Top Free Dispersed Camping near Ponce Inlet, FL

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Ponce Inlet? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ponce Inlet, FL (4)

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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

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Ponce Inlet

    3 Reviews of 4 Ponce Inlet Campgrounds


    • 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 Ponce Inlet

    Camping near Ponce Inlet, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. 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 the beach: The proximity to the beach is a big draw. Campers at North Beach Camp Resort love that it’s just a short walk away. One reviewer mentioned, "The camp is located in a great location between the beach and the river."
    • Visit the springs: Blue Spring State Park Campground is known for its stunning springs. A visitor shared, "The spring is walking distance from the campground - we saw turtles, otters, and many fish while swimming in the spring."
    • Kayaking and canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Tomoka State Park Campground, offer great spots for kayaking. One camper noted, "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:

    What you should know:

    • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during busy weekends. A camper at Florida Salt Springs mentioned, "Loud and rowdy campers all weekend long—day and night."
    • Limited hookups: Not all campgrounds offer electric or water hookups. A reviewer at Alexander Springs Recreation Area noted, "For the price, no electric or water hookups and the facilities were not well maintained."
    • Reservations recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Juniper Springs Recreation Area advised, "If you find yourself out-of-luck in finding an available campground site to reserve, try your luck at booking one of the cabins."

    Tips for camping with families:

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Florida Salt Springs noted, "Our site was a really good size! We had plenty of space on all four sides."
    • Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with good amenities. A camper at Tomoka State Park Campground appreciated the "clean and well-organized community restroom/shower facilities."
    • Be prepared for dirt roads: Some campgrounds have dirt sites. A visitor at North Beach Camp Resort mentioned, "For the price they charge, I would like to see all the sites with gravel."

    Camping around Ponce Inlet, Florida, offers a variety of experiences, from beach fun to nature exploration. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone!

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ponce Inlet, 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 Ponce Inlet, FL?

      TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Ponce Inlet, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.