Primitive camping near Waldo, Florida takes place on sandy, flat terrain with oak, pine, and palm vegetation typical of north-central Florida. Most dispersed sites sit at elevations between 100-150 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F and high humidity levels. Winter camping offers more comfortable conditions with daytime temperatures in the 60s-70s and significantly lower humidity.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Davenport Landing provides access to the Ocklawaha River with promising fishing spots. One angler at Davenport Landing reports, "We were told that plenty were sunbathing right around the bend in the river from where we were."
Hiking trails: The Davenport Landing area includes a 1.2-mile interpretive trail leading to a historic steamboat landing. A visitor notes, "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."
Wildlife viewing: The hunt camps provide excellent opportunities to observe local wildlife. At 17 Mile Hunt Camp, a camper mentioned, "We got an amazing spot with a view of the pond," which offers chances to see various birds and animals that come to drink.
What campers like
Peace and isolation: Many campers appreciate the remote feeling of these sites. A visitor to West Tower Hunt Camp stated, "It was a great place and had a nice feeling of seclusion without being too far from civilization."
Spacious campsites: The dispersed nature of these campgrounds means ample space between sites. At Cobb Hunt Camp, a camper noted, "Lots of wide open area where if you have a trailer you can park. Not much privacy. Has the feel of a regular campground but its free."
Natural shade coverage: The mature tree canopy provides natural relief from the Florida sun. One camper at Davenport Landing described, "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."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest service roads can be challenging, especially after rain. A camper at 17 Mile Hunt Camp warned, "Sites are spread out and the road is rough getting in," while another cautioned, "Ground can be soft, but luckily it had been dry for a few days, but you could get stuck in some spots."
Facility availability: Amenities vary seasonally and by location. At Sandhill Hunt Camp, facilities are minimal year-round, while West Tower Hunt Camp offers more amenities: "Also available is a bathroom and an outdoor cold shower. (There is a book exchange in the bathroom) Simple horse stables with drinking water spigot."
Cell coverage: Connectivity is unreliable throughout the area. A 17 Mile Hunt Camp visitor reported, "Minimal, if any, cell service, so you will be disconnected pretty much," and at West Tower Hunt Camp: "Nice spots with a bathroom book exchange and power at the bathroom if you need it. No Verizon service."
Tips for camping with families
Safety awareness: Be vigilant about local wildlife with children. At Davenport Landing, a camper advised, "You definitely want to keep your eyes peeled for alligators in this area," and another mentioned, "We did have to be extra careful with our little dog tho because we did get the sense that something could try to eat it since the sites are in the middle of the woods."
Pack extra water: No reliable water sources exist at most sites. For Cobb Hunt Camp, a visitor shared: "We hiked in a few miles on the Florida Trail, so we had all our water supplies on our person. There's a little pond there that we were purifying water out of with no issue, but if you drive in and car camp you can easily bring water with you."
Prepare for disconnection: Limited entertainment options make advance planning important. A 17 Mile Hunt Camp camper reported, "Heard many shots during the late afternoon when we got there, around 4p. Off and on until it got dark at 6:30p," suggesting families should bring their own quiet activities.
Tips from RVers
Check ground conditions: Sandy soil can be deceptively soft. One RVer at Cobb Hunt Camp shared, "Can't drive thru the campground expect in a lifted truck due to water hole but main road access is available to the other side."
Bring leveling equipment: Despite the generally flat terrain, small variations exist. A 17 Mile Hunt Camp visitor noted, "We ended up loving the site we picked. We were able to pull through instead of backing in, the ground wasn't too muddy so we didn't get stuck, and we didn't even need to level the camper - it was naturally flat."
Self-contained systems: Limited facilities make self-sufficiency essential. An RVer at 17 Mile Hunt Camp explained, "Nice place to unwind, I'm in a travel trailer so I had the chance to take advantage of all the amenities my camper has to offer," highlighting the importance of having your own systems.
