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Dispersed Camping near Orange Park, FL

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    Dispersed camping options near Orange Park, Florida include several hunt camps in the Osceola National Forest. 17 Mile Hunt Camp in Sanderson offers free primitive camping with designated sites spread throughout the wooded area. The camp provides minimal amenities including trash receptacles and portable toilets that are maintained twice weekly during hunting season. Ground conditions can be problematic after rain, with several reviews warning about potential mud hazards for vehicles. Cell service is extremely limited, with most Verizon users reporting no connectivity.

    Cobb Hunt Camp, also in Sanderson, offers similar primitive camping experiences though recent reviews indicate temporary closures. According to one visitor, "Cobb Camp Osceola is closed though the website makes no mention of the closure. There are people camping just beyond the campground without issue." When open, the camp features picnic tables at various sites and portable toilets during hunting season, but no water facilities. Davenport Landing near Salt Springs represents another backcountry camping option, though reviews suggest more variable experiences, with one camper noting it has "nice and cool" conditions in the forest while others report concerns about long-term residents and site cleanliness.

    Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Orange Park (4)

      1. Cobb Hunt Camp

      4.1(9)43mi from Orange Park

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

      "Definitely dispersed. Definitely got a little chilly tent camping."

      2. 17 Mile Hunt Camp

      4.4(8)42mi from Orange Park

      "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. Davenport Landing

      3.1(9)48mi from Orange Park

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

      "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."

      4. rice creek conservation

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    Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Orange Park, FL

    6 Photos of 4 Orange Park Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers


    Dispersed Camping Reviews near Orange Park, FL

    26 Reviews of 4 Orange Park Campgrounds

    • JThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jun. 7, 2026

      17 Mile Hunt Camp

      Beautiful

      Great 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.

    • Sherry
      Jan. 8, 2026

      Davenport Landing

      Small

      Small area, close camping so No privacy, I you are nearby the water, First come first serve spots, has walking trail in the area. Beware of Bears.

    • Brandon D.
      Nov. 15, 2025

      Cobb Hunt Camp

      Great spot

      We pulled in late, a lot of open spots. Other guests were camping. Definitely dispersed.

      Definitely got a little chilly tent camping.

    • TThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 23, 2025

      Davenport Landing

      Cool spot, beware of bears

      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. There is a campground nearby that charges 10bucks a night that I would recommend for families or beginners. Delancy Campground is accessible from this (FS Road 74) location

    • EThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jun. 12, 2025

      Davenport Landing

      We loved it

      We didn't see anything bad with this place when we were there. Had no one around and nice and cool in the forest

    • h
      Mar. 19, 2025

      Cobb Hunt Camp

      Open and close to I-10

      Crime 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.

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt Pro User
      Dec. 25, 2024

      Davenport Landing

      Magnolia-Shaded Cul-de-Sac Primitive Camping

      Located a hefty trek down a winding gravel road west of Route 19, you’ll have to maneuver around divots and potholes along this narrow gravel, dusty roadway for the better part of 2 miles before arriving to a small sign on the left-hand side of the road that indicates you’ve arrived at Davenport Recreational Area – so finding this place is relatively easy. 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. Once you come across the Davenport Recreational Area sign, take a right and slowly (as the road conditions worsen as you get off the main road) follow the narrow tire-rutted pathway to a fork, where on the right you’ll see TRAILHEAD marked on a tree to your right– here you want to turn left instead and follow the pathway to its conclusion, which is a round-about that you will have no other alternative but to stop and park your vehicle.

      Here at literally ‘the end of the road,’ you’ll be greeted by a dozen or so medium-sized Magnolias that blot out the sun’s rays and cast an unusually spooky shadow on this area, made even more dramatic by all of the Spanish moss falling from the tree limbs of these magnificent trees. While the ground here is flat – welcome to Florida, where for the most part, that’s par for the course – but barren and comprised of a combination of dirt and sand silt, which isn’t so bad when it’s dry, but when there’s rain, we’re talking some pretty messy mud-like conditions. As for what you’ll find here at this natural cul-de-sac, there isn’t anything. Literally. No picnic tables. No fire ring. No stand-up grill. No potable(or for that matter, non-potable) water spigot. Nothing. There is what looks to be a small wooden sign that likely was filled with information at some point in time that might have educated you about your stay here, but even that had nothing on it, apart from a single hand-made sign above it, indicating: “You are trash, if you leave trash,” which I wholeheartedly agree with. In all, perhaps there’s 5-6 individual spots that you could make a campsite from.

      If you are a true primitive camper who really wants NOTHING to complement or aid their outdoor survivalist experiment, then you have hit the primitive camping jackpot! Apart from the solid peace & quiet you’ll experience here, 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 via the St. Johns which this tributary eventually connects to. Apart from being a scenic access point to the river, if you are looking to catch and eat your meals, then this will certainly be an added bonus. The steps down the ravine to the river basin are somewhat steep, but for anyone towing a light-weight kayak or paddleboard, me thinks you could likely manage to bring your watercraft down here and easily access emerald-green waters shouldered with an abundance of spade-shaped lily pads to grab some great oaring.

      When we stopped by, there was a team of fisherman there – not camping, mind you – but having a great afternoon nonetheless of ‘hooking‘ em’ and according to these local anglers, the fishing was great. Apart from this and the shade that the mighty Magnolias provide, the only other amenity that exists out here are the few trails that you can jump on to get a bit of hiking in. One word of caution, from my fishermen friends, is to be on the look-out for ‘Coyo-Dogs’ (a cross between canine species where a dog mates with a coyote) and black bear, both of which have been known to frequent this area, especially at night.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) There’s a 1.2 mile interpretive hiking trail called Davenport Landing Trail that will take to you to the former steamboat landing, which makes for a medium-grade hike with some interesting history; (2) 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; (3) For fellow arborists, in addition to finding these amazing Magnolias that seem to be especially planted here for you, additionally there’s sweetgum and red maple trees; and (4) You definitely want to keep your eyes peeled for alligators in this area, where while we didn’t see any right at the ravine’s base, we were told that plenty were sunbathing right around the bend in the river from where we were.

      Happy Camping!

    • Chris D.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jan. 16, 2024

      Cobb Hunt Camp

      Actual campground is closed

      Cobb Camp Osceola is closed though the website makes no mention of the closure. There are people camping just beyond the campground without issue. Nice and quiet spot with 0 amenities. There was a portapoty and trash cans during hunting season. Good verizon and tmobile cell coverage.

    • 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.

    Guide to Orange Park

    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."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Orange Park, FL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Orange Park, FL is Cobb Hunt Camp with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Orange Park, FL?

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Orange Park, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.