Dispersed camping near Orange Park, Florida centers around the Osceola National Forest's hunt camps and primitive sites along the Ocklawaha River. Winter temperatures average 50-70°F, making it suitable for year-round camping, while summer brings humid conditions with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The forest terrain consists primarily of pine flatwoods and cypress swamps, with sandy soil that becomes problematic after rainfall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Davenport Landing, anglers report successful catches in the emerald-green waters of the Ocklawaha River. According to one visitor, "Located a hefty trek down a winding gravel road west of Route 19... 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."
Hiking trails: The Davenport Landing area offers a 1.2-mile interpretive trail leading to a historic steamboat landing. One camper notes, "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."
Wildlife observation: The forest areas around 17 Mile Hunt Camp provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, though caution is advised. A camper warns, "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."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Many campers appreciate the separation between sites at 17 Mile Hunt Camp. One reviewer commented, "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."
Peaceful atmosphere: The quiet environment at Cobb Hunt Camp draws positive reviews despite limited amenities. A camper shares, "Free no water or electricity, porta-potties. Most campers stay to themselves and there's room for privacy." Another simply states, "This place is very beautiful way out in the woods there's no bathrooms or electricity."
Cost-effective camping: The free dispersed camping options provide budget-friendly alternatives to developed campgrounds. One visitor to Cobb Hunt Camp noted, "Has the feel of a regular campground but its free. Small pond in the middle of the campground seems to have a few swirls."
What you should know
Seasonal facility changes: Portable toilets are typically only available during hunting season at most dispersed sites. A 17 Mile Hunt Camp visitor observed, "Stayed a week. 2 different sights in campground. Really secluded, kept sights. Toilet and trash bins maintained 2 times a week."
Access challenges: Road conditions can deteriorate significantly after rain. A Davenport Landing visitor advised, "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."
Connectivity limitations: Cell service varies significantly by location and carrier. A 17 Mile Hunt Camp reviewer noted, "Minimal, if any, cell service, so you will be disconnected pretty much." Sites near Cobb Hunt Camp reportedly have better connectivity, with one camper stating, "Sites were level and Verizon service was good."
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: Be prepared for wildlife encounters when camping with children. At Davenport Landing, one camper warned, "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."
Site selection: For families new to primitive camping, some locations provide better experiences than others. According to a camper at 17 Mile Hunt Camp, "It was really peaceful. There were only a few other people there and we hardly ever saw them."
Alternative options: Consider developed campgrounds for families seeking more amenities. One visitor suggested, "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."
Tips from RVers
Ground assessment: Check soil conditions before parking at Cobb Hunt Camp, especially after rain. One RVer warned, "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."
Site navigation: RVs can navigate to dispersed camping areas with careful driving. A visitor to Davenport Landing noted, "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."
Level parking considerations: 17 Mile Hunt Camp offers some naturally level sites suitable for RVs. A camper shared, "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."
