Top Free Dispersed Camping near Bay Pines, FL

Looking for the best Bay Pines dispersed camping? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Bay Pines just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bay Pines, FL (3)

    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Key Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Key Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Key Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Key Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Key Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Key Preserve

    1. Shell Key Preserve

    7 Reviews
    47 Photos
    182 Saves

    Overnight Camping the South Public Use Area Only Primitive camping is allowed only on the South Public Use area of Shell Key. Camping Permits Camping Permits are required for any overnight activity on Shell Key. Permits can be obtained for free from the county. Leave No Trace We are required to remove absolutely all trace of our camp – including food, refuse and anything that came with us on our boat. Campfires You must remove all trace of your campfire before you leave. This means removing (not burying) all the charred wood from the fire. Remember that you are not at a permanent campsite. You are in a nature preserve and are required to leave no trace at all. Portable Toilets Required The county requires all campers to bring a portable toilet for overnight activities. A simple DIY toilet can be made with a 5 gallon bucket, a trash bag and some sand. Place the trash bag in the bucket as a liner, put in a scoop of sand and use the toilet. When done, put another scoop of sand on top. Some people even bring some scented cat litter to use instead of sand. No Pets or Alcohol It doesn’t seem fair to leave the member of the family that would perhaps get the most joy out of island wilderness camping. However, pets are completely banned from the entire preserve including all of the aquatic boundaries. Read more about the pet ban. Alcohol is also forbidden within the preserve boundaries.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Anclote Key Preserve State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anclote Key Preserve State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anclote Key Preserve State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anclote Key Preserve State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anclote Key Preserve State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anclote Key Preserve State Park

    2. Anclote Key Preserve State Park

    6 Reviews
    55 Photos
    200 Saves

    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. There are no provisions offered on the island, so be prepared to bring your own water and supplies.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    3. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    1 Review
    11 Photos
    30 Saves

    Primitive and backcountry camping available. No amenities available.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    • WiFi

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Bay Pines

7 Reviews of 3 Bay Pines Campgrounds


  • mandy P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Anclote Key Preserve State Park
    Dec. 1, 2021

    Anclote Key Preserve State Park

    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

  • Kaitlin B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Anclote Key Preserve State Park
    May. 25, 2021

    Anclote Key Preserve State Park

    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.

  • Dan X.
    Camper-submitted photo from Anclote Key Preserve State Park
    Jan. 5, 2021

    Anclote Key Preserve State Park

    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.

  • Alyssa D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Anclote Key Preserve State Park
    Jul. 19, 2020

    Anclote Key Preserve State Park

    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.
    Camper-submitted photo from Anclote Key Preserve State Park
    Aug. 30, 2019

    Anclote Key Preserve State Park

    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.



Guide to Bay Pines

Camping near Bay Pines, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore Nature: Visit Fort De Soto Campground for its stunning beaches and wildlife. One camper mentioned, "I love coming here when I am in St. Pete! They have a dog beach too! It’s wonderful to have a natural beach without all the noise and crowds."
  • Kayaking and Fishing: At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, you can rent kayaks and enjoy fishing. A visitor shared, "You can rent kayaks or canoes to take a trip down a wonderfully peaceful river."
  • Wildlife Watching: Myakka River State Park is great for spotting alligators and various birds. One camper noted, "It’s quiet, and there’s plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review from Oscar Scherer State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms were clean and plenty of them throughout the campground."
  • Privacy Between Sites: Many campers enjoy the spaciousness and privacy of sites. One visitor at Colt Creek State Park Campground said, "We stayed in site 26, which was tucked back and fairly private."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A review from Hillsborough River State Park Campground highlighted, "The rangers were amazing and patrolled the campground on a regular basis."

What you should know

  • Bugs Can Be a Problem: Some campers have reported issues with bugs, especially at Fort De Soto Campground. One camper lamented, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
  • Limited Amenities at Some Parks: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Lake Manatee State Park Campground mentioned, "The only downside and a potentially big one for some people, is the commercial drag strip not far from the park."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Blue Spring State Park Campground advised, "A reservation will guarantee you access to the spring, which sometimes gets full."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers plenty of activities, and one reviewer said, "There are so many sites and yes there are people around but there’s serious vegetation between all the sites that you have plenty of privacy."
  • Plan for Outdoor Fun: Bring bikes or kayaks for family adventures. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground noted, "There are lots of trails for walking, hiking, and biking."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground mentioned, "The location of this campground is right in the middle of at least 4 different beaches."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review from Colt Creek State Park Campground said, "Spacious and open sites that are very big rig friendly."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground noted, "Most campsites have electric and good water hookups."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A visitor at Manatee Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "You’ll get 1 bar to tease you and think you can do something."

Camping around Bay Pines, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the bugs and plan ahead for a great experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bay Pines, FL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bay Pines, FL is Shell Key Preserve with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bay Pines, FL?

    TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Bay Pines, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.