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Best Dispersed Camping near Lake City, FL

20 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Lake City, Florida centers around several hunt camps in the Osceola National Forest. These primitive sites include West Tower Hunt Camp, Cobb Hunt Camp, and 17 Mile Hunt Camp, all offering free camping without reservations. Each area provides varying levels of amenities, with most sites scattered throughout forest clearings that accommodate both tent and vehicle camping. The National Forest permits stays up to 14 days at these locations, making them suitable for both overnight stops and extended wilderness stays.

Access roads to these hunt camps range from well-maintained to challenging depending on recent weather conditions. West Tower Hunt Camp features basic amenities including outdoor cold showers, vault toilets, and even a book exchange in the bathroom facilities. Cobb Hunt Camp offers more primitive conditions with portable toilets but no drinking water. Ground conditions can be muddy after rain, potentially causing vehicles to get stuck in softer areas. Campers should arrive with all necessary supplies, particularly drinking water for camps without this amenity. Cell service varies significantly, with many reviews noting "spotty Verizon service" at West Tower while 17 Mile Hunt Camp has "minimal, if any, cell service."

These dispersed camping areas provide genuine seclusion compared to developed campgrounds. The sites are typically well-spaced, offering privacy even during busier periods. A visitor at West Tower noted that "it was fantastic. I couldn't even see anybody" during a December stay. At 17 Mile Hunt Camp, campers appreciate the natural setting, with one mentioning they "got an amazing spot with a view of the pond." Many sites accommodate larger vehicles, though navigating to prime spots may require careful driving. Campers should be aware that hunting activity occurs seasonally, with visitors reporting hearing shots in the afternoons. Despite their primitive nature, these hunt camps provide reliable options for free camping in a genuine forest environment.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Lake City, Florida (4)

    1. West Tower Hunt Camp

    5 Reviews
    Osceola National Forest, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 752-2577

    "Camp host was nice and they have a 14 day stay limit. Verizon service was pretty spotty. Having a host with no charge threw me for a bit of a loop."

    "Lots of dispersed camping spots throughout, some right out in the open, and others are private. Campsites are scattered with nicely cleared areas within bush palms."

    2. Cobb Hunt Camp

    8 Reviews
    Olustee, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 752-2577

    "Trash and porta potty’s provided by National Forest."

    "Free no water or electricity, porta-potties . Most campers stay to themselves and there's room for privacy"

    3. 17 Mile Hunt Camp

    7 Reviews
    Osceola National Forest, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 752-2577

    "Nice primitive campground with well maintained dispersed spots. No picnic tables or fire rings but plenty of space. Nice and quiet. Lots of space for RVs as well."

    "This was our first time boondocking and it was the perfect site to try it out. We have a 26’ travel trailer and we did a few loops looking for a good site."

    4. Sandhill Hunt Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Osceola National Forest, FL
    15 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lake City, FL

5 Photos of 4 Lake City Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lake City, FL

20 Reviews of 4 Lake City Campgrounds

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2023

    West Tower Hunt Camp

    Great spot

    This place was very clean and most spots were very well spaced out. Porta potties and trash bins. Camp host was nice and they have a 14 day stay limit. Verizon service was pretty spotty. Having a host with no charge threw me for a bit of a loop. I only did an overnight, but it was a great place and had a nice feeling of seclusion without being too far from civilization. Also very clean.

  • N
    Nov. 2, 2021

    Cobb Hunt Camp

    Easily accessible

    Depends on what you’re into. Great if you’re here as a hunt base camp maybe, but Cobb is not the idyllic peaceful personal campsite. I camped there with my boys in a tent, and they had a blast just playing in the dirt, but I had to figure out how to explain to them why someone had been there for the last 11 months and why we had to sleep through a running generator all night.

    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.

    Not great for the backpacker, but probably pretty great if you’re driving in and hunting out of your tent or camper.

  • Chrischelle N.
    Oct. 8, 2020

    17 Mile Hunt Camp

    Simple but neat

    Nice primitive campground with well maintained dispersed spots. No picnic tables or fire rings but plenty of space. Nice and quiet. Lots of space for RVs as well. Just make sure to check the ground before you park. Very muddy, could get stuck.

  • Will J.
    Jan. 18, 2021

    17 Mile Hunt Camp

    Peaceful, relaxing, easy.

    This was our first time boondocking and it was the perfect site to try it out. We have a 26’ travel trailer and we did a few loops looking for a good site. It was pretty easy to see where the areas for camping are but it’s not as clear as a paid RV park. We ended up loving the site we picked. We were able to pull through instead of backing in (although a lot of the spots looked like you would need to back 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. As far as our actual stay - It was really peaceful. There were only a few other people there and we hardly ever saw them. 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. We generally felt safe tho and just made sure to take beat spray when we went out into the woods. There’s a trash receptacle (albeit small and easily filled) and a porta John at the entrance. All in all would definitely recommend this either as a quick overnight stop or to stay a week or two.

  • M
    Nov. 9, 2023

    Cobb Hunt Camp

    Campground Closed But Camping Allowed Just Past Entrance

    We arrived late and saw the campground was taped off and a sign read closed indefinitely. However, we drove just past the campground and found many others camped on the side of the road. Trash and porta potty’s provided by National Forest.

  • DeziRay M.
    Jan. 9, 2022

    Cobb Hunt Camp

    Awesome

    Free no water or electricity, porta-potties . Most campers stay to themselves and there's room for privacy

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2023

    17 Mile Hunt Camp

    Nice spot

    Sites are spread out and the road is rough getting in. No water or electric. Porta potty on site. No Verizon cell service.

  • Jamie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 3, 2019

    Cobb Hunt Camp

    Great dispersed camping

    I've camped here a few different times and loved it every time. There are some older couples that come there every year. During hunting season, there are portable toilets, but no water. Picnic tables at various spots and plenty of shady areas.

  • Michael W.
    Jan. 2, 2021

    17 Mile Hunt Camp

    Better of the Three

    Stayed a week. 2 different sights in campground. Really secluded, kept sights. Toilet and trash bins maintained 2 times a week. Went to other two sights, East Tower: Jam packed with hunters. Big Camp Hunt Camp: remote , small hard to get to. Rd 235. Deep hole , not recommended to cross. Would definitely stay here again. Special shout to neighbor [Lauren) solo female cudo. Nearby clean pond too.

Guide to Lake City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lake City, Florida, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy a serene escape into the wilderness. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Lake City, Florida

  • Always check for current conditions and closures before heading out, as some areas like Cobb Hunt Camp may be temporarily closed for maintenance.
  • Bring your own supplies, as amenities are limited; for instance, 17 Mile Hunt Camp offers no water or electric hookups, so plan accordingly.
  • Be prepared for a rustic experience; many spots, such as West Tower Hunt Camp, provide only basic facilities like porta-potties and trash bins.

Dispersed campers should check out 17 Mile Hunt Camp

  • This area features well-spaced sites that provide a sense of privacy, making it ideal for those looking to escape the crowds while enjoying nature.
  • Although there is no running water or electricity, campers can find a porta-potty on-site, ensuring some level of convenience during their stay.
  • The road leading to 17 Mile Hunt Camp can be rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended for access.

Enjoy the tranquility of West Tower Hunt Camp

  • Nestled in a peaceful setting, West Tower Hunt Camp offers a clean environment with well-maintained sites, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
  • Campers can take advantage of the outdoor shower and bathroom facilities, which add a touch of comfort to the primitive camping experience.
  • With a camp host on-site, visitors can feel secure and receive assistance if needed, enhancing the overall camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping areas near Lake City, Florida?

Several dispersed camping options exist near Lake City in the Osceola National Forest. 17 Mile Hunt Camp offers well-maintained primitive sites with plenty of space for RVs and tents, featuring porta-potties and trash collection. The camp has multiple secluded spots, including some with pond views. Another option is West Tower Hunt Camp, which provides clean, well-spaced camping areas with porta-potties, trash bins, and a 14-day stay limit. Both locations are free but primitive, so bring your own water and be prepared for no electricity.

Are there any portable cabin rentals available near Lake City for dispersed camping?

Portable cabin rentals aren't typically available at the dispersed camping areas near Lake City. Cobb Hunt Camp and Sandhill Hunt Camp are free dispersed camping locations without rental facilities. These sites offer primitive camping only, with some having porta-potties but no permanent structures, electricity, or water. For cabin accommodations, you'll need to look at developed campgrounds or private camping resorts in the Lake City area rather than dispersed camping locations.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lake City, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lake City, FL is West Tower Hunt Camp with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lake City, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Lake City, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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