Top Free Dispersed Camping near Sanford, FL

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Sanford, FL (7)

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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 Sanford

    4 Reviews of 7 Sanford Campgrounds


    • Camper-submitted photo from Trout Lake Primitive Sites
      January 26, 2024

      Trout Lake Primitive Sites

      Nice secluded sites

      Set of primitive spots near lake. Main road entry is packed dirt; smaller access road to sites is two-track about 1/4 mile through woods — very narrow tree clearance. 4WD recommended. Just barely scraped a FWD Promaster through the trees, into a pullout just before sand started. Poor cell service even with booster. Plan on returning after antenna upgrade. Not the cleanest but passable.

    • 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 Sanford

    Camping near Sanford, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do

    • Explore the springs: Visit Alexander Springs Recreation Area for a refreshing swim. One reviewer mentioned, "The spring is walking distance from the campground - we saw turtles, otters, and many fish while swimming."
    • Kayaking and canoeing: Check out Silver Springs State Park Campground for amazing kayaking opportunities. A visitor shared, "We had our own kayaks so we put in at the head springs and paddled down to the campground."
    • Wildlife watching: At Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground, you can spot deer and even alligators. One camper noted, "We saw so many deer I lost count and we could hear the males in the distance."

    What campers like

    • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Lake Louisa State Park Campground stated, "Shower facilities are recently remodeled and impeccable."
    • Friendly staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Tomoka State Park Campground said, "Hats off to the Ranger staff here – you are easily the best group of nature professionals I have ever had the pleasure of engaging with."
    • Privacy between sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of sites at Blue Spring State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "The individual campsites give off a vibe of privacy, intimacy, and solitude."

    What you should know

    • Limited hookups: Some campgrounds, like Alexander Springs Recreation Area, do not offer electric or water hookups. A visitor noted, "For the price, no electric or water hookups and the facilities were not well maintained."
    • Noise levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially during busy weekends. A camper at Juniper Springs Recreation Area mentioned, "Over Thanksgiving weekend it got pretty noisy due to one large multi-site group."
    • Reservations recommended: Popular spots like Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground can fill up quickly, so booking ahead is a smart move. One reviewer said, "I’d stay here even if we didn’t do a Disney park."

    Tips for camping with families

    • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, a family enjoyed the "never-ending list of activities with plenty to keep kids and kids at heart busy."
    • Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep the little ones happy. A camper at Salt Springs Recreation Area mentioned, "The pizza place across the street was really good."
    • Plan for downtime: Make sure to schedule some relaxation time. One visitor at Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground said, "We didn’t want to leave at the end of our trip."

    Tips from RVers

    • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have size restrictions for RVs. A reviewer at Tomoka State Park Campground noted, "Most sites are exceptionally private, especially those sites found on the outside of the loop."
    • Bring leveling blocks: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A camper at Lake Louisa State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are spacious and open."
    • Use a reservation system: Many campgrounds offer online reservations, which can save time. A visitor at Jetty Park Campground said, "The staff is accommodating and friendly."

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Sanford, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.