Best Dispersed Camping near Penney Farms, FL

Dispersed camping near Penney Farms, Florida centers around several primitive sites in the Ocala National Forest and Osceola National Forest areas. Three notable locations include Davenport Landing in Salt Springs, Cobb Hunt Camp in Sanderson, and 17 Mile Hunt Camp, also in Sanderson. These free camping areas feature minimal to no amenities and require self-sufficiency from visitors. The sites are typically accessible via forest service roads and offer opportunities for those seeking no-fee camping experiences in natural settings.

Access to these dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved roads that can present challenges depending on recent weather conditions. Davenport Landing involves traveling down a winding gravel road with divots and potholes for approximately two miles, making high-clearance vehicles advisable. The roads to 17 Mile Hunt Camp are described as rough, with some muddy areas where vehicles could potentially get stuck. Most sites lack basic amenities such as drinking water, electric hookups, or permanent restroom facilities. Fires are generally permitted at these locations, though visitors should always check current restrictions before camping.

The camping experience varies considerably across these dispersed sites. Davenport Landing provides access to the Ocklawaha River with opportunities for fishing and paddling, plus a 1.2-mile interpretive hiking trail to a historic steamboat landing. The area features magnolia trees and wildlife viewing possibilities. 17 Mile Hunt Camp offers more secluded spots with some privacy between sites. "Nice primitive campground with well maintained dispersed spots. No picnic tables or fire rings but plenty of space," noted one visitor about 17 Mile Hunt Camp. Cobb Hunt Camp, while currently experiencing periodic closures, has been described as having "plenty of shady areas" though another camper cautioned it "depends on what you're into" as it may serve better as a hunting base than an idyllic campsite. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most of these locations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Penney Farms, Florida (3)

    1. Davenport Landing

    7 Reviews
    Welaka, FL
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 236-0288

    "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."

    2. Cobb Hunt Camp

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

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

    "Free no water or electricity, porta-potties . Most campers stay to themselves and there's room for privacy"

    3. 17 Mile Hunt Camp

    7 Reviews
    Osceola National Forest, FL
    42 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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Penney Farms, FL

6 Photos of 3 Penney Farms Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Penney Farms, FL

22 Reviews of 3 Penney Farms Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Frank E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2019

    Davenport Landing

    Generally quiet primitive camping with water access

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

  • 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 Penney Farms

Dispersed camping near Penney Farms, Florida typically occurs in the pine flatwoods and oak hammocks that characterize northeast Florida's ecosystems. Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping conditions, with summer temperatures reaching 90°F with high humidity while winter nights can drop to the 30s. The area receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for primitive camping.

What to do

Hiking access: At Davenport Landing, visitors can explore beyond the main trail. "For fellow arborists, in addition to finding these amazing Magnolias that seem to be especially planted here, additionally there's sweetgum and red maple trees," notes Stuart K., who recommends watching for wildlife including black bears.

Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and water access points provide fishing options throughout the area. At 17 Mile Hunt Camp, campers can enjoy "an amazing spot with a view of the pond," according to Moe B., though they caution about hunting activity: "Heard many shots during the late afternoon when we got there, around 4p."

Wildlife observation: The forests surrounding these dispersed sites harbor diverse wildlife. "You definitely want to keep your eyes peeled for alligators in this area," warns one Davenport Landing visitor, while another mentions "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."

What campers like

Solitude and space: Most dispersed sites offer considerable distance between camping spots. Will J. describes 17 Mile Hunt Camp as "really peaceful. There were only a few other people there and we hardly ever saw them," adding it was perfect for their first boondocking experience in a 26' travel trailer.

Budget-friendly options: Free camping represents a major draw for many visitors. "Nice primitive campground with well maintained dispersed spots," Chrischelle N. says about 17 Mile Hunt Camp, noting there's "plenty of space. Nice and quiet. Lots of space for RVs as well."

Natural surroundings: The forest setting provides shade and natural beauty. At Cobb Hunt Camp, Jamie W. mentions there are "some older couples that come there every year" and notes there are "plenty of shady areas," making it comfortable even during warmer weather.

What you should know

Access challenges: Roads to most dispersed sites require careful navigation. Patrick M. describes 17 Mile Hunt Camp's access: "The roads are a little rough, yet passable, it was a little wet because of a rain a day earlier." Similarly, at Davenport Landing, one camper advises "not to exceed 15 MPH on this road as the poor condition of the road could do damage to a lower-lying vehicle."

Varying site conditions: Expect significant differences between sites. Chris D. notes about Cobb Hunt Camp: "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."

Limited connectivity: Cell service ranges from spotty to nonexistent. At 17 Mile Hunt Camp, Brian reports "no Verizon cell service," while Patrick M. experienced "not much cell service, no tv stations, I brought movies, really enjoyed myself."

Tips for camping with families

Safety precautions: Wildlife encounters require appropriate preparation. Will J. shares about 17 Mile Hunt Camp: "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."

Entertainment planning: The lack of amenities means bringing your own entertainment. Aliyah B. found 17 Mile Hunt Camp had "tons of space with space between camp spots. Quiet. Lots of locals during the day but settles down at night," making it ideal for families seeking a disconnected experience.

Seasonal timing: Families should consider weather patterns when planning visits. Michael S. notes about Cobb Hunt Camp: "Trash and porta potty's provided by National Forest," indicating some minimal facilities exist during certain seasons, while Jamie W. clarifies: "During hunting season, there are portable toilets, but no water."

Tips from RVers

Ground assessment: Before parking, check soil conditions to avoid getting stuck. Chrischelle N. advises at 17 Mile Hunt Camp: "Just make sure to check the ground before you park. Very muddy, could get stuck."

Site selection strategy: Take time to find the right spot for your rig. Will J. shares: "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."

Facility expectations: Prepare for truly primitive conditions. Hilary G. describes Cobb Hunt Camp as having "the feel of a regular campground but its free," adding "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Penney Farms, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Penney Farms, FL is Davenport Landing with a 3.1-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Penney Farms, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Penney Farms, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.