Dispersed camping options near White Springs, Florida cluster around the Osceola National Forest, with elevations rarely exceeding 200 feet above sea level. The region's sandy, pine flatwoods soil can become problematic after rainfall, often causing access issues on forest roads. Seasonal fluctuations affect campground availability, with some hunt camps operating primarily during hunting seasons.
What to do
Pond viewing and fishing: Several dispersed campsites offer access to small ponds suitable for wildlife watching and fishing. At 17 Mile Hunt Camp, visitors can select sites with pond views. "We got an amazing spot with a view of the pond. Ground can be soft, but luckily it had been dry for a few days, but you could get stuck in some spots," notes camper Moe B. from 17 Mile Hunt Camp.
Hiking the Florida Trail: The Florida National Scenic Trail passes through Osceola National Forest, accessible from multiple dispersed camping areas. "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," explains Nate D. from Cobb Hunt Camp.
Book exchange: West Tower Hunt Camp maintains an informal book exchange in their bathroom facility, providing reading material for extended stays. Jamie W. notes, "Also available is a bathroom and an outdoor cold shower. (There is a book exchange in the bathroom)."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The dispersed nature of these hunt camps creates natural separation between campsites. At West Tower Hunt Camp, Dan B. reports, "My 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."
Quiet atmosphere: The remote location creates a peaceful environment, especially during non-hunting seasons. "This was our first time boondocking and it was the perfect site to try it out... It was really peaceful. There were only a few other people there and we hardly ever saw them," explains Will J. about his experience at 17 Mile Hunt Camp.
Maintained facilities: Despite being free camping near White Springs, Florida, several hunt camps receive regular maintenance. At 17 Mile Hunt Camp, Michael W. observed, "Toilet and trash bins maintained 2 times a week," adding that compared to other nearby camps, this one was "Better of the Three."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Cobb Hunt Camp has experienced temporary closures that might not be updated online. Chris D. reports, "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."
Variable amenities: Facilities differ significantly between hunt camps. At West Tower Hunt Camp, J A. found, "Nice spots with a bathroom book exchange and power at the bathroom if you need it," while Brian noted 17 Mile Hunt Camp has only "Porta potty on site."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies throughout the area. Moe B. cautions about 17 Mile Hunt Camp, "Minimal, if any, cell service, so you will be disconnected pretty much."
Tips for camping with families
Ground conditions: Soft ground after rain can create challenges for family camping setups. Chrischelle N. advises about 17 Mile Hunt Camp, "Nice primitive campground with well maintained dispersed spots. No picnic tables or fire rings but plenty of space... Just make sure to check the ground before you park. Very muddy, could get stuck."
Wildlife awareness: The forest setting requires additional vigilance with small children and pets. Will J. cautions, "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."
Hunting season impacts: Families should be aware of increased activity and potential safety concerns during hunting season. At 17 Mile Hunt Camp, Moe B. reports, "Heard many shots during the late afternoon when we got there, around 4p. Off and on until it got dark at 6:30p."
Tips from RVers
Accessibility for trailers: Access roads can present challenges for larger rigs. At Cobb Hunt Camp, hilary G. notes, "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."
Site selection strategies: Finding level, dry ground is essential for RVs and travel trailers. Patrick M. shares his experience at 17 Mile Hunt Camp: "Nice place to unwind, I'm in a travel trailer so I had the chance to take advantage of all the amenities my camper has to offer, the roads are a little rough, yet passable, it was a little wet because of a rain a day earlier."
Pull-through availability: Some sites offer pull-through options that eliminate the need for backing. Will J. found at 17 Mile Hunt Camp, "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."
