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Anthony W.
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ScoutPaynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
Campsites
I love this campground very clean and has nice big sites.
Camping near Olustee, FL
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping opportunities around Olustee, Florida center primarily on the Osceola National Forest, with several established campgrounds and dispersed sites within a short drive of town. Ocean Pond Campground serves as the main developed camping area, offering both tent and RV sites with amenities including electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary facilities. Several dispersed camping options like West Tower Hunt Camp, Cobb Hunt Camp, and 17 Mile Hunt Camp provide more rustic alternatives for those seeking a primitive experience. Most sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of accessibility and facilities.
Roads throughout the camping areas remain accessible year-round, though summer humidity and occasional storms can affect conditions. The region experiences typical north Florida weather patterns with mild winters and hot, humid summers that bring frequent afternoon thunderstorms. "We stayed at O'Leno 3 times over the past year and love it! The campsites are spacious, well shaded, and within easy walking distance to the bathhouse/restrooms," noted one camper about a nearby state park. Most developed sites in the area provide water and electric hookups, while dispersed sites typically offer minimal facilities like picnic tables and fire rings. Cell coverage varies throughout the forest, with better reception closer to main roads.
Natural springs represent a major draw for campers in this part of Florida, with several sites providing access to swimming areas. The Suwannee River runs near several campgrounds, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. A visitor described the region as having "beautiful Florida nature trails" and noted that "even if you can't enjoy the springs, there's plenty to do like walk the trails, enjoy the pool or visit the many different springs that are very near to your location." Campgrounds like Hog Pen Landing provide boat access to nearby water features. While summer brings mosquitoes and humidity, the shaded sites and water access make this a popular camping destination from fall through spring when temperatures are milder and bugs less prevalent.
Best Campgrounds near Olustee (171)
1. Ocean Pond Campground
"Great campground with beautiful scenery by the lake! This campground reopened on March 31, 2021 at 50% capacity. We stayed there 5 nights- March 31 to April 5, 2021."
"Also the camp site is near The Florida National Trail which is a footpath from the south to the north of FL. There is plenty of places to lauch your kayak or boat."
2. Osceola National Forest Ocean Pond Campground
"Around here, it’s all good. All of the time. Ocean Pond Campground sits on the north shore of Ocean Pond, which is a striking 2-mile-wide lake within Osceola National Forest."
"Relatively quiet campground on a lake (boats, jet skis, kids sounds). Camp hosts very friendly. Decent bathrooms, laundry, showers. Dog friendly!"
from $6 - $60 / night
Check Availability3. Cobb Hunt Camp
4. Osceola National Forest Hog Pen Landing Campground
"Ocean pond is near by they have hook ups and range from $12 to $30 a night depending on how you camp. They also have free water there which is a few miles from hog pen."
"There’s around 10-12 spots overall, all varying in size. No water or electricity but has a very clean pit toilet (was checked twice daily by the host)."
from $10 / night
Check Availability5. Dogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park
"The campsites are spacious, well shaded, and with in easy walking distance to the Bathhouse/Restrooms. The facilities are kept clean and neat."
"You know, like quintessential state or national park imagery where you would expect to see“Smoky The Bear” around the next bend."
from $18 / night
Check Availability6. West Tower Hunt Camp
"Feels 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."
"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."
7. 17 Mile Hunt Camp
"Also easy to drive up and park car and put up tent next to it."
"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."
8. Hog Pen Landing
"Beautiful views to the east through missy covered cypress trees with palmetto and pine forest behind to the west."
"Its much better than the big camp ground across the lake. But it depends on what time you come, some days its nice and secluded and some days its packed"
from $10 / night
Check Availability9. Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Campground
"We stayed here a couple of years ago while visiting family and friends in Lake City, about 20 miles away. I was very impressed with the facilities, very clean and well kept. "
"Overall: Excellent campground with close access to the Suwannee River, not far off I-75 near White Springs."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability10. Island Oaks RV Resort
"I recently stayed at the Island Oak RV Park in the beautiful town of Glen St Mary, Florida and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with the facilities and overall experience."
"Heated resort pool with tiki pool bar & music, beach front lake with a massive inflatable obstacle course, an on-site restaurant & ice cream shop, not to mention multiple fenced dog parks."
from $60 - $79 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 41 min from Jacksonville, FL
- 46 min from Gainesville, FL
- 1 hr 9 min from Valdosta, GA
- 1 hr 17 min from Ocala, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Olustee, FL
271 Photos of 171 Olustee Campgrounds
Stuart K.
Osceola National Forest Landing Group Area
Richard A.
Osceola National Forest Ocean Pond Campground
Jacob F.
Ocean Pond Campground
Nate D.
Cobb Hunt Camp
Patrick M.
17 Mile Hunt Camp
Jennifer M.
West Tower Hunt Camp
Jeanene A.
Lake City Campground
Matthew K.
Blackwater Ranch – River Camping
timothy H.
The Idea Farm, Agritourism Destination
Brenda S.
Dogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park
Taira N.
Magnolia Campground — O'Leno State Park
William N.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Olustee, FL
808 Reviews of 171 Olustee Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendNorth Florida Christian Camp
Faith, Fellowship and Fresh Air
Tucked away just outside Keystone Heights, North Florida Christian Camp feels like a place designed more for connection than convenience, where winding sandy roads lead you beneath tall pines and into a peaceful, purpose driven setting that immediately feels set apart from the everyday rush. The campground sits on a large, wooded property with a mix of open gathering spaces and shaded pockets, and while it is primarily designed for organized church groups and retreats, individual campers can still find a quiet place to land among the trees. The overall vibe is relaxed, intentional, and grounded in simplicity, with nature doing most of the heavy lifting.
Facilities here are more functional than flashy, with a combination of cabins, bunkhouses, and open camping areas alongside basic bathhouses, communal gathering pavilions, and activity fields. You will not find resort style amenities, but you will find clean, usable facilities, wide open space for kids to run, and a layout that encourages group activities, campfires, and shared meals. The grounds are easy to navigate, and while RV hookups may be limited depending on where you stay, the setting works well for families who are comfortable with a more rustic, community-oriented experience.
The surrounding area offers a nice balance of quiet nature and small town convenience, with Keystone Heights just a short drive away for groceries, fuel and casual dining. Hitchcock’s Market is a reliable stop for supplies, and local favorites like Cedar River Seafood provide an easy, family friendly meal after a day outdoors. Nearby lakes and trails give you opportunities for paddling, fishing, or simply stretching your legs under the Florida sky, making it easy to build a full day without ever straying too far.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best camping areas are those set slightly deeper into the pines where you will find more shade and a bit more privacy from larger group spaces; (2) If visiting during a scheduled retreat or camp week, expect more activity and less solitude, so plan accordingly; (3) Bring bikes or scooters for kids, as the open grounds and sandy roads are perfect for riding; (4) Pack bug spray, especially in warmer months, as the wooded setting can bring out mosquitoes at dusk; and (5) If you are seeking a quieter experience, aim for midweek stays outside of peak group bookings.
Happy Camping!
- RRafa D.
TravelerWest Tower Hunt Camp
Nice spot for dispersed camping
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. 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.
- JJohn H.
Guide17 Mile Hunt Camp
Beautiful
Great 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.
Kai Z.
RangerPaynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
Beautiful Nature Escape with cool Wildlife
This is a really nice campground surrounded by beautiful nature. The bathhouse is a little older, but still fine. The area itself is really impressive though, with lots of wildlife all around. If you take a short walk, you’ll find a spot with a water view and tons of seating areas — a really beautiful place to relax. For the price, you honestly can’t complain. There are quite a lot of insects at night, so bringing good bug spray is definitely a good idea. But for our one-night stay, it was absolutely worth it.
- AAlexander S.Scout
Black Creek Ravine
Almost perfect
Great hike in filled with wildlife saw lots of deer, a bunny, and I’m pretty sure a small group of coyotes. Site is very private and quiet during the day. Unfortunately, the new toll road is right on the other side of the creek which became very loud at night.
ben13185ScoutRivers Crossing RV Resort
Great new campground near Branford Fl, close to springs, rivers, and biking
Rivers Crossing is a great new campground located 2 miles from Branford Florida. The owners are amazing, very friendly and accommodating. The campground is located on the Suwannee River Greenway (rails to trail) bike path that runs from Branford to O'leno State Park (24 miles of paved shaded bike path). We rode our ebikes to the Suwannee River, the Santa Fe River, Little River Springs, Ichetucknee river and Oleno State Parks.
The campground is less than a year old with full hookup sites, a dog park, bathrooms/shower, laundry and a playground. During our stay in May of 2026 the pool was under construction. Its scheduled to be open by July 4th 2026 (we will be back for the pool opening). The sites are grass, well spaced out with fire rings. We paid $50 per night.
- JJordan W.Traveler
West Tower Hunt Camp
True North Florida
Feels 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 :)
Phillip H.GuideStephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Campground
Steven Foster SP
The park is said to have had damage from a storm. It is a very nice campground but seems to need attention with the bathhouse facilities. They are cleaned but dated with some nonworking fixtures. Drought is very evident at the river. I believe this could be a high rated place with some investment.
Guide to Olustee
Camping sites near Olustee, Florida primarily cluster within the Osceola National Forest, with primitive to full-hookup options available. The area sits on flat, sandy terrain ranging from 100-150 feet in elevation, making most campsites naturally level. Winter temperatures typically range from 40°F-70°F, while summer brings 70°F-90°F temperatures with frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through September.
What to do
Fishing in Ocean Pond: This 2-mile-wide lake offers opportunities for largemouth bass, speckled perch, crappie and catfish. Access is available through the Osceola National Forest Ocean Pond Campground. "The lake is more of a lake than a pond," notes Chad P. in his review of the nearby campground.
Kayaking from multiple launch points: Bring your own kayak or rent one to explore the waterways. "Hog pen is nice when it's empty but fills up fast on the weekends," mentions one camper about Hog Pen Landing, which features a boat ramp directly on Ocean Pond. Another visitor commented, "Beautiful, quiet, it feels remote but is still a convenient stop for the night if you're driving cross country."
Hiking the Florida National Scenic Trail: This long-distance hiking path runs through the Osceola National Forest near Olustee. A camper at West Tower Hunt Camp mentioned, "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."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At 17 Mile Hunt Camp, the dispersed camping setup offers more isolation than developed campgrounds. As one camper described, "Loved this spot. It had tons of space with space between camp spots. Quiet. Lots of locals during the day but settles down at night."
Clean facilities: Even at more remote locations, facility maintenance gets positive reviews. At Ocean Pond Campground, one camper noted, "The bathrooms are clean, as are all of the campsites. Some of the primitive sights might be a little wet after heavy rains but all the paved sites are nice."
Affordability of dispersed options: Many campers appreciate the low-cost or free camping opportunities. "Ten bucks a night for this beautiful view, clean bathrooms and trash cans. Very peaceful," shared a visitor at Hog Pen Landing when describing the waterfront setting.
What you should know
Seasonal water conditions: During rainy seasons (typically summer), some primitive sites can become soggy or inaccessible. "Ground can be soft, but luckily it had been dry for a few days, but you could get stuck in some spots," cautioned a visitor at 17 Mile Hunt Camp.
Limited supplies nearby: The remote location means planning ahead. As one camper at West Tower Hunt Camp noted, "There is no water or electricity, porta-potties. Most campers stay to themselves and there's room for privacy."
Variable cell coverage: Service can be spotty throughout the forest. A camper at West Tower Hunt Camp reported, "Verizon service was pretty spotty," while another mentioned, "I ended up driving out about 10 minutes to make calls & check my phone."
Hunting activity: During hunting season, expect more traffic and noise at the hunt camps. A visitor at 17 Mile Hunt Camp observed, "Heard many shots during the late afternoon when we got there, around 4p. Off and on until it got dark at 6:30p."
Tips for camping with families
Beach and swimming access: O'Leno State Park offers family-friendly water activities. "There is a swimming section. The river goes underground but you can't kayak in this area. The river has a small rapids area, for Florida," reported one camper.
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds include play areas for children. At Stephen Foster State Park, a visitor mentioned, "Nice campground by the Suwannee River! Plenty to do including canoeing, kayaking, biking, a nice playground for kids!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe Florida wildlife from safe distances. "We saw herons, egrets, turtles, occasional alligators, birds in the wetlands and forest edge," noted one camper, adding a warning to "use bug spray especially near dusk and in the swampier sections."
Tips from RVers
Extension cord requirements: At some campgrounds, hookup placement requires longer cords. At Cobb Hunt Camp, one RVer noted, "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."
Site selection for larger rigs: Ocean Pond Campground offers options for various RV sizes. "The hookup sites are on paved spurs and rated up to about 50 feet capacity," noted one reviewer, who added that "the campground includes flush toilets, hot showers in the electric & water sections."
Leveling considerations: Most sites in the area are naturally level due to the flat terrain. A camper at 17 Mile Hunt Camp reported, "We ended up loving the site we picked. We were able to pull through instead of backing 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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Olustee, FL?
What camping is available near Olustee, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Olustee, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 171 campgrounds and RV parks near Olustee, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Olustee, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Olustee, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Olustee, FL is Ocean Pond Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Olustee, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Olustee, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Olustee, FL.
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