Dispersed camping near Live Oak, 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 basic dispersed camping options with varying levels of amenities. The camps are situated between 30-45 minutes from Live Oak, primarily around Lake City and Sanderson, providing access to Florida's pine flatwoods and wetland ecosystems.
Road conditions vary significantly between the dispersed camping areas. Most require driving on unpaved forest roads that may become difficult after rain. West Tower Hunt Camp provides the most amenities among these sites, including toilets, cold outdoor showers, trash disposal, and drinking water. Cobb Hunt Camp has been reported as temporarily closed in recent periods but offers toilets and trash service when open. 17 Mile Hunt Camp features the most primitive experience with only portable toilets and trash receptacles. All sites enforce a 14-day stay limit, and visitors should bring sufficient water supplies, especially at the more remote locations.
These dispersed camping areas provide seclusion and natural settings typical of Florida's forest ecosystems. West Tower Hunt Camp tends to receive positive reviews for cleanliness and spacious sites. "Campsites are scattered with nicely cleared areas within bush palms," noted one visitor, while another mentioned "most spots were very well spaced out." 17 Mile Hunt Camp offers particularly quiet camping with views of a small pond, though cellular service is limited or non-existent. A camper described it as "peaceful, relaxing, easy" while warning that "ground can be soft" and vehicles could potentially get stuck after rain. Visitors should be aware that during hunting seasons, increased activity and occasional gunshots may be heard in the vicinity.
"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."
"There were two porta-potties at the entrance to the camp area. This site was easily found on Google maps. It was a half-moon so scattered moonlight but otherwise, no light pollution."
"Trash and porta potty’s provided by National Forest."
"Definitely dispersed. Definitely got a little chilly tent camping."
"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."
GuideThis 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.
GuideDepends 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.
GuideNice 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.
TravelerThis 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.
GuideWe 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.
ScoutWe pulled in late, a lot of open spots. Other guests were camping. Definitely dispersed.
Definitely got a little chilly tent camping.
ScoutFree no water or electricity, porta-potties . Most campers stay to themselves and there's room for privacy
GuideSites are spread out and the road is rough getting in. No water or electric. Porta potty on site. No Verizon cell service.
TravelerI'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.
Dispersed camping areas within Osceola National Forest provide free camping near Live Oak, Florida. Located in North Florida's pine flatwoods ecosystem at elevations between 100-150 feet, these sites experience hot, humid summers and mild winters. Access roads to these hunt camps often become challenging after rainfall, particularly on the unpaved forest service roads connecting to main highways.
Wildlife observation opportunities: The forest surrounding West Tower Hunt Camp offers excellent wildlife viewing, particularly during early mornings. "My first night here was fantastic. I can stay up to two weeks here. It's December and there was only two other people camping here my site. I couldn't even see anybody," reports camper Dan B.
Hiking on Florida Trail sections: Several segments of the Florida Trail pass near the hunt camps, allowing day hikes through pine flatwoods and cypress stands. The trails near 17 Mile Hunt Camp provide views of small ponds and wetlands. "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," notes Will J.
Fishing at nearby ponds: Small fishing spots exist near several camping areas, particularly at 17 Mile Hunt Camp. "We got an amazing spot with a view of the pond," shares camper Moe B., though they caution about hearing "many shots during the late afternoon" during their stay, even outside official hunting seasons.
Privacy between sites: At Cobb Hunt Camp, campers appreciate the spacing between camping areas. "I've camped here a few different times and loved it every time. There are some older couples that come there every year," explains Jamie W., who noted the availability of picnic tables and shady areas.
Book exchange amenities: West Tower Hunt Camp offers an unexpected amenity that campers enjoy. "Nice spots with a bathroom book exchange and power at the bathroom if you need it," reports J A., highlighting this unique feature not commonly found at dispersed sites.
Natural pond views: Several campsites offer views of small ponds. Michael W. at 17 Mile Hunt Camp mentions a "nearby clean pond" and considers this location the "Better of the Three" hunt camps, noting that it's "Really secluded, kept sights. Toilet and trash bins maintained 2 times a week."
Seasonal porta-potty availability: Facilities vary seasonally, with hunting season bringing additional amenities. "During hunting season, there are portable toilets, but no water," explains Jamie W. about Cobb Hunt Camp. Outside hunting season, facilities may be reduced.
Campground closure status: Recent reports indicate temporary closures at some locations. "Cobb Camp Osceola is closed though the website makes no mention of the closure. There are people camping just beyond the campground without issue," reports Chris D., who noted good Verizon and T-Mobile coverage in the area despite its remote nature.
Ground conditions after rain: Soft ground can create challenges for vehicles. "Just make sure to check the ground before you park. Very muddy, could get stuck," advises Chrischelle N. about Sandhill Hunt Camp, emphasizing the importance of site selection when arriving after rainfall.
Limited or no cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between camps. Brian notes about 17 Mile Hunt Camp that there is "No Verizon cell service," while at West Tower Hunt Camp, another reviewer specifically mentioned "Beautiful no Verizon service."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Live Oak, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Live Oak, FL is West Tower Hunt Camp with a 5-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Live Oak, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Live Oak, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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