Top Free Dispersed Camping near Sanford, FL

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."