Top Free Dispersed Camping near Ocala, FL

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Ocala? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ocala, FL (8)

    Camper-submitted photo from Davenport Landing

    1. Davenport Landing

    5 Reviews
    1 Photo
    52 Saves

    Many people enjoy this solitude and primitive experience, but knowing your limits, skills and abilities is a must. Following certain rules and regulations will help make your experience safer and ensure settings remain unspoiled. https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/florida/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=70792&actid;=34

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Blue Sink

      3. Blue Sink

      1 Review
      1 Photo
      35 Saves

      Area may be unavailable. Please check with the local USFS Ranger station to check on status.

      Many people enjoy this solitude and primitive experience, but knowing your limits, skills and abilities is a must. Following certain rules and regulations will help make your experience safer and ensure settings remain unspoiled. https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/florida/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=70792&actid=34

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Dispersed
      • Alcohol
      • No image available
        • No image available
          • No image available
            • No image available

              7. St. Johns River Dispersed Spot - Ocala NF

              1 Review
              139 Saves

              Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of dispersed camping - camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers with few services or facilities. Additional skills are necessary for a successful trip. It is your responsibility to know your limits and abilities before you try this experience. Certain rules and regulations will make your experience safe and ensure settings remain scenic and unspoiled. Leave No Trace. Be Bear Aware. Minimize Waste. Pack it in, pack it out. Dispose of all garbage in proper receptacles. Bury all human and pet waste at least 6 inches deep and at least 100 feet away from any water source. Camp Considerately. Dispersed camping is not allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas or less than 100 feet from streams and other water sources. Pick a previously used site. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites. Make your campsite less visible, so other visitors can experience a “wild” setting. Avoid camping in the middle of a clearing or meadow. Be aware of forest boundaries. Get permission before camping on private property. Control your Campfire. Do not camp in an area with campfire restrictions listed under Alerts & Notices and Forest Supervisor's Orders. Use existing fire rings, fire pans or mound fires to minimize scarring rocks, soil and plants. Gather and use down and dead firewood. Do not cut standing trees or limbs off standing trees. Burn all wood and coals down to ashes. Make sure campfires are dead out and cold to the touch before leaving. Douse them with water and stir with a shovel. Know the Rules. Generally, there is a 14-day per month stay limit on the National Forests in Florida. Establishing residency is against federal regulation. Groups of over 75 people must obtain a special use permit from the nearest national forest office. Pets are welcome in most areas but must be kept on a leash. Camping is allowed only in designated campsites during general gun season, as defined in Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations for the Wildlife Management Areas.

              • Pets
              • Fires
              • Phone Service
              • Tents
              • Dispersed
              • Alcohol
              • No image available

              Recent Dispersed Reviews In Ocala

              9 Reviews of 8 Ocala Campgrounds


              • EThe Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Trout Lake Primitive Sites
                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.

              • MThe Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dorr
                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.

              • J
                Camper-submitted photo from Davenport Landing
                Sep. 4, 2023

                Davenport Landing

                Sketchy

                There are some permanent party there seemed like 2 dudes in a truck with a big tent mad sketchy looking I wouldn’t recommend straight out of a horror movie

              • Destiny R.
                Camper-submitted photo from Blue Sink
                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.

              • Sam S.
                Camper-submitted photo from Davenport Landing
                Jan. 14, 2022

                Davenport Landing

                Yes, this is a place to sleep if you need it

                I would not come back here again. There were obviously some long term residents that had set up shack here, and while they did not make the campground feel unsafe, they were trashing up the place. For example, at our site there was a literal burning pit of garbage that we had to set up next to. We had to douse the fire just to not feel nauseous. Suffice to say, we left very early the next morning and never looked back.

              • D
                Camper-submitted photo from Davenport Landing
                Jan. 1, 2022

                Davenport Landing

                Nice….but.

                Really nice area unfortunately there’s a homeless commune.  we set up camp earlier in the day when there was only a few people hanging out wasn’t until a few hours later when I realized that they were living there. Then the rest of them showed up. It got super rowdy. Not to mention the whole area smells like burning plastic.

              • DThe Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Davenport Landing
                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.

              • Frank E.
                Camper-submitted photo from Davenport Landing
                Aug. 28, 2019

                Davenport Landing

                Generally quiet primitive camping with water access

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



              Guide to Ocala

              Camping near Ocala, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature, fun activities, and a chance to unwind. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

              What to do

              • Explore the springs: Check out the stunning springs in the area. Many campers rave about the crystal-clear waters at Ginnie Springs Outdoors, where one reviewer said, "This is clearly one of the best natural springs in all of Florida."
              • Hiking and biking: Trails abound in the Ocala area. Campers at Silver Springs State Park Campground enjoyed the "woodsy hiking trails" and noted that the park is "quiet" and perfect for outdoor activities.
              • Kayaking and canoeing: Many campgrounds offer rentals for water activities. At Lake Louisa State Park Campground, visitors can paddle around and enjoy the scenery, with one camper mentioning, "Shower facilities are recently remodeled and impeccable."

              What campers like

              • Natural beauty: Campers appreciate the lush surroundings. One visitor at Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground said, "The trails are absolutely gorgeous," highlighting the natural palms and tall pines.
              • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A reviewer at Manatee Springs State Park Campground noted, "Facilities were clean and well stocked," making for a pleasant stay.
              • Wildlife sightings: Campers love spotting local wildlife. At Rainbow Springs State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "You will see wildlife and enjoy being in a remote spot in nature."

              What you should know

              • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell coverage. A camper at Blue Spring State Park Campground mentioned, "No public phone for emergency calls," so plan accordingly.
              • Crowded on weekends: Popular spots can get busy. A visitor at Salt Springs Recreation Area noted, "Loud and rowdy campers all weekend long," so consider visiting during the week for a quieter experience.
              • Reservations recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at O'Leno State Park advised, "We enjoyed the campground so much that we extended our stay."

              Tips for camping with families

              • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities for kids. At Lake Louisa State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "There’s a playground and a small beach to put your feet into water."
              • Plan activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A family at Juniper Springs Recreation Area enjoyed the "challenging kayak run" and noted it was a great way to bond.
              • Pack snacks: Having food on hand can save you trips to the store. A camper at Manatee Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "The springs are amazing and full of wildlife," making it a perfect picnic spot.

              Tips from RVers

              • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's sites. A reviewer at Silver Springs State Park Campground noted, "Big rig friendly, several pull thru spots," which is helpful for larger vehicles.
              • Look for amenities: Many RV parks offer full hookups. Campers at Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground appreciated the "electric hookups" and "drinking water" available at their sites.
              • Plan for dump stations: Ensure you know where to empty tanks. A camper at O'Leno State Park mentioned, "There is a dump station," which is a must for RVers.

              With these insights, you're all set for a great camping experience near Ocala!

              Frequently Asked Questions

              • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ocala, FL?

                According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ocala, FL is Davenport Landing with a 2.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

              • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ocala, FL?

                TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Ocala, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.