Dispersed camping near Olustee, Florida centers around several primitive hunt camps in the Osceola National Forest where campers can stay at no cost. The region includes Cobb Hunt Camp, 17 Mile Hunt Camp, West Tower Hunt Camp, and Sandhill Hunt Camp, all offering basic backcountry experiences with minimal amenities. These sites provide free alternatives to established campgrounds, with varying levels of accessibility and facilities depending on the specific location.
Access roads to these hunt camps typically include unpaved forest service routes that may become muddy after rain. Ground conditions can be soft in some areas, particularly at 17 Mile Hunt Camp, where campers report potential for vehicles getting stuck in wet conditions. Most sites permit camping for up to 14 days. Cobb Hunt Camp has been noted as temporarily closed in recent reports, though camping just beyond the entrance has been possible. West Tower Hunt Camp provides more amenities than others, including porta-potties, trash bins, cold outdoor showers, and access to drinking water.
The dispersed camping experience varies across these hunt camps. West Tower Hunt Camp features more developed facilities and a camp host, while maintaining good site spacing for privacy. 17 Mile Hunt Camp provides greater seclusion with well-maintained dispersed spots but minimal cell service. During hunting season, some camps become busier with increased activity. One camper described 17 Mile Hunt Camp as having "nice primitive campground with well maintained dispersed spots" while another noted that Cobb Hunt Camp "has the feel of a regular campground but it's free." Verizon service ranges from good at Cobb to spotty or nonexistent at other locations, making these sites suitable for those seeking a disconnected experience.
"Trash and porta potty’s provided by National Forest."
"Definitely dispersed. Definitely got a little chilly tent camping."
"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."
"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."
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 :)
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.
GuideCrime scene tape Has been removed since last visit so that's a plus. Lots of wide open area where if you have a trailer you can park. Not much privacy. Has the feel of a regular campground but its free. Small pond in the middle of the campground seems to have a few swirls. 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.
TravelerMy first night here was fantastic. I can stay up to two weeks here. It’s December and there was only two other people camping here my site. I couldn’t even see anybody.
Dispersed camping near Olustee, Florida offers multiple hunting camps within the Osceola National Forest where campers can experience Florida's flat sandhill terrain. The region receives approximately 54 inches of annual rainfall, contributing to the sometimes challenging ground conditions for vehicles. Camping sites are situated among longleaf pines and scrub oak, providing natural shade during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Wildlife observation opportunities: Several hunt camp areas provide habitat for Florida wildlife year-round. At West Tower Hunt Camp, campers can observe local species while enjoying relatively secluded camping. "My first night here was fantastic. I can stay up to two weeks here. It's December and there was only two other people camping here my site. I couldn't even see anybody," reports camper Dan B.
Fishing access: The pond at 17 Mile Hunt Camp offers fishing opportunities for visitors. "We got an amazing spot with a view of the pond," notes Moe B. The area features small bodies of water where anglers can try their luck, though success varies seasonally.
Book exchange: For those seeking low-key recreation, West Tower Hunt Camp maintains a community book exchange. "Nice spots with a bathroom book exchange and power at the bathroom if you need it," notes camper J A., highlighting this unique amenity not typically found at primitive camping locations.
Site spacing: Visitors appreciate the distance between campsites at these dispersed locations. At 17 Mile Hunt Camp, campers note the privacy factor: "It had tons of space with space between camp spots. Quiet. Lots of locals during the day but settles down at night," writes Aliyah B.
Cost-free accommodations: The free camping available represents significant value for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. At Cobb Hunt Camp, one visitor notes, "Free no water or electricity, porta-potties. Most campers stay to themselves and there's room for privacy," according to DeziRay M.
Natural setting: The forest environment creates an immersive outdoor experience. "This place is very beautiful way out in the woods there's no bathrooms or electricity," reports Heather F. about Cobb Hunt Camp, emphasizing the natural surroundings.
Temporary closures: Camp status can change without notice. "Cobb Camp Osceola is closed though the website makes no mention of the closure. There are people camping just beyond the campground without issue," reports Chris D. Recent visitors should check current status before planning trips.
Ground conditions: Sandy soil becomes problematic after rain. "Just make sure to check the ground before you park. Very muddy, could get stuck," warns Chrischelle N. about 17 Mile Hunt Camp. This consideration affects vehicle selection and timing of visits.
Variable connectivity: Cell service ranges from nonexistent to reliable depending on location. "Minimal, if any, cell service, so you will be disconnected pretty much," notes Moe B. about 17 Mile Hunt Camp. For those needing to stay connected, research specific camps beforehand.
Safety considerations: Wildlife awareness is important with children. "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. We generally felt safe tho and just made sure to take bear spray when we went out into the woods," advises Will J. about 17 Mile Hunt Camp.
Activity options: Simple outdoor play can entertain children despite minimal facilities. "I camped there with my boys in a tent, and they had a blast just playing in the dirt," shares Nate D. about Cobb Hunt Camp, suggesting that natural surroundings provide sufficient engagement for younger campers.
Water planning: Families need to bring sufficient water supplies. "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, but if you drive in and car camp you can easily bring water with you," explains Nate D., highlighting water management strategies.
Site selection: RV campers should scout locations carefully before committing. "We have a 26' travel trailer and we did a few loops looking for a good site. It was pretty easy to see where the areas for camping are but it's not as clear as a paid RV park," reports Will J. at 17 Mile Hunt Camp.
Road conditions: Forest service roads present challenges for larger rigs. "The roads are a little rough, yet passible, it was a little wet because of a rain a day earlier," notes Patrick M. about accessing 17 Mile Hunt Camp with a travel trailer.
Self-contained camping: Bring all necessary supplies and amenities. "I'm in a travel trailer so I had the chance to take advantage of all the amenities my camper has to offer," explains Patrick M., emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency when camping at these primitive locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Olustee, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Olustee, FL is Cobb Hunt Camp with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Olustee, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Olustee, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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