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The forested areas surrounding White Springs, Florida feature several dispersed camping options primarily focused on hunt camps managed by the Florida Forest Service. West Tower Hunt Camp near Lake City, Cobb Hunt Camp near Sanderson, and 17 Mile Hunt Camp provide primitive camping experiences with varying levels of basic amenities. These free sites typically offer spacious, well-spaced camping areas suitable for both tent camping and smaller RVs or travel trailers. The hunt camps serve as convenient bases for exploring the Osceola National Forest and accessing the Florida Trail, which passes through the region. Most sites maintain a rustic character with minimal development, preserving the natural North Florida woodland setting.
Road conditions can present challenges, particularly after rain when soft ground may cause vehicles to get stuck. Campers report the need to carefully scout locations before setting up, especially with larger rigs. A 14-day stay limit applies at most sites, with enforcement varying by location and season. Basic amenities differ between camps: West Tower offers drinking water, showers, toilets and trash service, while others provide only portable toilets and trash receptacles during hunting season. Cell service is notably unreliable throughout the area, with Verizon described as "spotty" or non-existent at most locations. As one camper noted, "Sites are spread out and the road is rough getting in. No water or electric. Porta potty on site. No Verizon cell service."
Visitor experiences highlight the peaceful seclusion these sites offer despite their relative proximity to towns and Interstate 10. Campers frequently mention the privacy between sites and quiet atmosphere, though this can change during hunting season when usage increases. Several reviewers note the presence of small ponds near some camps, providing scenic views and even water for filtering. Recent visitors to Cobb Hunt Camp reported temporary closures, with camping still permitted just beyond the official entrance. As one camper observed, "It was a great place and had a nice feeling of seclusion without being too far from civilization." The hunt camps' primitive nature appeals particularly to self-sufficient campers seeking disconnection from urban environments without venturing too far from conveniences.
"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."
"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."
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.
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.
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)."
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."
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near White Springs, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near White Springs, FL is West Tower Hunt Camp with a 4.9-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near White Springs, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near White Springs, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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