Best Free Camping in Ocala National Forest, FL
39 free & low-cost dispersed spots within 30 miles
Ocala National Forest is the only place in Florida with substantial free dispersed camping — over 100 designated hunt camps and dispersed sites, all free with a 14-day limit. It's a winter lifeline for RVers escaping northern snow.
Best time to visit
November – April
Insider tips
- Hunt camps become crowded during Florida hunting seasons (October – January).
- Bring bug spray — mosquitoes are relentless outside winter.
- Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs (paid) are worth a day trip for cold, clear swimming.
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Top 15 free camping spots near Ocala National Forest
- 1Walmart SupercenterWalmart· Ocala, FL· 20.2 mi from Ocala National Forest
Walmart Supercenter — Walmart
- 2Walmart SupercenterWalmart· Ocala, FL· 21.2 mi from Ocala National Forest
Walmart Supercenter — Walmart
- 3Lowe'sLowe's· Ocala, FL· 21.8 mi from Ocala National Forest
- 4Walmart Neighborhood MarketWalmart· Ocala, FL· 23.1 mi from Ocala National Forest
Walmart Neighborhood Market — Walmart
- 5Walmart SupercenterWalmart· Summerfield, FL· 23.8 mi from Ocala National Forest
Walmart Supercenter — Walmart
- 6Lowe'sLowe's· Lady Lake, FL· 23.8 mi from Ocala National Forest
- 7Cracker BarrelCracker Barrel· Lady Lake, FL· 23.9 mi from Ocala National Forest
Cracker Barrel — Cracker Barrel
- 8Sam's ClubSam's Club· Lady Lake, FL· 24.1 mi from Ocala National Forest
- 9The Home DepotHome Depot· Lady Lake, FL· 24.2 mi from Ocala National Forest
- 10Central Florida Bible CampRest Area· Eustis, FL· 25.6 mi from Ocala National Forest
Central Florida Bible Camp — Rest Area
- 11Walmart SupercenterWalmart· Deland, FL· 27.2 mi from Ocala National Forest
Walmart Supercenter — Walmart
- 12Planet FitnessPlanet Fitness (24hr)· DeLand, FL· 27.3 mi from Ocala National Forest
- 13Planet FitnessPlanet Fitness (24hr)· Eustis, FL· 27.7 mi from Ocala National Forest
- 14Walmart SupercenterWalmart· Ocala, FL· 27.8 mi from Ocala National Forest
Walmart Supercenter — Walmart
- 15Lowe'sLowe's· Mount Dora, FL· 27.9 mi from Ocala National Forest
Showing top 15 of 39 spots. See all free camping in Florida →
Ocala National Forest boondocking — FAQ
Where can you camp for free in Florida?
Ocala National Forest and Apalachicola National Forest are the two large free dispersed areas in Florida. Ocala has the most sites.