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Dispersed camping near Middleburg, Florida includes several primitive hunt camps in the Osceola National Forest, offering free campsites with minimal facilities and genuine backcountry solitude. West Tower Hunt Camp provides basic amenities including porta-potties, trash bins, and cold outdoor showers. A camp host maintains the area, which has a 14-day stay limit. The sites are well-spaced, offering a sense of seclusion while remaining accessible. According to reviews, the bathroom area includes a book exchange and some electrical outlets.
Seventeen Mile Hunt Camp features primitive sites with no hookups or drinking water. The access roads can be challenging, especially after rain when the ground becomes soft and muddy. Several campers noted the importance of checking ground conditions before parking RVs or trailers. A porta-potty and small trash receptacle are located at the entrance. Cell service is minimal to non-existent at most sites, providing a true disconnect from technology.
Cobb Hunt Camp has experienced periodic closures, but camping is permitted in areas just beyond the official campground. The area includes a small pond and access to the Florida Trail. During hunting season, portable toilets are provided. The campground features open areas suitable for trailers with limited privacy between sites. Verizon and T-Mobile coverage is generally reliable in this area.
Davenport Landing offers a more remote experience with access to the Ocklawaha River. The site is reached via a winding gravel road with numerous potholes; vehicles should maintain speeds under 15 MPH to prevent damage. The camping area is shaded by magnolia trees draped with Spanish moss. Wildlife awareness is essential as black bears and alligators inhabit the region. A 1.2-mile interpretive trail leads to a historic steamboat landing, providing educational hiking opportunities.
"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."
"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."
"Pprimitive, no reservations, gets some traffic visiting historic site."
"Pulled in around 9:30 pm. Big open spot. Last 100 yards driving back in were very bumpy but no problem with our van. Not sure about a larger RV. But great Tent/van spot."
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 :)
ScoutSmall area, close camping so No privacy, I you are nearby the water, First come first serve spots, has walking trail in the area. Beware of Bears.
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.
GuideI really enjoyed this spot, but I did spot a bear on my way in and scat along the road. I wouldn't recommend this spot to beginners or inexperienced outdoor enthusiasts. There is a campground nearby that charges 10bucks a night that I would recommend for families or beginners. Delancy Campground is accessible from this (FS Road 74) location
Dispersed camping near Middleburg, Florida centers around the Osceola National Forest where several primitive sites offer varying levels of seclusion and basic amenities. The forest spans approximately 200,000 acres with elevation ranges of just 100-150 feet above sea level. Most sites experience high humidity year-round with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for camping.
Fishing opportunities: The Davenport Landing area provides access to the Ocklawaha River where local anglers report excellent catches. "The fishing was great," according to fishermen who frequent the area, making it a reliable spot for catching dinner during your stay.
Historic exploration: Walk the 1.2-mile interpretive Davenport Landing Trail leading to a former steamboat landing with Civil War history. "For fellow arborists, in addition to finding these amazing Magnolias that seem to be especially planted here for you, additionally there's sweetgum and red maple trees," notes Stuart K., highlighting the botanical features along the trail.
Wildlife watching: At Seventeen Mile Hunt Camp, the nearby pond attracts various wildlife. "We got an amazing spot with a view of the pond," reports Moe B., who recommends visiting during daylight hours to fully appreciate the natural setting.
Privacy between sites: At rustic camping areas near Middleburg, campers appreciate the spacious layout. "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," explains Jamie W. about West Tower Hunt Camp.
Secluded atmosphere: Many primitive camping spots offer genuine disconnection from everyday life. "It was really peaceful. There were only a few other people there and we hardly ever saw them," describes Will J. about his experience at Seventeen Mile Hunt Camp, highlighting the solitude available.
Basic amenities: Some sites provide unexpected conveniences. "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," notes a visitor to West Tower Hunt Camp, describing amenities not found at all dispersed sites.
Weather preparation: Florida's climate affects ground conditions significantly. "Very muddy, could get stuck," warns Chrischelle N. about Cobb Hunt Camp, advising campers to "check the ground before you park" particularly after rainfall.
Wildlife awareness: The forest ecosystem includes potentially dangerous wildlife. Stuart K. cautions Davenport Landing visitors to "be on the look-out for 'Coyo-Dogs' (a cross between canine species where a dog mates with a coyote) and black bear, both of which have been known to frequent this area, especially at night."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically between sites. "Minimal, if any, cell service, so you will be disconnected pretty much," reports Moe B. about Seventeen Mile Hunt Camp, while Cobb Hunt Camp offers "good Verizon and T-Mobile cell coverage" according to Chris D.
Pet safety considerations: When bringing dogs to primitive camping areas, take precautions. Will J. notes at Seventeen Mile Hunt Camp, "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."
Educational opportunities: Sandhill Hunt Camp and surrounding areas offer chances to learn about Florida ecosystems. Families can identify native plants, observe wildlife tracks, and discuss forest conservation during hikes on maintained trails throughout the national forest.
Campsite selection: For families needing more established facilities, choose hunt camps with maintained amenities. "Host was very nice. Bathroom and shower but no hot water," mentions DeziRay M. about West Tower Hunt Camp, making it more suitable for camping with children than completely primitive sites.
Road condition awareness: Access roads to rustic camping near Middleburg can challenge larger vehicles. "The roads are a little rough, yet passable, it was a little wet because of a rain a day earlier," explains Patrick M. about his experience taking a travel trailer to Seventeen Mile Hunt Camp.
Speed recommendations: Drive slowly on forest roads to prevent vehicle damage. For Davenport Landing, Stuart K. advises "not to exceed 15 MPH on this road as the poor condition of the road could do damage to a lower-lying vehicle."
Leveling requirements: Some sites offer naturally level ground for RVs. "We didn't even need to level the camper - it was naturally flat," reports Will J. about Seventeen Mile Hunt Camp, noting this saves significant setup time when arriving at your campsite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Middleburg, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Middleburg, FL is Cobb Hunt Camp with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Middleburg, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Middleburg, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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