levels of seclusion. These forest service areas permit tent and RV camping without reservations, though site availability depends on hunting seasons and maintenance closures.
Access roads to these dispersed sites range from passable dirt roads to more challenging terrain that may become muddy after rain. Campers should be prepared for potentially soft ground conditions that could cause vehicles to get stuck, particularly at 17 Mile Hunt Camp. Most sites have limited amenities, with West Tower being the most developed, featuring outdoor cold showers, drinking water, and toilets. Cobb Hunt Camp provides portable toilets during hunting season but has experienced periodic closures. A 14-day stay limit applies at West Tower Hunt Camp, while others may have seasonal restrictions during hunting periods.
These areas attract visitors seeking quiet, natural settings with minimal facilities. The dispersed nature of sites offers privacy, though proximity varies. According to one camper at 17 Mile Hunt Camp, "Nice primitive campground with well maintained dispersed spots. No picnic tables or fire rings but plenty of space." Another noted, "It's a hunt camp. Heard many shots during the late afternoon when we got there." Cell service is generally poor or non-existent, particularly at 17 Mile Hunt Camp. West Tower Hunt Camp receives positive reviews for cleanliness and maintenance, with one visitor describing it as having "a nice feeling of seclusion without being too far from civilization." Small ponds exist near some camping areas, providing scenery but requiring water treatment if used for consumption.
