Camping near Osceola National Forest

Osceola National Forest has several good camping options for those wanting to experience north Florida's woodlands. Lena State Park stands out with its shady sites that give campers decent privacy from neighbors. You'll find regular bathrooms and drinking water there to make your stay more comfortable. Many people also camp at Ocean Pond Campground, which sits right on a lake and works for both tents and RVs. Each spot comes with a picnic table and fire ring. The forest has a two-week maximum stay rule, and you need to follow current fire rules depending on conditions. Keeping food secure is important since bears and other wildlife move through the area. While camping, you might spot alligators and many types of birds throughout the forest. Trails cross through the woods if you want to hike during your stay. Summer gets really hot and humid here, so most people prefer camping in spring or fall when temperatures drop and there aren't as many mosquitoes. It's smart to book ahead, particularly on weekends and during cooler months when the campgrounds fill up. Osceola works well for both quiet camping trips and more active outdoor time.

Best Camping Sites Near Osceola National Forest (151)

    1. Ocean Pond Campground

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

    "Great campground with beautiful scenery by the lake! This campground reopened on March 31, 2021 at 50% capacity. We stayed there 5 nights- March 31 to April 5, 2021."

    "Also the camp site is near The Florida National Trail which is a footpath from the south to the north of FL. There is plenty of places to lauch your kayak or boat."

    2. 17 Mile Hunt Camp

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

    "Also easy to drive up and park car and put up tent next to it."

    "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."

    3. Cobb Hunt Camp

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

    4. Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    White Springs, FL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 397-2733

    $20 - $100 / night

    "Overall: Excellent campground with close access to the Suwannee River, not far off I-75 near White Springs."

    "We stayed here a couple of years ago while visiting family and friends in Lake City, about 20 miles away.  I was very impressed with the facilities, very clean and well kept. "

    5. Osceola National Forest Hog Pen Landing Campground

    7 Reviews
    Olustee, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 752-0147

    $10 / night

    "Ocean pond is near by they have hook ups and range from $12 to $30 a night depending on how you camp. They also have free water there which is a few miles from hog pen."

    "There’s around 10-12 spots overall, all varying in size. No water or electricity but has a very clean pit toilet (was checked twice daily by the host)."

    6. West Tower Hunt Camp

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

    "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."

    7. Hog Pen Landing

    5 Reviews
    Olustee, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 752-2577

    $10 / night

    "Beautiful views to the east through missy covered cypress trees with palmetto and pine forest behind to the west."

    "Its much better than the big camp ground across the lake. But it depends on what time you come, some days its nice and secluded and some days its packed"

    8. Osceola National Forest Ocean Pond Campground

    4 Reviews
    Olustee, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 752-2577

    $6 - $60 / night

    "Im a road biker and there is almost no traffic on the roads outside of the campground. You can go for miles and miles.
    Campground quiet. Beautiful sunrise and sunsets and the full moon was amazing"

    9. Island Oaks RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Sanderson, FL
    16 miles
    Website

    $60 - $79 / night

    "I recently stayed at the Island Oak RV Park in the beautiful town of Glen St Mary, Florida and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with the facilities and overall experience."

    "Heated resort pool with tiki pool bar & music, beach front lake with a massive inflatable obstacle course, an on-site restaurant & ice cream shop, not to mention multiple fenced dog parks."

    10. Big Camp Hunt Camp

    1 Review
    Osceola National Forest, FL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 752-2577
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Recent Reviews near Osceola National Forest

694 Reviews of 151 Osceola National Forest Campgrounds


  • Tisch B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2025

    Osceola National Forest Ocean Pond Campground

    Great camphosts Friendly and helpful

    Im a road biker and there is almost no traffic on the roads outside of the campground. You can go for miles and miles.
    Campground quiet. Beautiful sunrise and sunsets and the full moon was amazing

  • Curtis D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2025

    Osceola National Forest Ocean Pond Campground

    My go-to campground.

    Ocean Pond really took a turn for the better. The campground host, Kate, is truly a wonderful person. The campground itself has been updated to 5 stars. The people doing the work have done an outstanding job. Thank you all. When I first got here, there were deep potholes in the primitive camping area(gravel road). The worker came in with a milling attachment attached to a skid loader and fixed every hole. Thank you for that, sir. I could go on and on, but come stay here and find out.

  • Jennifer M.
    Nov. 2, 2025

    West Tower Hunt Camp

    Spacious dispersed scrub / shady forest area

    We weren't sure what to expect considering the ride in past some shacks and few and far-between homes but the forest itself is incredibly spacious and shady with the campsites pretty far apart from each other (at least 4 sites that we saw) and each able to accommodate 5+ tents plus cars or trucks. Our site had three full-size picnic tables plus a fire grate on the ground if you chose to grill. It seemed like each site had an animal-proof trash bin, which was really handy. 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. There were a pack of dogs barking throughout the night, but not too loud or close to keep us awake. We saw them being picked up in the morning (at least 5 or 6) and loaded into a truck.

  • Krystal T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Ocean Pond Campground

    Great for a weekend getaway

    We stopped here as the last long leg of a 2500 mile journey. We checked in online so didn’t speak to the host as we got in after dark. We stayed in spot 39. The site is a bit of a squeeze for a bigger rig and full size suv. We were close to the bathrooms and beach access/gazebo. We were in the side closest to primitive camping so people were sparse but it had everything we needed. The washer and dryer came in clutch and we were the only ones utilizing the beach area which was super small. But worked great for a family of 3 such as ourselves. We didn’t use the shower house but they seemed clean and well maintained when checking them out. Our spot had water and electric with a fire pit and picnic table. Lovely grounds, would probably come back.

  • Jerri K.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Black Creek Ravine

    Very nice

    Was a very nice and quiet place to camp

  • Amanda W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Jennings KOA

    Safe, convenient parking lot

    Immediately off of the highway. Very easy in and out. Full hookup, narrow, pull thru spots. New change to not include cable. There were lots of gnats around our site and some fire ants. Sites were almost all empty when we stopped over. Friendly staff. Next to a Shell station. Good phone signal.

  • Z
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Griffis Fish Camp

    History and peaceful

    With a good collection of history and a story. Really a super nice place to stay.

  • Clean Slate D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground & Cabins

    Wonderfully quiet State Park

    Nice hikes and birding abound! Amazing sunrises with the birds at the lakes. It's quiet, and the sites are relatively private. The volunteers are amazing, as are the Rangers that run the park. Highly recommend to get away from the city.


Guide to Osceola National Forest

Camping near Osceola National Forest, Florida, offers a mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore the Springs: The nearby Ichetucknee River is perfect for tubing and kayaking. One visitor mentioned, "We did a canoe trip on the nearby Ichetucknee river, not very busy this time of year," highlighting the river's accessibility and fun.
  • Hiking Trails: There are plenty of trails for hiking and biking. A camper noted, "We cycled from O'Leno to Ichetucknee Springs. 30 miles round trip!" This shows the great biking opportunities in the area.
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife. A review from Stephen C. Foster State Park Campground said, "There are definitely alligators & bears in the area," making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One review from Stephen C. Foster State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms and campground were clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Natural Beauty: Many visitors love the rustic and natural settings. A camper at O'Leno State Park said, "The park itself is absolutely lovely," emphasizing the park's charm.
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe. A review from Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground noted, "I love the atmosphere, though!" which reflects the friendly community.

What you should know:

  • Ticks and Bugs: Be prepared for ticks, especially if you plan to hike. One camper at O'Leno State Park - Magnolia Campground warned, "Take heed of them! I am sure we are in the height of season, but it was really bad if you went on any of the trails."
  • Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spots for larger RVs. A visitor at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground mentioned, "RV sites are pretty close to each other," so check site dimensions before booking.
  • Limited Cell Service: Expect spotty cell reception in some areas. A camper at Stephen C. Foster State Park Campground noted, "Cell service is spotty, even Starlink had issues with all the trees."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One reviewer at Ichetucknee Family Canoe and Cabins said, "The staff are incredibly friendly. There's also a lot of friendly animals that live on the property," making it a fun spot for families.
  • Plan for Rain: Florida weather can be unpredictable. A camper at Ichetucknee Family Canoe and Cabins advised, "Be prepared it almost rains every day in Florida, so if tent camping be prepared for rain."
  • Secluded Sites: Choose campgrounds with more space between sites for privacy. A visitor at O'Leno State Park - Magnolia Campground mentioned, "Very large site that has a great back area that is secluded from neighbors."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your campground has the right hookups for your RV. A review from Moonshine Acres RV Park stated, "Water and electric at each campsite but only one dump station at the entrance to the campground."
  • Space Between Sites: Look for campgrounds that offer spacious sites. A camper at Starke-Gainesville NE KOA said, "Nice quiet roomy sites," which is ideal for RV travelers.
  • Proximity to Attractions: Choose a campground close to attractions. A visitor at Moonshine Acres RV Park mentioned, "Less than 2 miles to the river with tubing and kayaking," making it a convenient spot for outdoor fun.

Camping near Osceola National Forest, Florida, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best trails in Osceola National Forest?

Osceola National Forest offers several excellent trails for nature enthusiasts. The Florida Trail runs through the forest, providing long-distance hiking opportunities with scenic views of the native pine flatwoods. For day hikers, the Ocean Pond Trail circles the namesake lake and offers beautiful water views. The Fanny Bay Trail is a shorter option with opportunities to spot wildlife in wetland areas. Near the forest, Suwannee River State Park Campground features additional casual walking trails beside the river and creek, ideal for those seeking less strenuous hikes with natural beauty. The Mount Carrie Trail is another option, taking hikers through diverse ecosystems including cypress swamps and pine stands.

What camping options are available in Osceola National Forest?

Osceola National Forest provides diverse camping experiences for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Ocean Pond Campground is the main developed campground, offering sites with water access, toilets, and big-rig-friendly spaces near Sanderson. For more rustic experiences, several hunt camps are available including 17 Mile Hunt Camp, Cobb Hunt Camp, and West Tower Hunt Camp - all providing basic amenities and free camping opportunities. Hog Pen Landing near Lake City offers primitive sites with toilet facilities and water access. For those seeking a more developed experience just outside the forest, Dogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park provides spacious, shaded sites with clean facilities and swimming access on the Santa Fe River.

What camping is available near Osceola National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, Osceola National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 151 campgrounds and RV parks near Osceola National Forest and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Osceola National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Osceola National Forest is Ocean Pond Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 21 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Osceola National Forest?