Best Dispersed Camping near Jacksonville, FL
Dispersed camping in the Jacksonville area includes several primitive hunt camps in the Osceola National Forest, approximately 40-50 miles west of the city. These designated dispersed areas include 17 Mile Hunt Camp, Cobb Hunt Camp, and Sandhill Hunt Camp, providing free or low-cost options for self-contained camping in a natural setting. The sites are located near Sanderson, Florida on forest service roads with varying levels of accessibility and minimal amenities compared to developed campgrounds.
Access roads to these hunt camps can be rough and potentially muddy after rain, requiring careful navigation and sometimes high-clearance vehicles. 17 Mile Hunt Camp features some naturally flat areas suitable for larger vehicles including travel trailers, though campers should check ground conditions to avoid getting stuck. Most dispersed sites have no water, electricity, or permanent restroom facilities, though some locations like Cobb Hunt Camp may have portable toilets and trash receptacles during hunting season. Cell service is minimal to non-existent in most areas, particularly at 17 Mile Hunt Camp.
These primitive camping areas provide a secluded experience with sites generally spaced far enough apart for privacy. During hunting season, increased activity and occasional gunfire may be expected. Campers should be prepared for truly primitive conditions with virtually no amenities. Recent reports indicate Cobb Hunt Camp has been temporarily closed for maintenance, though camping just beyond the entrance has been permitted. A small pond is present at 17 Mile Hunt Camp, which some visitors use as a water source after purification. "Sites are spread out and the road is rough getting in. No water or electric. Porta potty on site. No Verizon cell service," notes one recent camper at 17 Mile Hunt Camp.
