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Best Dispersed Camping in Florida

80 Reviews

Florida's dispersed camping options range from coastal islands only accessible by boat to remote forest sites. Shell Key Preserve and Anclote Key Preserve State Park offer free primitive island camping with spectacular water views. Both require permits and boat transportation, with campers responsible for packing in all supplies and removing all waste. "We paddled from Ft Desoto with all of our gear roped on. Once you get to the island, it is 100% primitive as it's a preserve," noted one Shell Key camper.

Several hunt camps in Osceola National Forest provide more accessible dispersed options. Cobb Hunt Camp and 17 Mile Hunt Camp feature primitive sites with minimal facilities—typically just trash receptacles and portable toilets. Ground conditions can be challenging, particularly after rain. "The roads are a little rough, yet passable," reported one camper at 17 Mile Hunt Camp. "It was a little wet because of rain a day earlier." Most forest sites are secluded with adequate space between campers. Cell service is limited to nonexistent at most locations, offering a true disconnect from urban life.

Best Dispersed Campgrounds in Florida (40)

    1. West Tower Hunt Camp

    11 Reviews
    Osceola National Forest, FL
    Website
    +1 (386) 752-2577

    "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."

    2. Cobb Hunt Camp

    9 Reviews
    Olustee, FL
    Website
    +1 (386) 752-2577

    "Trash and porta potty’s provided by National Forest."

    "Definitely dispersed. Definitely got a little chilly tent camping."

    3. Shell Key Preserve

    8 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    Website
    +1 (727) 453-6900

    "specifically cleared sites) so you do need to be mindful that there are lots of plants, shrubs, sticks and stones which can make being in a tent pretty rough if you don't have a good pad and a tarp to protect"

    "Arriving at Shell Key feels like stepping off the grid, and that sense of removal is exactly what makes it so special."

    4. 17 Mile Hunt Camp

    8 Reviews
    Osceola National Forest, FL
    Website
    +1 (386) 752-2577

    "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."

    5. Davenport Landing

    9 Reviews
    Welaka, FL
    Website
    +1 (352) 236-0288

    "Pprimitive, no reservations, gets some traffic visiting historic site."

    "Pulled in around 9:30 pm. Big open spot. Last 100 yards driving back in were very bumpy but no problem with our van. Not sure about a larger RV. But great Tent/van spot."

    6. Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Holiday, FL
    Website
    +1 (727) 638-4447

    "Anclote Key is an awesome spot for primitive camping — but you can only get there by water access!"

    "There four islands that combined make up the state park- There is a nice primitive camping area on the island not far from the lighthouse."

    7. Buckhorn Hunt Camp

    5 Reviews
    Midway, FL

    "I travel in a toyota sedan so I was a bit worried about taking the dirt road. From the blacktop, it’s about 2 miles of bumpy dirt road."

    "Open area with Pine trees around. Lots of camping trailers here. Heavily used by hunters. When I pulled in, I saw a deer being processed at the edge of the camping area. 2-3 bars ATT 5g."

    8. Porter Lake Dispersed Camp

    5 Reviews
    Apalachicola National Forest, FL

    "Dispersed camping in the Apalatchicola National Forest. Great place if you want to conoe, kayak or fish. There are also trails to explore. Onlt drawback would be the road that is very close."

    "This campground is at least 30 miles either way on F13 (dirt road to campgr )and other RTS to any type of civilization."

    9. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    4 Reviews
    Zephyrhills, FL
    Website
    +1 (352) 796-7211

    "Just take your trash with you, leave no trace, and it was an enjoyable and free experience!"

    "Large open area with great shade trees, no water, privy. Easy pull through for RV. Tent spots. Fire rings. Harley-Davidson approved . Golden Coral buffet in town."

    10. Lake Dorr Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Altoona, FL

    "The east side of Lake Dorr is DISPERSED CAMPING. "

    "This dispersed camping area within Ocala National Forest DOES NOT provide water hookups, restrooms, and picnic tables along with standard amenities like trash service and campfire permissions. "

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Dispersed Camping Reviews in Florida

80 Reviews of 40 Florida Campgrounds

  • Eric K.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 1, 2026

    Lake Dorr Dispersed

    Lake Dorr Dispersed Camping

    Spent two nights here again. Sept. 27th and 28th. During the day time there were a lot of Love Bugs. My camping kitty loved chasing them. At night or at sun down I was bombarded with bugs. Even if I tried to attract them to a higher light and I was in the dark, didn't help. So this time of the year, sunset = go inside. 

    Also, the description above is wrong. 

    This dispersed camping area within Ocala National Forest DOES NOT provide water hookups, restrooms, and picnic tables along with standard amenities like trash service and campfire permissions. 

    The campground DOES NOT maintain water availability throughout the site and DOES NOT HAVE ANY clean restroom facilities.

    Other than that, I will be back.

  • Eric K.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 1, 2026

    Lake Dorr Dispersed

    Lake Dorr Dispersed camping

    Spent two nights here again. September 27th and 28th. This is a great dispersed camping area. You only need to know your limits with soft sand. During the day there were a lot of love bugs and the water was great. As soon as the sun sets, at this time of the year the bugs were terrible. Even if you tried to attract them up in the air with a Devos light you will be bombarded. Sunset = go inside. Other than the night time bugs, it's a great place. I will be back.

  • Jay L.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 26, 2026

    Buckhorn Hunt Camp

    Free and peaceful

    Camped here with my wife . The ground isn’t hard to get to and the space is open . When we arrived it took only 30min to an hour before a local ranger doing his patrols to greet us and give us a rundown, afterwards we were left alone. Lots of ants but they’re not a huge nuisance

  • Eric K.The Dyrt Pro User
    Jul. 10, 2026

    Lake Dorr Dispersed

    East side DISPERSED CAMPING

    Reading the reviews, people are confused. The east side of Lake Dorr is DISPERSED CAMPING. This dispersed camping area within Ocala National Forest does NOT provide water hookups, restrooms, or picnic tables and does NOT have standard amenities like trash service and campfire permissions.There are two Lake Dorr camping areas. The west side of Lake Dorr is called Lake Dorr Campground. The east side of Lake Dorr is Ocala National Forest Lake Dorr DISPERSED CAMPING. There are NO amenities here. There is soft sand ares due to the ATV use. Spent 4 nights here with no problems.

  • R
    Jun. 30, 2026

    West Tower Hunt Camp

    Nice spot for dispersed camping

    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. 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.

  • s
    Jun. 9, 2026

    Blackwater River Boat Ramp Camp

    Great spot for tent camping or car camping. Right next to the state park

    Went there June 2026 pulled up to a little spot parked the car and set up near the boat ramp. The state park is right there you can visit and get water use the bathroom if you neeed for like 4 bucks entrance or 20 (36 with fees for the night ) couple other tent campers were there. The blackwater river is right there with a couple of different trails to take you down. Bugs were not that bad. Water was nice a cold but not too cold. There a bunch of forest roads all over the place you can camp along as well with more access to different river beaches. Honestly was an awesome time. No power or facilities literally just the woods so bring everything you need!!

  • JThe Dyrt Pro User
    Jun. 7, 2026

    17 Mile Hunt Camp

    Beautiful

    Great 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.

  • JThe Dyrt Pro User
    May. 13, 2026

    West Tower Hunt Camp

    True North Florida

    Feels 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 :)

  • Eric K.The Dyrt Pro User
    Apr. 22, 2026

    Porter Lake Dispersed Camp

    Great dispersed location

    Dispersed camping in the Apalatchicola National Forest. Great place if you want to conoe, kayak or fish. There are also trails to explore. Onlt drawback would be the road that is very close. During the day you will hear the traffic. Night time is quiet. If I'm in the area I will definitley stay here again.

Guide to Florida

Florida offers a wealth of opportunities for those seeking the freedom and adventure of dispersed camping, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping in Florida

Unique Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Visit the picturesque Cobb Hunt Camp, known for its quiet surroundings and the chance to spot local wildlife.
  • Enjoy the rustic charm of 17 Mile Hunt Camp, where you can unwind by the pond and soak in the natural beauty.
  • Experience the remote feel of Mystic Springs, a well-reviewed spot that offers a serene environment for relaxation and exploration.

Features Dispersed Campers Should Check Out

  • Take advantage of the free camping experience at Davenport Landing, where you can enjoy water access and a laid-back atmosphere.
  • Revel in the primitive camping experience at Buckhorn Hunt Camp, which provides a quiet escape with basic amenities like picnic tables.
  • Embrace the adventure of Crooked Creek Chickee, where you can fish and enjoy the unique experience of staying on a platform in the Everglades.

Keep Exploring

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