Best Dispersed Camping near Olustee, FL

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.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Olustee, Florida (4)

    1. Cobb Hunt Camp

    8 Reviews
    Olustee, FL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 752-2577

    "Trash and porta potty’s provided by National Forest."

    "Free no water or electricity, porta-potties . Most campers stay to themselves and there's room for privacy"

    2. 17 Mile Hunt Camp

    7 Reviews
    Osceola National Forest, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 752-2577

    "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."

    3. West Tower Hunt Camp

    5 Reviews
    Osceola National Forest, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 752-2577

    "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."

    "Lots of dispersed camping spots throughout, some right out in the open, and others are private. Campsites are scattered with nicely cleared areas within bush palms."

    4. Sandhill Hunt Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Osceola National Forest, FL
    13 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Olustee, FL

5 Photos of 4 Olustee Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Olustee, FL

20 Reviews of 4 Olustee Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2023

    West Tower Hunt Camp

    Great spot

    This place was very clean and most spots were very well spaced out. Porta potties and trash bins. 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. I only did an overnight, but it was a great place and had a nice feeling of seclusion without being too far from civilization. Also very clean.

  • N
    Nov. 2, 2021

    Cobb Hunt Camp

    Easily accessible

    Depends on what you’re into. Great if you’re here as a hunt base camp maybe, but Cobb is not the idyllic peaceful personal campsite. I camped there with my boys in a tent, and they had a blast just playing in the dirt, but I had to figure out how to explain to them why someone had been there for the last 11 months and why we had to sleep through a running generator all night.

    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.

    Not great for the backpacker, but probably pretty great if you’re driving in and hunting out of your tent or camper.

  • Chrischelle N.
    Oct. 8, 2020

    17 Mile Hunt Camp

    Simple but neat

    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. Just make sure to check the ground before you park. Very muddy, could get stuck.

  • Will J.
    Jan. 18, 2021

    17 Mile Hunt Camp

    Peaceful, relaxing, easy.

    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. It was pretty easy to see where the areas for camping are but it’s not as clear as a paid RV park. We ended up loving the site we picked. We were able to pull through instead of backing in (although a lot of the spots looked like you would need to back 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. As far as our actual stay - It was really peaceful. There were only a few other people there and we hardly ever saw them. 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 beat spray when we went out into the woods. 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.

  • M
    Nov. 9, 2023

    Cobb Hunt Camp

    Campground Closed But Camping Allowed Just Past Entrance

    We arrived late and saw the campground was taped off and a sign read closed indefinitely. However, we drove just past the campground and found many others camped on the side of the road. Trash and porta potty’s provided by National Forest.

  • DeziRay M.
    Jan. 9, 2022

    Cobb Hunt Camp

    Awesome

    Free no water or electricity, porta-potties . Most campers stay to themselves and there's room for privacy

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2023

    17 Mile Hunt Camp

    Nice spot

    Sites are spread out and the road is rough getting in. No water or electric. Porta potty on site. No Verizon cell service.

  • Jamie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 3, 2019

    Cobb Hunt Camp

    Great dispersed camping

    I've camped here a few different times and loved it every time. There are some older couples that come there every year. During hunting season, there are portable toilets, but no water. Picnic tables at various spots and plenty of shady areas.

  • Michael W.
    Jan. 2, 2021

    17 Mile Hunt Camp

    Better of the Three

    Stayed a week. 2 different sights in campground. Really secluded, kept sights. Toilet and trash bins maintained 2 times a week. Went to other two sights, East Tower: Jam packed with hunters. Big Camp Hunt Camp: remote , small hard to get to. Rd 235. Deep hole , not recommended to cross. Would definitely stay here again. Special shout to neighbor [Lauren) solo female cudo. Nearby clean pond too.


Guide to Olustee

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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.

Tips for camping with families

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.

Tips from RVers

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 8 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.