Top Free Dispersed Camping near Lake Mary, FL

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Lake Mary, look no further. Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Lake Mary, including photos, reviews, and tips. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lake Mary, FL (7)

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      1.

      St. Johns River Dispersed Spot - Ocala NF

      1 Review
      131 Saves
      De Leon Springs, Florida

      Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of dispersed camping - camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers with few services or facilities. Additional skills are necessary for a successful trip. It is your responsibility to know your limits and abilities before you try this experience. Certain rules and regulations will make your experience safe and ensure settings remain scenic and unspoiled.

      Leave No Trace. Be Bear Aware. Minimize Waste. Pack it in, pack it out. Dispose of all garbage in proper receptacles. Bury all human and pet waste at least 6 inches deep and at least 100 feet away from any water source. Camp Considerately. Dispersed camping is not allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas or less than 100 feet from streams and other water sources. Pick a previously used site. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites. Make your campsite less visible, so other visitors can experience a “wild” setting. Avoid camping in the middle of a clearing or meadow. Be aware of forest boundaries. Get permission before camping on private property. Control your Campfire. Do not camp in an area with campfire restrictions listed under Alerts & Notices and Forest Supervisor's Orders. Use existing fire rings, fire pans or mound fires to minimize scarring rocks, soil and plants. Gather and use down and dead firewood. Do not cut standing trees or limbs off standing trees. Burn all wood and coals down to ashes. Make sure campfires are dead out and cold to the touch before leaving. Douse them with water and stir with a shovel. Know the Rules. Generally, there is a 14-day per month stay limit on the National Forests in Florida. Establishing residency is against federal regulation. Groups of over 75 people must obtain a special use permit from the nearest national forest office. Pets are welcome in most areas but must be kept on a leash. Camping is allowed only in designated campsites during general gun season, as defined in Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations for the Wildlife Management Areas.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Dispersed
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Blue Sink

      3.

      Blue Sink

      1 Review
      1 Photo
      34 Saves
      Altoona, Florida

      Area may be unavailable. Please check with the local USFS Ranger station to check on status.

      Many people enjoy this solitude and primitive experience, but knowing your limits, skills and abilities is a must. Following certain rules and regulations will help make your experience safer and ensure settings remain unspoiled. https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/florida/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=70792&actid=34

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Dispersed
      • Alcohol

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Lake Mary

    4 Reviews of 7 Lake Mary Campgrounds


    • Camper-submitted photo from Trout Lake Primitive Sites
      January 26, 2024

      Trout Lake Primitive Sites

      Nice secluded sites

      Set of primitive spots near lake. Main road entry is packed dirt; smaller access road to sites is two-track about 1/4 mile through woods — very narrow tree clearance. 4WD recommended. Just barely scraped a FWD Promaster through the trees, into a pullout just before sand started. Poor cell service even with booster. Plan on returning after antenna upgrade. Not the cleanest but passable.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dorr
      November 13, 2023

      Lake Dorr

      Area Unsafe and Had to Leave. Please avoid.

      Attempted to stay at this campground but left because it felt unsafe. Spoke to a local that warned of violence, robbery, and killings in this area of the national forest.

      Got stuck in sand on the way out and had to wait for a tow truck. Tow truck driver carried a gun because of how unsafe the area is and warned us not to stay.

      Please avoid the Ocala NF!

      If you do decide to come to this campground, avoid north part of Ron Paul Drive. You’ll either get stuck in sand or have issues to low/tight trees. Drive further south of the other side of Ron Paul Drive.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Blue Sink
      May 4, 2022

      Blue Sink

      Blue Sink

      Most beautiful place to stumble upon. You may need ATV or creative backpacking to get there now. The Forestry Service recently chopped down trees and covered the easy access roads.



    Guide to Lake Mary

    Camping near Lake Mary, Florida, offers a mix of fun activities and beautiful nature. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    • Explore the springs: Visit the stunning Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground for hiking and swimming. One camper mentioned, "The trails are absolutely gorgeous. Natural palms growing among tall pines."
    • Kayaking and canoeing: Head to Tomoka State Park Campground for kayaking adventures. A reviewer noted, "Whether you like to get on the water in a kayak, canoe or fishing boat, you are in for a treat here."
    • Wildlife watching: At Blue Spring State Park Campground, you can see manatees in the spring. One visitor shared, "This beautiful state park has a secluded old Florida feel."

    What campers like:

    • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Lake Louisa State Park Campground said, "The shower facilities are recently remodeled and impeccable."
    • Friendly staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff. At Silver Springs State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned, "The park staff we interacted with were very friendly and informative."
    • Privacy between sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites. A review for Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground highlighted, "There’s serious vegetation between all the sites that you have plenty of privacy."

    What you should know:

    • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Alexander Springs Recreation Area, lack electric and water hookups. A camper noted, "For the price, no electric or water hookups and the facilities were not well maintained."
    • Noise levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially during busy weekends. A review for Juniper Springs Recreation Area mentioned, "Over Thanksgiving weekend it got pretty noisy due to one large multi-site group."
    • Reservations recommended: Popular spots like Jetty Park Campground can fill up quickly. A visitor advised, "If you find yourself out-of-luck in finding an available campground site to reserve, try your luck at booking one of the cabins."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. At Lake Louisa State Park Campground, a camper mentioned, "There’s a playground and a small beach to put your feet into water."
    • Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check out nearby restaurants. A review for Salt Springs Recreation Area suggested, "The pizza place across the street was really good."
    • Pack for comfort: Bring extra blankets and layers, as temperatures can drop at night. A camper at Juniper Springs Recreation Area noted, "Got surprisingly cold when I visited."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Tomoka State Park Campground mentioned, "Most sites are exceptionally private, especially those found on the outside of the loop."
    • Use a leveling system: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A visitor at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground said, "The sites were big, clear and clean."
    • Plan for dump stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A camper at Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "Cell service was good, and the campground is about a mile from the Springs."

    Camping around Lake Mary, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors!

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lake Mary, FL is St. Johns River Dispersed Spot - Ocala NF with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Lake Mary, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.