Top Free Dispersed Camping near Orlando, FL

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Orlando? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Orlando, FL (8)

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      1.

      St. Johns River Dispersed Spot - Ocala NF

      1 Review
      131 Saves
      De Leon Springs, Florida

      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
      • Dispersed
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Blue Sink

      3.

      Blue Sink

      1 Review
      1 Photo
      34 Saves
      Altoona, Florida

      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 Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

      4.

      Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

      1 Review
      11 Photos
      25 Saves
      Zephyrhills, Florida

      Primitive and backcountry camping available. No amenities available.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Dispersed
      • Picnic Table
      • WiFi

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Orlando

    6 Reviews of 8 Orlando Campgrounds


    • Camper-submitted photo from bull creek WMA
      February 8, 2024

      bull creek WMA

      Hunt camp

      This is camp for hunters it's free and has pit toilets open area park anywhere in the camp. Lots of land to explore, hiking very close to Florida scenic trail.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Trout Lake Primitive Sites
      January 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dorr
      November 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.

    • 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.



    Guide to Orlando

    Camping near Orlando, Florida, offers a mix of fun activities and beautiful nature. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    • Explore Disney Parks: Staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground gives you easy access to the Disney parks. One camper mentioned, "Can’t beat the convenience & amenities of the Disney parks on your itinerary."
    • Hiking and Wildlife Watching: At Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground, you can hike beautiful trails and spot wildlife. A visitor shared, "We saw so many deer I lost count and we could hear the males in the distance."
    • Kayaking and Canoeing: Tomoka State Park Campground is perfect for water activities. One reviewer said, "Whether you like to get on the water in a kayak, canoe or fishing boat, you are in for a treat here."

    What campers like:

    • Privacy and Space: Campers at Hillsborough River State Park Campground appreciate the spacing between sites. One camper noted, "Great campground with good shade and privacy between sites."
    • Clean Facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A camper at Lake Louisa State Park Campground mentioned, "Shower facilities are recently remodeled and impeccable."
    • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A review for Jetty Park Campground stated, "The staff was very friendly and I would absolutely stay here again."

    What you should know:

    • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Blue Spring State Park Campground, may not have showers. A visitor noted, "No showers, but the facilities are pretty amazing."
    • Noise Levels: Campgrounds can get noisy, especially during busy weekends. A camper at Juniper Springs Recreation Area mentioned, "Over Thanksgiving weekend it got pretty noisy due to one large multi-site group."
    • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Alexander Springs Recreation Area advised, "For the price, no electric or water hookups and the facilities were not well maintained."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with plenty of activities for kids. At Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground, one family enjoyed the "never-ending list of activities with plenty to keep kids busy."
    • Bring Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground mentioned, "Pools, restaurants, shops, and fun activities going on all the time."
    • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places that allow pets and have playgrounds. A visitor at Lake Louisa State Park Campground noted, "There’s a playground and a small beach to put your feet into the water."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground mentioned, "Maneuvering a larger rig might take some time backing into sites."
    • Use Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver. A visitor at Jetty Park Campground appreciated the "basic but clean" bathrooms and the availability of electric hookups.
    • Plan for Dump Stations: Make sure to know where the dump stations are located. A camper at Tomoka State Park Campground noted, "A proper dump station is also located at the front of the loop."

    Camping near Orlando, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Orlando, FL is St. Johns River Dispersed Spot - Ocala NF with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

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