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."
"This is a great place for dispersed camping, but it’s not as quiet as you might expect. Dogs bark all night, so it’s not the best place for those who are sensitive to noise."
"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."
TravelerThis is a great place for dispersed camping, but it’s not as quiet as you might expect. Dogs bark all night, so it’s not the best place for those who are sensitive to noise. However, it’s a great place to experience nature, even though there are some houses nearby. Just be aware that it can get extremely hot in the summer, so if you’re planning to go, make sure you have an RV or trailer.
GuideGreat spot to camp, did see a baby bear and a few wood peckers. Quiet clean and beautiful. No marked camp sites no reservations and no fees.
TravelerFeels like true north fl wilderness even though you’re very close to a rural residential area and only about 15 minutes off I-10. Any car can access even after heavy rain. Just don’t go too far deep because the road is rutted and muddy but there’s plenty of spots before that. I had signal (Verizon) at my site but it was spotty throughout the camp. The spots are huge, even had picnic tables, so great for group camping. I did see porter potties and another building next to it but I didn’t look inside. Only caveat is this IS a hunt camp so hunters are out with their dogs at night. I didn’t hear any gun shots but I did hear lots of dogs barking and howling, thankfully a good distance away so it didn’t bother me. Mosquitoes weren’t too bad this time of year even with the rain. I would come here again happily :)
GuideSeveral well marked, well maintained, and easy to pull into to spots. At&t 5g, 2 to 3 bars. Several others out here camping, but everything is spread out. There are toilets available, and they are clean. Once you pull into the parking space below the tower, you will see some dirt/sand roads. You need to head down those to find the spots. I wouldn't bring a trailer down, but my full sized 4x4 truck had no issues and no pinstripes added. Most spots have a picnic table and a firering. Amazing this spot is free.
ScoutThis has been an exceptional experience. Gorgeous trees & quiet, a beautiful rickety tower to climb, several bathrooms to choose from (cleaned daily), an outdoor shower, and mostly great neighbors! There's also a house across the road, which was comforting, given that I was traveling solo as a woman. They even helped when my car broke down and I needed to call a towing company. Speaking of phones, Verizon service was nonexistent at the second site and spotty at the first. I ended up driving out about 10 minutes to make calls & check my phone. Also note that hunters come on weekends and kick up a lot of dust while driving past camp sites; their dogs also make a lot of noise.
🙏🏼💗 So grateful for this time.
ScoutWe pulled in late, a lot of open spots. Other guests were camping. Definitely dispersed.
Definitely got a little chilly tent camping.
TravelerWe weren't sure what to expect considering the ride in past some shacks and few and far-between homes but the forest itself is incredibly spacious and shady with the campsites pretty far apart from each other (at least 4 sites that we saw) and each able to accommodate 5+ tents plus cars or trucks. Our site had three full-size picnic tables plus a fire grate on the ground if you chose to grill. It seemed like each site had an animal-proof trash bin, which was really handy. 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. There were a pack of dogs barking throughout the night, but not too loud or close to keep us awake. We saw them being picked up in the morning (at least 5 or 6) and loaded into a truck.
GuideCrime scene tape Has been removed since last visit so that's a plus. 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. Small pond in the middle of the campground seems to have a few swirls. 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.
TravelerMy 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.
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 4.9-star rating from 11 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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