The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Ocala National Forest

16 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Ocala National Forest in Florida features primarily primitive dispersed camping options scattered throughout its pine forests and near waterways. Sites like Davenport Landing, Blue Sink, and Freak Creek offer free, no-reservation camping with varying levels of accessibility. Most locations provide basic tent camping with river or lake access, though amenities are virtually non-existent. The St. Johns River Dispersed Spot and Trout Lake Primitive Sites exemplify the region's rustic camping style, with flat, sandy terrain under magnolia, sweetgum, and maple tree canopies.

Road conditions present significant challenges throughout the forest's dispersed camping areas. Many sites require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles to navigate deeply rutted dirt roads and occasional water crossings. As one camper noted at Freak Creek, "The main road in has huge deep ruts, the other road has a water crossing that was over my bumper on my lifted Mojave." Cell service is generally poor or non-existent, and weather can quickly transform sandy soil into muddy conditions. Safety concerns have been reported at some locations, particularly Lake Dorr, where visitors have encountered uncomfortable situations with unauthorized long-term residents.

Wildlife viewing opportunities abound but require appropriate precautions. Campers report sightings of alligators, black bears, and even panthers throughout the forest. The Ocklawaha River access points provide excellent fishing and paddling opportunities, with one visitor describing "emerald-green waters shouldered with an abundance of spade-shaped lily pads." Site experiences vary dramatically between locations and seasons. While some campers report peaceful, secluded experiences, others have encountered unofficial residents and evidence of parties. Several dispersed sites feature historical significance, including Civil War gravesites and former steamboat landings along the Ocklawaha River, which connects to the St. Johns River and eventually Silver Springs.

Map showing campgrounds near Ocala National Forest, FloridaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ocala National Forest (8)

Show More
Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Ocala National Forest Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Ocala National Forest

4 Photos of 8 Ocala National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ocala National Forest

16 Reviews of 8 Ocala National Forest Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 25, 2024

    Davenport Landing

    Magnolia-Shaded Cul-de-Sac Primitive Camping

    Located a hefty trek down a winding gravel road west of Route 19, you’ll have to maneuver around divots and potholes along this narrow gravel, dusty roadway for the better part of 2 miles before arriving to a small sign on the left-hand side of the road that indicates you’ve arrived at Davenport Recreational Area – so finding this place is relatively easy. Unless you make the unwise decision to turn into one of the small handful of options beforehand that would have you drive down a patch of road that likely you are not authorized to, my only advice would be not to exceed 15 MPH on this road as the poor condition of the road could do damage to a lower-lying vehicle. Once you come across the Davenport Recreational Area sign, take a right and slowly (as the road conditions worsen as you get off the main road) follow the narrow tire-rutted pathway to a fork, where on the right you’ll see TRAILHEAD marked on a tree to your right– here you want to turn left instead and follow the pathway to its conclusion, which is a round-about that you will have no other alternative but to stop and park your vehicle.

    Here at literally ‘the end of the road,’ you’ll be greeted by a dozen or so medium-sized Magnolias that blot out the sun’s rays and cast an unusually spooky shadow on this area, made even more dramatic by all of the Spanish moss falling from the tree limbs of these magnificent trees. While the ground here is flat – welcome to Florida, where for the most part, that’s par for the course – but barren and comprised of a combination of dirt and sand silt, which isn’t so bad when it’s dry, but when there’s rain, we’re talking some pretty messy mud-like conditions. As for what you’ll find here at this natural cul-de-sac, there isn’t anything. Literally. No picnic tables. No fire ring. No stand-up grill. No potable(or for that matter, non-potable) water spigot. Nothing. There is what looks to be a small wooden sign that likely was filled with information at some point in time that might have educated you about your stay here, but even that had nothing on it, apart from a single hand-made sign above it, indicating: “You are trash, if you leave trash,” which I wholeheartedly agree with. In all, perhaps there’s 5-6 individual spots that you could make a campsite from.

    If you are a true primitive camper who really wants NOTHING to complement or aid their outdoor survivalist experiment, then you have hit the primitive camping jackpot! Apart from the solid peace & quiet you’ll experience here, there’s an amazing little access point here to the Ocklawaha river that runs through this neck of the woods – which used to be a riverboat stop where steamboats would stop to fuel or disembark enroute to Silver Springs via the St. Johns which this tributary eventually connects to. Apart from being a scenic access point to the river, if you are looking to catch and eat your meals, then this will certainly be an added bonus. The steps down the ravine to the river basin are somewhat steep, but for anyone towing a light-weight kayak or paddleboard, me thinks you could likely manage to bring your watercraft down here and easily access emerald-green waters shouldered with an abundance of spade-shaped lily pads to grab some great oaring.

    When we stopped by, there was a team of fisherman there – not camping, mind you – but having a great afternoon nonetheless of ‘hooking‘ em’ and according to these local anglers, the fishing was great. Apart from this and the shade that the mighty Magnolias provide, the only other amenity that exists out here are the few trails that you can jump on to get a bit of hiking in. One word of caution, from my fishermen friends, is 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.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) There’s a 1.2 mile interpretive hiking trail called Davenport Landing Trail that will take to you to the former steamboat landing, which makes for a medium-grade hike with some interesting history; (2) If you have an explorer’s mindset, you’ll be richly rewarded here as there is a small gravesite from the Civil War that you can find along with middens along the Ocklawaha River hiding traces of the Timucuan Indians that once populated this area; (3) 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; and (4) You definitely want to keep your eyes peeled for alligators in this area, where while we didn’t see any right at the ravine’s base, we were told that plenty were sunbathing right around the bend in the river from where we were.

    Happy Camping!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 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.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Trout Lake Primitive Sites

    Primitive!

    So I was desperate trying to find my very first primitive camp site and started to panic and then came across the review "you might get pinstripes", well let me tell you the trail to the lake is so narrow I wasn't sure I was driving my Chevy Malibu through the forest because it was so overgrown. I started panicking and trying to find a turn around after going through a very soft sandy spot. Figured I'd never be able to get out or reverse. Then the lake appeared and someone left some firewood so I figured better pitch my tent fast before dark. I was scared to death all night alone , I had a black bear sighting that afternoon and I had no bear spray no cellphone service but all there was was whispering pines! It was soothing, and decided if I had to I could spend the night in car. It rained all night and morning. I knew I couldn't drive out or take the risk. I spent the second night. It's a beautiful lake and forest. The setting is breathtaking. I'd go back in a proper vehicle!

  • M
    Nov. 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.

  • Destiny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Frank E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2019

    Davenport Landing

    Generally quiet primitive camping with water access

    Pprimitive, no reservations, gets some traffic visiting historic site.

  • D
    Feb. 4, 2021

    Davenport Landing

    Quiet spot

    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.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Davenport Landing

    Cool spot, beware of bears

    I 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

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 19, 2025

    Freak Creek Dispersed Camping

    Remote and lifted 4wd needed

    The main road in has huge deep ruts, the other road has a water crossing that was over my bumper on my lifted Mojave. I talked to another person that use to go out there and said she has seen a panther. I’ve yet to see anything. The campground is overgrown, and not many ppl visit due to not being able to get back. If you don’t have 4wd and recovery gear I wouldn’t risk it. There is a nice creek area where you can swim and or fish if you have the right equipment to get back there it can be fun, but if you don't you will be stuck until Some one comes by.

Guide to Ocala National Forest

Dispersed camping near Ocala National Forest offers rustic tent sites with minimal facilities across Florida's largest forest tract. The forest encompasses approximately 387,000 acres of sandy terrain and pine scrub, with elevations rarely exceeding 100 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures typically range from 45-75°F, making December through February the most comfortable camping season for avoiding both heat and biting insects.

What to do

Wildlife observation: Connect with Florida's diverse ecosystems at Trout Lake Primitive Sites. The lake provides habitat for numerous native species. Campers report: "The setting is breathtaking. I'd go back in a proper vehicle!" according to Laurence A., who spent two nights despite encountering challenging conditions.

Fishing: Access prime angling spots along the St. Johns and Ocklawaha Rivers. Multiple dispersed sites provide river access for fishing enthusiasts. At Freak Creek Dispersed Camping, one camper notes: "There is a nice creek area where you can swim and or fish if you have the right equipment to get back there."

Hiking: Explore historical sites on forest trails. The Davenport Landing Trail spans 1.2 miles and features historical elements. Stuart K. advises visitors to keep an explorer's mindset: "If you have an explorer's mindset, you'll be richly rewarded here as there is a small gravesite from the Civil War that you can find along with middens along the Ocklawaha River hiding traces of the Timucuan Indians that once populated this area."

What campers like

Secluded experiences: Find genuine solitude at less-traveled sites. Some primitive camping areas remain relatively undiscovered. At St. Johns River Dispersed Spot, Mike D. shares: "The roads to get here are bumpy. Right next to the river and the trees open up so you get a great view of the stars."

Varied terrain: Each dispersed site offers distinct ecological features. The forest transitions between pine scrub, hardwood hammocks, and wetland areas. Regarding Blue Sink, Destiny R. enthuses: "Most beautiful place to stumble upon. You may need ATV or creative backpacking to get there now."

Cost-effective camping: Most dispersed sites require no fees. Free camping options exist throughout the forest, though these come with no amenities. As one visitor to Davenport Landing notes: "If you are a true primitive camper who really wants NOTHING to complement or aid their outdoor survivalist experiment, then you have hit the primitive camping jackpot!"

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Many sites demand high clearance and 4WD capabilities. Roads frequently feature deep sand, mud, or water crossings that standard vehicles cannot navigate. At Freak Creek, hilary G. warns: "The main road in has huge deep ruts, the other road has a water crossing that was over my bumper on my lifted Mojave... If you don't have 4wd and recovery gear I wouldn't risk it."

Narrow access roads: Expect tight clearances between trees on forest roads. Many sites have overgrown access trails that can damage vehicle paint. Joe P. from Trout Lake Primitive Sites cautions: "Very narrow trails but really easy access, you will leave with some new pinstripes."

Variable camping conditions: Site quality fluctuates seasonally and with weather. Rain transforms sandy soil into challenging mud. Entropical Breeze E. reports about Trout 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."

Tips for camping with families

Safety preparations: Pack complete emergency supplies. Cell service remains nonexistent in most areas, requiring self-sufficiency. Laurence A. from Trout Lake recounts: "I was scared to death all night alone, I had a black bear sighting that afternoon and I had no bear spray no cellphone service but all there was was whispering pines!"

Site selection: Research thoroughly before arrival. Some locations may have concerning activity or occupants. At Davenport Landing, David P. suggests: "Pulled in around 9:30 pm. Big open spot... great Tent/van spot."

Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for potential wildlife encounters. Bears, alligators, and other wildlife frequent these areas. Tim M. advises: "I 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."

Tips from RVers

Vehicle size restrictions: Limit RV length to under 20 feet for most sites. Forest roads typically cannot accommodate larger rigs. One camper at Davenport Landing notes: "Last 100 yards driving back in were very bumpy but no problem with our van. Not sure about a larger RV."

Site access reconnaissance: Scout locations before attempting access. Many sites require advance planning and possibly walking in first. Entropical Breeze E. shares their experience: "Just barely scraped a FWD Promaster through the trees, into a pullout just before sand started."

Alternative camping: Consider developed campgrounds for larger RVs. Nearby paid campgrounds offer more suitable conditions for RVs. Tim M. suggests: "There is a campground nearby that charges 10 bucks a night that I would recommend for families or beginners. Delancy Campground is accessible from this (FS Road 74) location."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best spots for dispersed camping in Ocala National Forest?

Several excellent dispersed camping spots exist throughout Ocala National Forest. Trout Lake Primitive Sites offers beautiful lakeside camping with narrow access roads requiring 4WD recommended (or careful driving with smaller vehicles). The forest also features St. Johns River Dispersed Spot, which provides riverside camping with great star-gazing opportunities, though access roads can be bumpy. Many dispersed sites require navigating unpaved roads, and site conditions vary seasonally. Look for established pullouts and clearings, and remember that most sites are primitive with no facilities. High-clearance vehicles are advantageous for reaching the more secluded locations, which often offer the most rewarding camping experiences.

Do I need a map for dispersed camping in Ocala National Forest?

Yes, a map is essential for dispersed camping in Ocala National Forest. Many sites like Freak Creek Dispersed Camping feature challenging access roads with deep ruts and water crossings that require navigation planning. Lake Dorr and other dispersed areas can be difficult to locate without proper directions. A detailed forest service map helps identify legal camping areas, navigate the forest's complex road system, avoid dead ends, and prevent getting lost on unmarked trails. Cell service is unreliable throughout the forest, so don't depend on digital maps alone. The USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) are particularly valuable as they show roads where dispersed camping is permitted. For safety and convenience, always carry physical maps when exploring Ocala's dispersed camping options.

Is free camping allowed in Ocala National Forest and what are the regulations?

Free dispersed camping is allowed in Ocala National Forest with a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. Davenport Landing is a free, primitive site with no reservations required. Blue Sink is another free option, though recent forestry management has limited easy vehicle access. Regulations require camping at least 100 feet from water sources, roads, and trails. Campfires are permitted when fire danger is low, but you must use established fire rings when available. Pack out all trash and waste following Leave No Trace principles. Hunting season may affect availability in some areas, so check for seasonal restrictions. No permits are needed for dispersed camping, but always follow posted rules and forest regulations.

What primitive camping amenities are available in Ocala National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Ocala National Forest is truly primitive with minimal to no amenities. Most sites like Lake Mary Tent Camping and South Tower Hunt Camp offer natural settings without developed facilities. You'll need to bring all essentials including water, as potable water sources are not available at dispersed sites. There are no bathrooms, showers, trash receptacles, or electric hookups. Some locations provide natural features like lake or river access for non-potable water collection (requires treatment). Fire rings may exist at established sites from previous use, but aren't guaranteed. Cell service ranges from poor to non-existent in most areas. The trade-off for this lack of amenities is the opportunity for genuine wilderness camping experiences with significantly fewer crowds than developed campgrounds.

Keep Exploring

  2. View all Florida cities for camping