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Best Dispersed Camping near Osceola National Forest

23 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Osceola National Forest offers several hunt camps that serve as free or low-cost dispersed camping options. The 17 Mile Hunt Camp provides primitive sites with trash receptacles and portable toilets that are maintained twice weekly. The area features level ground suitable for tents and travel trailers up to 26 feet, though campers should be cautious of potentially muddy conditions. Most sites are well-spaced, providing privacy in a forested setting near a small pond.

West Tower Hunt Camp provides more amenities than typical dispersed sites, including bathroom facilities with an outdoor cold shower, picnic tables, and fire grates. A camp host maintains the area, which has a 14-day stay limit. As one camper shared, "Lots of dispersed camping spots throughout, some right out in the open, and others are private." Cobb Hunt Camp has experienced periodic closures for maintenance, with camping sometimes permitted just beyond the entrance. Cell service varies throughout these backcountry camping areas, with Verizon coverage ranging from good to nonexistent depending on the specific location.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Osceola National Forest (4)

    1. Cobb Hunt Camp

    9 Reviews
    Olustee, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 752-2577

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

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

    2. 17 Mile Hunt Camp

    7 Reviews
    Osceola National Forest, FL
    3 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

    7 Reviews
    Osceola National Forest, FL
    8 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."

    "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."

    4. Sandhill Hunt Camp

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

8 Photos of 4 Osceola National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Osceola National Forest

23 Reviews of 4 Osceola National Forest 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.

  • Brandon D.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • 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.

Guide to Osceola National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Osceola National Forest in Florida, where nature lovers can enjoy a serene escape without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles, from primitive sites to those with basic amenities.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Osceola National Forest, Florida

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like Cobb Hunt Camp, provide a peaceful environment with minimal amenities, making them perfect for those seeking solitude in nature.
  • Be prepared for a lack of facilities; for instance, 17 Mile Hunt Camp has no water or electric hookups, so bring your own supplies and plan accordingly.
  • Always check for current conditions, as some areas may be closed for maintenance, like Cobb Hunt Camp, which has been reported as closed indefinitely.

Top activities while free camping near Osceola National Forest

  • Enjoy hiking and wildlife watching in the surrounding woods, especially near West Tower Hunt Camp, where you can find well-spaced sites and a sense of seclusion.
  • Fishing enthusiasts can take advantage of nearby ponds, with some campers at 17 Mile Hunt Camp enjoying scenic views while casting their lines.
  • For those who appreciate a bit of adventure, exploring the rugged roads leading to dispersed sites can be a thrilling experience, as noted by visitors to Cobb Hunt Camp.

Essential amenities for dispersed campers

  • While many sites are primitive, West Tower Hunt Camp offers basic amenities like a bathroom and outdoor shower, making it a convenient choice for those who want a bit of comfort.
  • Trash disposal is available at several locations, including 17 Mile Hunt Camp, ensuring that you can keep your campsite clean and environmentally friendly.
  • Porta-potties are often provided, as seen at Cobb Hunt Camp, which can be a welcome relief for campers looking for basic sanitation options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Osceola National Forest?

Osceola National Forest offers several dispersed camping options through its hunt camps. 17 Mile Hunt Camp provides well-maintained dispersed spots with plenty of space for tents and RVs. The sites are spread out and secluded, with some offering views of a pond. West Tower Hunt Camp offers numerous dispersed camping spots throughout the area - some in open areas and others providing more privacy. The camp features cleared areas within bush palms and has a camp host on site. Additional options include Cobb Hunt Camp and Sandhill Hunt Camp. When selecting a site, be mindful of ground conditions as some areas can become muddy, especially after rain.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Osceola National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Osceola National Forest follows standard regulations. At Cobb Hunt Camp, camping is free with no water or electricity provided. The forest enforces a 14-day stay limit for dispersed camping. Portable toilets and trash bins are available at most hunt camps and are typically maintained twice weekly. During hunting season, be aware of increased activity and gunfire in the area. Sandhill Hunt Camp and other dispersed areas are drive-in access. There are no designated fire rings at most sites, so practice responsible fire management. Pack out what you pack in, though some areas do provide trash collection. Always check current forest conditions before your trip as site closures can occur.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Osceola National Forest?

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

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Osceola National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Osceola National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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