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Dispersed camping near Sanderson, Florida includes several free primitive campsites within the Osceola National Forest. Cobb Hunt Camp, 17 Mile Hunt Camp, and West Tower Hunt Camp provide primitive camping with varying levels of amenities. These free sites typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day stay limit. Recent reports indicate Cobb Hunt Camp may be temporarily closed for maintenance, though camping is permitted just beyond the entrance. Several campers noted that "sites are spread out and the road is rough getting in," particularly at 17 Mile Hunt Camp.
All sites require self-sufficiency as amenities are minimal. West Tower Hunt Camp features basic facilities including a bathroom with cold outdoor shower, trash receptacles, and drinking water at horse stables. 17 Mile Hunt Camp and Cobb Hunt Camp offer portable toilets during hunting season but no drinking water. Ground conditions can become muddy after rain, potentially causing vehicles to get stuck. According to reviews, "ground can be soft, but if it's been dry for a few days, you won't get stuck." Campers should bring all necessary water and supplies.
Cell service is unreliable throughout the area. Verizon coverage is described as "spotty" at West Tower Hunt Camp and virtually nonexistent at 17 Mile Hunt Camp. The camps provide varying levels of privacy and seclusion. West Tower offers "a nice feeling of seclusion without being too far from civilization" with well-spaced sites. During hunting season, expect increased activity and occasional gunfire. Wildlife is present; small pets should be monitored. Fire rings are not provided at all sites, though fires are permitted when no bans are in effect. The area features small ponds and access to portions of the Florida Trail for hiking opportunities.
"Trash and porta potty’s provided by National Forest."
"Definitely dispersed. Definitely got a little chilly tent camping."
"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."
"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."
"This is a great place for dispersed camping, but it’s not as quiet as you might expect. Dogs bark all night, so it’s not the best place for those who are sensitive to noise."
TravelerThis is a great place for dispersed camping, but it’s not as quiet as you might expect. Dogs bark all night, so it’s not the best place for those who are sensitive to noise. However, it’s a great place to experience nature, even though there are some houses nearby. Just be aware that it can get extremely hot in the summer, so if you’re planning to go, make sure you have an RV or trailer.
GuideGreat spot to camp, did see a baby bear and a few wood peckers. Quiet clean and beautiful. No marked camp sites no reservations and no fees.
TravelerFeels like true north fl wilderness even though you’re very close to a rural residential area and only about 15 minutes off I-10. Any car can access even after heavy rain. Just don’t go too far deep because the road is rutted and muddy but there’s plenty of spots before that. I had signal (Verizon) at my site but it was spotty throughout the camp. The spots are huge, even had picnic tables, so great for group camping. I did see porter potties and another building next to it but I didn’t look inside. Only caveat is this IS a hunt camp so hunters are out with their dogs at night. I didn’t hear any gun shots but I did hear lots of dogs barking and howling, thankfully a good distance away so it didn’t bother me. Mosquitoes weren’t too bad this time of year even with the rain. I would come here again happily :)
GuideSeveral well marked, well maintained, and easy to pull into to spots. At&t 5g, 2 to 3 bars. Several others out here camping, but everything is spread out. There are toilets available, and they are clean. Once you pull into the parking space below the tower, you will see some dirt/sand roads. You need to head down those to find the spots. I wouldn't bring a trailer down, but my full sized 4x4 truck had no issues and no pinstripes added. Most spots have a picnic table and a firering. Amazing this spot is free.
ScoutThis has been an exceptional experience. Gorgeous trees & quiet, a beautiful rickety tower to climb, several bathrooms to choose from (cleaned daily), an outdoor shower, and mostly great neighbors! There's also a house across the road, which was comforting, given that I was traveling solo as a woman. They even helped when my car broke down and I needed to call a towing company. Speaking of phones, Verizon service was nonexistent at the second site and spotty at the first. I ended up driving out about 10 minutes to make calls & check my phone. Also note that hunters come on weekends and kick up a lot of dust while driving past camp sites; their dogs also make a lot of noise.
🙏🏼💗 So grateful for this time.
ScoutWe pulled in late, a lot of open spots. Other guests were camping. Definitely dispersed.
Definitely got a little chilly tent camping.
TravelerWe 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.
GuideCrime scene tape Has been removed since last visit so that's a plus. Lots of wide open area where if you have a trailer you can park. Not much privacy. Has the feel of a regular campground but its free. Small pond in the middle of the campground seems to have a few swirls. 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.
TravelerMy first night here was fantastic. I can stay up to two weeks here. It’s December and there was only two other people camping here my site. I couldn’t even see anybody.
Osceola National Forest provides rustic camping near Sanderson, Florida with several hunt camps available for primitive dispersed camping. These sites typically require self-sufficiency, with limited or seasonal amenities. Most camping areas in the forest feature sandy soil that can become problematic after rainfall, and access roads often require careful navigation with standard vehicles.
Fishing opportunities: The small pond at 17 Mile Hunt Camp attracts visitors seeking a relaxing day by the water. As one camper noted, "We got an amazing spot with a view of the pond" which provides an accessible fishing location within walking distance of several camping areas.
Hiking routes: Multiple sections of the Florida Trail pass through the forest, offering day hiking opportunities. At West Tower Hunt Camp, campers appreciate the "nicely cleared areas within bush palms" that create starting points for trail access.
Wildlife observation: The forest hosts diverse wildlife throughout seasons. "We did have to be extra careful with our little dog because we did get the sense that something could try to eat it since the sites are in the middle of the woods," observed one visitor regarding predator awareness when camping in these natural areas.
Disconnected experience: Limited connectivity creates a true off-grid experience. One camper at 17 Mile Hunt Camp explained, "Minimal, if any, cell service, so you will be disconnected pretty much" which appeals to those seeking a digital detox.
Spacious layout: Many sites offer substantial separation between camping spots. A reviewer appreciated that "Lots of dispersed camping spots throughout, some right out in the open, and others are private" when describing the camping arrangement at West Tower Hunt Camp.
Book exchange: A unique feature at Sandhill Hunt Camp is the community book exchange. A camper noted, "There is a book exchange in the bathroom" providing an unexpected amenity for readers during extended stays.
Seasonal porta-potties: Bathroom facilities vary by season and location. At Cobb Hunt Camp, "During hunting season, there are portable toilets, but no water. Picnic tables at various spots and plenty of shady areas."
Road conditions: Access roads require careful navigation, particularly after rain. "The roads are a little rough, yet passable, it was a little wet because of a rain a day earlier," shared one camper about reaching their destination.
Campground closures: Recent maintenance has affected some areas. One visitor reported, "Cobb Camp Osceola is closed though the website makes no mention of the closure. There are people camping just beyond the campground without issue."
Hunter presence: Expect increased activity during hunting seasons. "It's a hunt camp. But it wasn't hunting season necessarily. Heard many shots during the late afternoon when we got there, around 4p. Off and on until it got dark at 6:30p," reported one camper describing typical sounds in the area.
Site selection: Some areas provide more family-friendly environments than others. "Nice primitive campground with well maintained dispersed spots. No picnic tables or fire rings but plenty of space. Nice and quiet," noted a camper about selecting appropriate locations.
Entertainment planning: Without connectivity, bring alternative activities. One parent shared, "I brought movies, really enjoyed myself," highlighting the need for prepared entertainment options when camping with children in an area with "no tv stations."
Accessible spots: For families with young children, certain locations offer easier access. "Loved this spot. It had tons of space with space between camp spots... Also easy to drive up and park car and put up tent next to it," making setup more manageable with kids.
Ground assessment: Sandy soil can create hazards for heavier vehicles. "Just make sure to check the ground before you park. Very muddy, could get stuck," warns one RV camper about site selection at 17 Mile Hunt Camp.
Level sites: Some areas offer naturally level terrain suitable for trailers. "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."
Stay duration: Forest service limits apply to all sites. "I can stay up to two weeks here. It's December and there was only two other people camping here my site. I couldn't even see anybody," mentions one RVer about the camping regulations and winter occupancy levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Sanderson, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sanderson, FL is Cobb Hunt Camp with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Sanderson, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Sanderson, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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