Dispersed camping options around Paisley, Florida extend beyond the Ocala National Forest boundaries with several primitive sites located along the surrounding waterways. Summer temperatures in this region average 92°F with high humidity, while winter brings mild 55-75°F days. Sand pine scrub and longleaf pine flatwoods dominate the landscape, creating natural boundaries between camping areas and contributing to the challenging navigation conditions for visitors seeking rustic camping experiences.
What to do
Fishing at Blue Sink: This remote camping spot requires significant effort to reach but rewards anglers with excellent fishing opportunities. According to visitor Destiny R., "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."
Hiking the Davenport Landing Trail: The Davenport Landing area features a 1.2-mile interpretive hiking trail leading to a historic site. One visitor 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 primitive camping areas provide opportunities to observe native Florida species in their natural habitat. Campers should remain cautious, as local fishermen at Davenport Landing warn visitors "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."
What campers like
Natural shade coverage: The Trout Lake Primitive Sites offer natural canopy protection from the intense Florida sun. A camper describes the area as having "Nice secluded sites. Main road entry is packed dirt; smaller access road to sites is two-track about 1/4 mile through woods."
Water activities: Kayaking and swimming options exist at several camping locations. At Freak Creek Dispersed Camping, Adamm A. notes, "It's super secluded and quiet. Depending when you stay there's at times people who show up to party and then leave. Great place to put a kayak in the water."
Seclusion from crowds: Most rustic camping sites near Paisley remain uncrowded due to difficult access. Joe P. from Trout Lake Primitive Sites remarks, "Very narrow trails but really easy access, you will leave with some new pinstripes."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: High-clearance 4WD vehicles are essential for accessing most dispersed camping areas. At Freak Creek, one camper advises, "If you don't have 4wd and recovery gear I wouldn't risk it. There is a nice creek area where you can swim and or fish if you have the right equipment to get back there it can be fun, but if you don't you will be stuck until some one comes by."
Safety considerations: Some areas have reported safety concerns. At Lake Dorr, Michael S. warns, "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."
Unauthorized occupancy: Several camping areas have experienced issues with unauthorized long-term residents. At Davenport Landing, Dylan D. notes, "Really nice area unfortunately there's a homeless commune. We set up camp earlier in the day when there was only a few people hanging out wasn't until a few hours later when I realized that they were living there."
Tips for camping with families
Avoid certain locations: Some dispersed camping sites near Paisley may not be suitable for family trips. At Davenport Landing, Juan-Carlo C. cautions, "There are some permanent party there seemed like 2 dudes in a truck with a big tent mad sketchy looking I wouldn't recommend."
Weather preparedness: Florida's unpredictable weather patterns can quickly change camping conditions, especially during summer months. Pack additional tarps, rain gear, and quick-drying clothes for unexpected downpours.
Pack extra supplies: The remote nature of Blue Sink and similar locations means no access to emergency supplies or convenience stores. One visitor recommends bringing "creative backpacking" equipment due to changing access conditions.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Dispersed camping areas near Paisley generally cannot accommodate larger recreational vehicles. One Freak Creek visitor advises, "I would not attempt bringing a camper unless it's really small."
Road clearance issues: Even smaller RVs face significant challenges on access roads. At St. Johns River Dispersed Spot, Mike D. reports, "The roads to get here are bumpy. Right next to the river and the trees open up so you get a great view of the stars."
Alternative parking strategies: For those determined to visit in an RV, Entropical Breeze E. at Trout Lake shares this experience: "Just barely scraped a FWD Promaster through the trees, into a pullout just before sand started. Poor cell service even with booster."
