I have tried these Florida free camping like many others in the US. The vast majority have one priceless hidden jewel which is peace and quiet for the self contained, get away from it all crowd.
We just got to Florida a couple days before the new year and have found it quite difficult to find places to boondock in our self-converted Sprinter van. This video is super helpful and we can't wait to check out these places over the next month, thank you!!!
Hey you got Apalachicola correct... I'm from Florida but I moved to northern Vermont, for 3 years living off the grid, in my 5th wheel and could not pronounce Lake Memphremagog, for the life of me... I seriously could not take the unbelievable hard work that goes into living off the grid ...so I'm back in Florida....And I'm about to become an empty nester, 😣 in 3 weeks .. But I have been converting a Van for myself because I need to be on the road.....so I'm moving into my Van solo. I really appreciate your tips ....Because they're going to help my life's journey cruise a little easier.
Just found you UA-cam channel. It’s great. Will be staying at a commercial CG next week in Navarre, FL so I will checkout Bayside Campground. It looks very nice from the photos. Learning about free camping in FL will energize me to get serious about making my 25-foot RV ready to boondocks. I thought the only free camping was out West in BLM land. Thanks.
A huge park in the middle of the state is Ocala National Park and has many different camp areas from total primitive miles down sand roads to more modern, some with camp hosts and mostly free. Some may not accommodate large RV's. I used to motorcycle camp there in the winter as I live only hours away, but as in many free camp spots you must be careful of desperate people on the run or hiding out, I always carried a firearm even though I do not like them. Although not necessarily bad people, desperate people may do bad things to survive. I always tried to be around a group or near a host when I was solo, most places had no cell service as of 5 years ago, that may have changed by now.
Thank you so much for sharing this UA-cam Video. It was very inspirational and God just spoke through you and gave some answers to my prayers that I've been praying about for over a year. Thank you so much I appreciate this educational UA-cam Video you shared.❤❤❤🇺🇸
We're so glad you liked it! If you haven't already, be sure to check out all the places you can camp for free in Florida here: www.campendium.com/florida/free-camping
So thankful for your website and channel. Thank you thank you. and thank to everyone who puts up well thought out reviews with rig size availability and roads in and out etc. So helpful for me with a 34 ft 5th wheel.
Contestant #1 says you did fine with Apalachicola, and your stutter steps were cute, but you got it right. When in Florida, Osceola is pronounced with a short "O," not a long one. So the first syllable almost sounds like "Aus." You're charming to ask in advance what you got wrong, but Floridians aren't very chauvanistic about pronunciation. If you ask several "locals" you might get several answers to their place names, so try to find a native Floridian or a long timer to ask. When in Kissimmee, Fl, you could ask at a local drive-thru, "Please pronounce slowly and clearly where I am." The server will say "Bur. . .ger. . .King. . ." I watch your videos often, and like Campendium for the most complete information. Thanks for putting the links in so we can copy them into our travel itinerary. But you always leave me wanting more. . .if you can afford to make these videos longer with more detail and more videosof each site, I'd love it. But it is very good as it is. Your Campendium site always has good photos.
Hi thx for this video good to know about free camping, it's going to come in handy since thx to the pandemic I've been out of work since March 5, 2020 with no signs of my restuarant reopening. My roommate's lease was up and they decided to move back home with mom & dad, so with me still without a job I couldn't even rent a room, I was looking at living in my car. I got the idea of buying a very old cheap, but running RV with the little bit of money I had saved up. What I didn't do was research how much it would be to stay in campgrounds or that campgrounds would discrimminate against older RVs even if they look good. Anyway I am trying to get a Camp Host position to help me out, but money is very tight on unemployment and not having insurance and I have medications i've been taking since i was 11 years old that i have to take for the rest of my life, missing one day i can have a heart attack. Sorry I really went off track. I really wanted to clear something up that might be confusing some people that may not be familiar with Florida. The DePuis Campground that's just east of Lake Okeechobee is in Martin County which is in South Florida not Central Florida. Sorry I just didn't want people thinking Oh Central Florida we'll be close to Disney & Universal, when actually they'd be more at least 3 hours away.
I have noticed many RV sites say no camper/motorhome over 20 years old. Ours is a 1997 with rebuilt engine, trans and new roof, interior and exterior nearly mint(original fabrics, etc). I feel like these places are snobs, like don't pull up if you didn't spend big money. I understand some don't do upkeep on their equipment but not everyone is like that. I have some vintage camping equipment and tent is over 20 years old, in fine condition. Competition for camping spots is rough due to the Covid-19. I do hope things have improved for you, everyone's going through some tough times.
From NW Florida between Tallahassee and Panama city, A word of advice.. Do not come here during Feb, Dec, Jan in the northern part of Florida if you want to get away from the winter cold, we get cold weather here, wet cold sometimes down in the 20's even snow about 5 years ago,, but if you are coming down to get away from the cold go somewhere South of interstate 4,, I live in Tampa now and we do have cold snaps down here about to start another 1 we will have 3 or 4 days of cold then it will warm up for 3 or 4 days..
South east of Lake Wales is Walk-in-the-Water WMA. It is extremely secluded and quiet. Price under $10. No water/electric, but does have nice porta-potty (one single and one large handicap), and a pavilion. Another nice place is Brownville Park and Boat Ramp. I don't remember the fee, but it is not expensive.
Most of the Wildlife Management Areas are free to camp in year round. Of course, they're more crowded in the height of season, but if you go on weekdays/nights in season, or any night out of season (provided the land doesn't shift ownership out of season; some of them do that), you're bound to get some great camping at a site that gives you good privacy, good space from the others, and plentiful resources around you. I made so many great memories out there: I saw some awesome things in the woods at night, I met some awesome people, ate some awesome food with them, food that they had fresh killed that day and cooked, heard some awesome stories about so many things. Wherever you get the opportunity to camp for free, anywhere, do it. You're going to meet some great people, and make some experiences you'll always carry with you. Don't pass up those opportunities 💯
Glad to hear you have found magic in Florida's WMAs 🪄 Here is a guide with lots more info on camping in Florida WMAs: go.campendium.com/free-camping-floridas-water-management/ - Liz
DuPuis campground was a blast! I was the only person there and the camp host was a cool dude. He said I could run my penny all night since I was the only person there....give it was August and 95 deg day/80 deg at night......thankfully I could run my air con all night lol
unfortunate that East Point, Apalachicola and Mexico Beach will never be the same have 30 acres in Calhoun County in Pines and Pecan tress lot them all due to the storm
Great advice, and very helpful. We have found Florida to be expensive and hard to get into, so this helps a lot. Thank you for taking time to share this type of information.
We had planned 2 months (Jan/Feb) free camping in Florida this year. We had reservations at almost every location mentioned here. Our first stop was Dead River Landing. The day before our arrival I received an email from the reservation system notifying us that the campground was completely under water due to recent heavy rains and was closed to all visitors. We managed a wonderful time at Bayside CG. However, on our way down to both Hickory Hammock and Dupuis, we had an health emergency that forced us to cancel our reservations and we returned home. We should be at Dupuis even as I write this. Our winter trip was a disappointment but hopefully we can go another time. I will say that Bayside was a true delight even though we had a couple below freezing night time temps and highs in the low 40s a couple days (darn polar vortex) ! I'll be uploading videos from our trip soon :-)
Thank you for the video, and info. My husband and I, don't live far, so we now know some good places in Florida to go. Appreciate your channel, and your time. Thanks and have a great day. Ps- Any close to the ocean?
Thanks sooo much my husband and I were wondering if they had any campground that are free instead of Walmart parking lot? Have to search for Destin FL area? And see if they have any free sites?
HOw long can you stay? Can You stay at the next free campground immediately? Do you have to be out of the system for a certain amount of time? When can you come back? can you move to another site within the campground? Thank you
Hi Ken, stay rules are vary by location. Moving sites within a campground after reaching a stay limit is generally not allowed. You'll have to contact the department managing a particular location for more information.
Hi Tom, it depends on the location. There are links to each in the description above where you'll find reviews, photos, stay limits when available and links to official websites. I hope that helps! - Leigh
Yeah ,so when you come to our camps while we’re hunting and crowd us out expect a warm Florida welcome . Especially when you use it as squatting encampment.
Unfortunately, it appears that as of October 1st of this year they rules are changing for the WMA and only tent camping will be allowed in most of these campsites. :(
Campendium is such a great site. Don’t forget the great Host. 👍
I have tried these Florida free camping like many others in the US. The vast majority have one priceless hidden jewel which is peace and quiet for the self contained, get away from it all crowd.
Are they still available?
As a Floridian.. and a RV noobie.. great info. Thank you.
We just got to Florida a couple days before the new year and have found it quite difficult to find places to boondock in our self-converted Sprinter van. This video is super helpful and we can't wait to check out these places over the next month, thank you!!!
🌹💗💗💗🌹 Floridian here and never knew of some of these locations...thank you so very much💗
Yay!! You can see all of our Florida free camping locations here: www.campendium.com/florida/free-camping
Hey you got Apalachicola correct... I'm from Florida but I moved to northern Vermont, for 3 years living off the grid, in my 5th wheel and could not pronounce Lake Memphremagog, for the life of me... I seriously could not take the unbelievable hard work that goes into living off the grid ...so I'm back in Florida....And I'm about to become an empty nester, 😣 in 3 weeks .. But I have been converting a Van for myself because I need to be on the road.....so I'm moving into my Van solo. I really appreciate your tips ....Because they're going to help my life's journey cruise a little easier.
I live in Florida n still dont know manny places.
Looks beautiful n peaceful n clean
Thank you for your inf.by the way hammock campground is awesome .
Thank you for all the information that you put out.
Awesome you uploaded good information for 2019 and Beyond thanks
Glad it's helpful! You're welcome.
Just found you UA-cam channel. It’s great. Will be staying at a commercial CG next week in Navarre, FL so I will checkout Bayside Campground. It looks very nice from the photos. Learning about free camping in FL will energize me to get serious about making my 25-foot RV ready to boondocks. I thought the only free camping was out West in BLM land. Thanks.
Are you familiar with Destin, Florida? If not, check it out it has beautiful beaches and much to do.
A huge park in the middle of the state is Ocala National Park and has many different camp areas from total primitive miles down sand roads to more modern, some with camp hosts and mostly free. Some may not accommodate large RV's. I used to motorcycle camp there in the winter as I live only hours away, but as in many free camp spots you must be careful of desperate people on the run or hiding out, I always carried a firearm even though I do not like them. Although not necessarily bad people, desperate people may do bad things to survive. I always tried to be around a group or near a host when I was solo, most places had no cell service as of 5 years ago, that may have changed by now.
For more free camping in Florida (and across the nation) be sure to utilize the Campendium website to search, and review! www.campendium.com - Liz
Love it!! Im stuck working on the ambulance in the cold 😑 really could use some sunshine in florida!!
Real nice, Clark... as always, great job Jared. Keep em coming sir. Safe travels. bg
Thank you so much for sharing this UA-cam Video. It was very inspirational and God just spoke through you and gave some answers to my prayers that I've been praying about for over a year. Thank you so much I appreciate this educational UA-cam Video you shared.❤❤❤🇺🇸
We're so glad you liked it! If you haven't already, be sure to check out all the places you can camp for free in Florida here: www.campendium.com/florida/free-camping
Great information! Thank you so much for sharing with us. Lynn and Danny
Happy travels! - Liz
Just a note: Pine trees don't drip with Spanish moss. That would be oak trees.
I'm looking out my back door at the moss hanging from our pine tree
I think he was referring to Bald Cypress
They do drip sap and is a pain to remove.
All of these are incredibly beautiful.
Thanks! Well done video. Great suggestions.
I went to Hickory Hammock on your recommendation and it is extremely nice!
Checking out DuPuis next!
Glad to hear it! - Liz
So thankful for your website and channel. Thank you thank you. and thank to everyone who puts up well thought out reviews with rig size availability and roads in and out etc. So helpful for me with a 34 ft 5th wheel.
Thanks for sharing!!!! See you all there!
Please put an updated video on this park
Contestant #1 says you did fine with Apalachicola, and your stutter steps were cute, but you got it right. When in Florida, Osceola is pronounced with a short "O," not a long one. So the first syllable almost sounds like "Aus." You're charming to ask in advance what you got wrong, but Floridians aren't very chauvanistic about pronunciation. If you ask several "locals" you might get several answers to their place names, so try to find a native Floridian or a long timer to ask. When in Kissimmee, Fl, you could ask at a local drive-thru, "Please pronounce slowly and clearly where I am." The server will say "Bur. . .ger. . .King. . ."
I watch your videos often, and like Campendium for the most complete information. Thanks for putting the links in so we can copy them into our travel itinerary. But you always leave me wanting more. . .if you can afford to make these videos longer with more detail and more videosof each site, I'd love it. But it is very good as it is. Your Campendium site always has good photos.
😂
Hi thx for this video good to know about free camping, it's going to come in handy since thx to the pandemic I've been out of work since March 5, 2020 with no signs of my restuarant reopening. My roommate's lease was up and they decided to move back home with mom & dad, so with me still without a job I couldn't even rent a room, I was looking at living in my car. I got the idea of buying a very old cheap, but running RV with the little bit of money I had saved up. What I didn't do was research how much it would be to stay in campgrounds or that campgrounds would discrimminate against older RVs even if they look good. Anyway I am trying to get a Camp Host position to help me out, but money is very tight on unemployment and not having insurance and I have medications i've been taking since i was 11 years old that i have to take for the rest of my life, missing one day i can have a heart attack. Sorry I really went off track.
I really wanted to clear something up that might be confusing some people that may not be familiar with Florida. The DePuis Campground that's just east of Lake Okeechobee is in Martin County which is in South Florida not Central Florida. Sorry I just didn't want people thinking Oh Central Florida we'll be close to Disney & Universal, when actually they'd be more at least 3 hours away.
Glad you found the video helpful. You can search for more free or low cost campsites over at www.campendium.com. Stay well - Liz
I have noticed many RV sites say no camper/motorhome over 20 years old. Ours is a 1997 with rebuilt engine, trans and new roof, interior and exterior nearly mint(original fabrics, etc).
I feel like these places are snobs, like don't pull up if you didn't spend big money. I understand some don't do upkeep on their equipment but not everyone is like that. I have some vintage camping equipment and tent is over 20 years old, in fine condition.
Competition for camping spots is rough due to the Covid-19.
I do hope things have improved for you, everyone's going through some tough times.
Thanks for the video! It would be helpful if you could include the max stay and also size of rig you can get into these locations? Thank you.
Great info. Well presented!
Compendium is the most trusted name in RV campground reviews :)! Thanks for the info.
Agree!
From NW Florida between Tallahassee and Panama city, A word of advice.. Do not come here during Feb, Dec, Jan in the northern part of Florida if you want to get away from the winter cold, we get cold weather here, wet cold sometimes down in the 20's even snow about 5 years ago,, but if you are coming down to get away from the cold go somewhere South of interstate 4,, I live in Tampa now and we do have cold snaps down here about to start another 1 we will have 3 or 4 days of cold then it will warm up for 3 or 4 days..
Great content, love your channel!
When will the app be available on android Google play?
Great news! The Campendium Android app is now ready! Head to the Google Play store and search for Campendium to download the new app. Happy camping!
Great job! Love Florida camping! Awesome and well produced video. Thanks for posting!
I put this in my Boon docking folder , thank you.
Great video and information! Subbed!
Excellent information. I'm particularly interested in the panhandle sites. Fixing to start my VanLife within the next week.
It is not the same anymore, a lot of the state forest in the area are gone now because of Hurricane Micheal.. It destroyed a lot of woods
Thank You they are all beautiful settings
Campendium has become my go to app when it comes to finding free camping. Hope to someday visit Florida and stopping at these seem wonderful.
We plan on exploring Florida some day soon and your video was very informative! Thanks for another great video!
South east of Lake Wales is Walk-in-the-Water WMA. It is extremely secluded and quiet. Price under $10. No water/electric, but does have nice porta-potty (one single and one large handicap), and a pavilion. Another nice place is Brownville Park and Boat Ramp. I don't remember the fee, but it is not expensive.
Thank you for the information. I've been looking for free campgrounds in South Florida. I'm going to be van camping. Once again thank you.
did a great job with our crazy Florida names!
Great episode highlighting my home state.
Thanks 🙏
Most of the Wildlife Management Areas are free to camp in year round. Of course, they're more crowded in the height of season, but if you go on weekdays/nights in season, or any night out of season (provided the land doesn't shift ownership out of season; some of them do that), you're bound to get some great camping at a site that gives you good privacy, good space from the others, and plentiful resources around you. I made so many great memories out there: I saw some awesome things in the woods at night, I met some awesome people, ate some awesome food with them, food that they had fresh killed that day and cooked, heard some awesome stories about so many things.
Wherever you get the opportunity to camp for free, anywhere, do it. You're going to meet some great people, and make some experiences you'll always carry with you. Don't pass up those opportunities 💯
Glad to hear you have found magic in Florida's WMAs 🪄 Here is a guide with lots more info on camping in Florida WMAs: go.campendium.com/free-camping-floridas-water-management/ - Liz
Love it! We are headed to Indiantown right now! :)
Have a great stay! - Liz
@@Campendium it needs to be updated. We got there and it was locked haha
@@Thethriftpicker Did you make a camping reservation in advance?
DuPuis campground was a blast! I was the only person there and the camp host was a cool dude. He said I could run my penny all night since I was the only person there....give it was August and 95 deg day/80 deg at night......thankfully I could run my air con all night lol
Sounds like a great stay! Would love for you to leave a review of your stay over on Campendium! ✍️ www.campendium.com/dupuis-reserve-campground - Liz
Your pron. of Appalachicola was perfect!
unfortunate that East Point, Apalachicola and Mexico Beach will never be the same have 30 acres in Calhoun County in Pines and Pecan tress lot them all due to the storm
Awesome.
Thanks Jared
Florida natives here! Thank you for this! Can’t wait to check them out!
Great advice, and very helpful. We have found Florida to be expensive and hard to get into, so this helps a lot. Thank you for taking time to share this type of information.
Thank you
thank you! this is awesome information, i had no idea!
Apalachicola was fine. I've always heard Osceola pronounced Ah-see-oh-la. Thanks for these, they may be helpful on future trips. :)
can you use your generators in these parks?
We had planned 2 months (Jan/Feb) free camping in Florida this year. We had reservations at almost every location mentioned here. Our first stop was Dead River Landing. The day before our arrival I received an email from the reservation system notifying us that the campground was completely under water due to recent heavy rains and was closed to all visitors. We managed a wonderful time at Bayside CG. However, on our way down to both Hickory Hammock and Dupuis, we had an health emergency that forced us to cancel our reservations and we returned home. We should be at Dupuis even as I write this. Our winter trip was a disappointment but hopefully we can go another time. I will say that Bayside was a true delight even though we had a couple below freezing night time temps and highs in the low 40s a couple days (darn polar vortex) ! I'll be uploading videos from our trip soon :-)
That was one hell of a trip :/
Enjoy your videos. You offer a lot of good information. Thanks!
Thnak you for the information!
Great video! Thank you.
Wilderness landing.Oakloosa countyThe best place too camp in florida.. period... hot showers....14 day stay on the Blackwater River...
Would love for you to leave a review of your experience(s) there 😊: www.campendium.com/wilderness-landing-park - Liz
Thanks!
You're welcome :) - Liz
Finding this video is an answered prayer!
Great Videography. Thanks for sharing
You made a helpful video thanks
You made a nice video I like your RV keep up the good work for 2019 :-)
Very good video!
Glad you liked it!
0:53 I think you meant to say pine trees dripping with sap
I thought he would say that too..lol
What is a “pit toilet”. TY
Enjoy your channel! Thank you for all the informstion. Question, where does one dump and obtain water after staying at these sites?
Hi Wylie, we don't list water fills yet, but we do have dump stations: www.campendium.com/florida#filter_by_category_id%5B%5D=9
Well done sir, thank you.
Thanks for your update
Beautiful. Thank you so much
Thanks for the info!
These reviews are awesome
Thank you for the video, and info. My husband and I, don't live far, so we now know some good places in Florida to go.
Appreciate your channel, and your time. Thanks and have a great day. Ps- Any close to the ocean?
Free boondocking is next on our list of places to camp! Thanks for the great info!!
Thanks sooo much my husband and I were wondering if they had any campground that are free instead of Walmart parking lot? Have to search for Destin FL area? And see if they have any free sites?
No free sites in Destin or the area.
Ain't much below Tampa free .
Any Safe Affordable places with full hookups for long term RV’ing.
Sure - just go on campendium.com and filter by price and hookups. Good luck!
You saved my life. !!! Subscribing
Glad we could be of help! - Liz
And worry about gators? Idk much about fl. I live in MI but would love to camp in the winter
thanks.
Cool shirt. I love your shirt.
I live in Washington as far from Florida as I can get.
Yeah, gotta love that... Palm trees, warm sunshine sux doesn't it...
How far is the beach???
HOw long can you stay? Can You stay at the next free campground immediately? Do you have to be out of the system for a certain amount of time? When can you come back? can you move to another site within the campground? Thank you
Hi Ken, stay rules are vary by location. Moving sites within a campground after reaching a stay limit is generally not allowed. You'll have to contact the department managing a particular location for more information.
Correction: pine trees rarely if ever have moss. However, the live oak trees are riddled with it🤣
Wrong
I wanted to say that as well was seeing if anyone else did. Definitely live oaks or any kind of oak with Spanish moss not pine trees😂.
Thank you! I've gone camping several times and this "free" camping is completely new to me.
Did you say one out toilet?
Are these specifically for rv's?
Or can went tent camp?
You'll want to research further (check out the links in the description above) for tent camping regulations and restrictions at each location. - Liz
As a Floridian. I don't think Spanish moss grows on pine trees. Lol
You still need to look out for gators at all these places, right?
Always!!!
Good question!
I keep seeing the word "free" for many places in the reserves. Is there an initial fee for a permit needed before this is allowed?
Catherine Burnett Devins many locations will require a permit. This can be done through the website but it is free
We just created a free account and make a free reservation on the SWFWMD website.
Thank you for the video be safe
Thanks James! You too.
Nice!
Some really nice spots down there for sure! - Liz
Bayside campground is not showing up can you please tell me how to find it. Even google doesn’t show it.
AH-SEE-O-LAH
AP-AH-LACH-AH-COLA.(snicker)
I live in Florida.
AP-AH-LACH-EE-COLA (alternative Florida pronunciation)
Latch
Too bad there's no free camping at Kissimmee - lolol
Thanks for a great App and video. We just did a vid on the Campendium app. Found a amazing site in Texas recently right on the beach.
Just subscribed😊
Any info on free/legal tent camping areas
Check out www.campendium.com and search for wherever you want to camp and then filter by free.
How long are you allowed to stay?
Hi Tom, it depends on the location. There are links to each in the description above where you'll find reviews, photos, stay limits when available and links to official websites. I hope that helps! - Leigh
What about gators?
They live in Florida, yes. 🐊
Can you camp at these places if you have a mini van ?
Yes! You just need to get a permit first.
Yeah ,so when you come to our camps while we’re hunting and crowd us out expect a warm Florida welcome . Especially when you use it as squatting encampment.
Pretty much!
Unfortunately, it appears that as of October 1st of this year they rules are changing for the WMA and only tent camping will be allowed in most of these campsites. :(
Can you share a link to where these changes are published? Thank you! -Liz
How long can you camp before you have to move
It depends on the campsite 😊 You can view stay limits for each specific campsite at the links in the description above. - Liz