Top Free Dispersed Camping near Ocklawaha, FL

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Ocklawaha? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ocklawaha, FL (8)

    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Blue Sink

      2. 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
      Camper-submitted photo from Davenport Landing

      3. 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
        • No image available

          5. 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
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              Recent Dispersed Reviews In Ocklawaha

              9 Reviews of 8 Ocklawaha 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 Ocklawaha

              Camping near Ocklawaha, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're into hiking, swimming, or just relaxing by the campfire, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast.

              What to do

              • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the stunning trails around the area. Campers at Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground rave about the "absolutely gorgeous" trails filled with natural palms and tall pines.
              • Swimming in Springs: Take a dip in the refreshing waters of the springs. Visitors to Blue Spring State Park Campground love the "beautiful swimming spot" and the chance to see manatees during the winter months.
              • Kayaking and Canoeing: Rent a kayak or canoe to explore the waterways. Campers at Silver Springs State Park Campground enjoy "amazing kayaking" and the scenic views along the river.

              What campers like

              • Privacy and Space: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites. At Salt Springs Recreation Area, one reviewer mentioned, "Our site was a really good size! We had plenty of space on all four sides."
              • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained grounds are a big plus. A visitor at Rodman Campground noted, "Bathrooms are so clean you could literally eat off the floors."
              • Wildlife Viewing: Campers enjoy spotting wildlife. One reviewer at Alexander Springs Recreation Area shared, "We saw turtles, otters, and many fish while swimming in the spring."

              What you should know

              • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Lake Griffin State Park Campground mentioned, "Neighbors were loud and fighting well past midnight."
              • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have electric or water hookups. For instance, Clearwater Lake Campground does not offer electric hookups, which some campers found inconvenient.
              • Reservation Requirements: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Rainbow Springs State Park Campground advised, "If you find yourself out-of-luck in finding an available campground site to reserve, try your luck at booking one of the cabins."

              Tips for camping with families

              • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. Juniper Springs Recreation Area has trails and a swimming area that families enjoy.
              • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. A camper at Blue Spring State Park Campground suggested, "If the kiddos get restless, head to Family Fun Town for mini-golf and arcade games."
              • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks and drinks. One family at Salt Springs Recreation Area enjoyed the convenience of having a market nearby for quick supplies.

              Tips from RVers

              • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Rodman Campground mentioned, "RV sites are huge and plentiful."
              • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. Campers at Silver Springs State Park Campground appreciated the "big rig friendly" sites.
              • Be Prepared for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in warmer months. A camper at Lake Griffin State Park Campground warned about "deer flies and yellow flies" that can be bothersome.

              Camping near Ocklawaha, Florida, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you’re sure to have a memorable experience!

              Frequently Asked Questions

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

                According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ocklawaha, FL is Trout Lake Primitive Sites with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

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