Best Dispersed Camping near Belleair Bluffs, FL
Camping around Belleair Bluffs, Florida centers primarily on boat-accessible island preserves along the Gulf Coast. Shell Key Preserve and Anclote Key Preserve State Park offer primitive camping experiences on uninhabited barrier islands, with both requiring water transportation to reach their shores. These preserves feature undeveloped beaches where campers can set up tents among natural vegetation or on sandy areas. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area, located farther inland, provides a contrasting experience with drive-in and walk-in access for tent and RV camping. The region's camping options emphasize primitive, low-impact experiences with minimal facilities and strong leave-no-trace ethics.
Boat-in camping sites require significant preparation as most lack basic amenities. "You must carry in/out everything as there are no bathroom facilities available," notes one Shell Key camper, highlighting the self-sufficient nature of these experiences. Permits are necessary for both Shell Key (free from Pinellas County) and Anclote Key, with reservations required in advance. Weather conditions heavily influence accessibility, with tides and currents sometimes making kayak access challenging. Summer brings intense mosquito activity, particularly at Anclote Key, while sea turtle nesting season (summer months) restricts campfire permissions at Shell Key. Most island sites have no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities, requiring complete pack-in, pack-out practices.
Wildlife viewing represents a significant draw for campers in these coastal preserves. "We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds and other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat," reports one Shell Key visitor. Anclote Key features over 40 bird species across its 11,000 acres and four islands, making it particularly appealing to birdwatchers. Campers note that while day visitors create some activity and noise during daylight hours, evenings transform these islands into serene, remote experiences. "During the day there were quite a few boats on the island but by about 4pm we basically had the island to ourselves," explains one Anclote Key camper. The combination of Gulf and Intracoastal Waterway access provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling directly from camp.
