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Dispersed Camping

Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

6 Reviews

Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground, near Dunedin, Florida, is a prime spot for those who crave a true escape into nature. This place is all about primitive camping, so you’ll need to bring everything you need and pack it out when you leave—no amenities here, just you and the great outdoors.

Visitors rave about the stunning sunrises and sunsets, with one camper noting, “It’s worth every minute to see the sun rise and set in the same day.” The crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches make it a perfect backdrop for swimming, kayaking, or just lounging around. You’ll find picnic tables for your meals, but remember, this is a no-frills experience—no drinking water or electric hookups.

Getting to the campground is an adventure in itself, as it’s only accessible by boat. Some campers recommend kayaking from nearby parks, while others prefer a motorboat for a quicker trip. Once you’re there, you might just have the island to yourself after day visitors head home, allowing for a peaceful night under the stars.

Wildlife lovers will appreciate the diverse bird species that call this area home, making it a fantastic spot for birdwatching. Just be sure to bring bug spray, especially in the summer, as the mosquitoes can be relentless. If you’re looking for a unique camping experience that feels like your own private island, Anclote Key is definitely worth checking out.

Description

FL Dept. of Environmental Protection, Div. of Recreation and Parks

Anclote Key Preserve State Park

Enjoy the blue-green Gulf of Mexico waters that lap gently along the sandy beaches of the four islands that make up Anclote Key Preserve State Park - Anclote Key, North Anclote Bar, South Anclote Bar and Three Rooker Island.

The 11,773-acre park is home to at least 43 species of birds, including the American oystercatcher, bald eagle and piping plover.

A picturesque 1887 lighthouse stands as a sentinel on the southern end of the island. Visitors can swim and sunbathe at the beach, fire up a grill and enjoy a picnic, or pitch a tent and enjoy a night of primitive camping under the stars.

Primitive camping is permitted on the very north end of Anclote Key. There is a compostable toilet for use in that area.

There is no water or any other amenities, so you will have to bring everything that you need.

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Location

Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground is located in Florida

Directions

Ferry services do not drop off visitors for overnight camping. You must have your own transportation to stay overnight. Dogs are allowed only on North Anclote Bar.

Coordinates

28.21285526 N
82.84482818 W

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Access

Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Poor
Verizon
Unknown
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Toilets
Fires

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

43 min from Tampa
1 hr from Homosassa Springs
1 hr 12 min from Lakeland

Melanis&Rafael _.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 28, 2022

Amazing experience!!

One of our fav place to go camping

Month of VisitApril

mandy P.

Traveler

Reviewed Dec. 1, 2021

Serene and Natural

Short boat ride out to what felt like a secluded island, back when florida was all natural. We had the whole place to ourselves. Camping is definitely pack in pack out. It's worth every minute to see the sun rise and set in the same day, and the stars at night were endless

Siteon the beach

Month of VisitNovember

(11) View All

Kaitlin B.

Guide

Reviewed May. 25, 2021

Primitive camping on a "private" island

We kayaked out from Anclote river park and stayed two nights on the island. There are no amenities so we packed everything we would need in the kayak. During the day there were quite a few boats on the island but by about 4pm we basically had the island to ourselves. Beautiful sunset and sunrises with crystal clear water.

Month of VisitMay

(8) View All

Dan X.

Ranger

Reviewed Jan. 5, 2021

An island to yourself!

As others have noted, boat access only, primitive put-your-tent-wherever type camping. BYO everything, and please bring it all back.

No skeeters in October.

Month of VisitOctober

Alyssa D.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 19, 2020

Only accessible by water!

Anclote Key is an awesome spot for primitive camping — but you can only get there by water access! Depending on the weather and the tides/current, the may shut down camping, or you may want to go by boat (not paddle/kayak). Make sure to have everything you need, too, especially bug spray — the mosquitos (among other bugs) are insane during the summer.

Must make reservation online for camping permit.

Jeanene A.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 30, 2019

Best Primitive Island Camping for Bird Lovers

Anclote Key Review There is only 1 way to get to Anclote Key and that is by boat. Whether you take the few hours and kayak the 3 miles over from Tarpon or motor in from one of the many docks in the area that is the only way you can get here.

“Ferry services do not drop visitors off for overnight camping. You must have your own transportation to stay overnight. Dogs are allowed only on North Anclote Bar.”

This seldom used camping area is wonderful after the sun sets and day visitors leave the island.

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. Once you arrive take time to explore each area- Anclote Key, North Anclote Bar, South Anclote Bar and Three Rooker Island. There are over 11,000 acres full of migrating and native shorebirds and other creatures that have made their way to the island. Last count of bird species I believe was over 40! The 1887 lighthouse stands as a historical reminder on the southern end of the island. Occasionally tours can be made available by contacting the onsite ranger.

Spend your day swimming and sunbathing at the beach or kayaking around the island. If you arrived by motor boat try a bit of flats fishing but stay in designated areas and remember most area around the island in NO WAKE. Fire up the grill but make sure you leave no charcoal or burned wood pieces on the beach! EVERYTHING- and they mean everything you bring on the island must be taken off with you! There are no bathroom facilities and all human waste must be buried well and paper take in trash..

Enjoy a night of primitive camping under the stars without a sound except insects and lapping waves on the beach. There are no provisions offered on the island, so be prepared to bring your own water and supplies. Make sure all food is secured (we anchored our boat with provisions on board a bit off shore and swam in to no risk raccoons getting into gear as it was a calm night with clear weather). Usually it is quite windy so plan ahead.

A Florida Saltwater Fishing license is required to fish.

Reservations MUST be made in advance and the island does close during bad weather not allowing visitors to stay overnight.

SitePrimitive

Month of VisitJanuary

(34) View All

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.