Top Free Dispersed Camping near Bradenton Beach, FL

Want to go dispersed camping near Bradenton Beach? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Florida excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bradenton Beach, FL (1)

    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
    180 Saves
    Tierra Verde, Florida

    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

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Bradenton Beach

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Guide to Bradenton Beach

Camping near Bradenton Beach, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to enjoy some family fun, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore the Beaches: Enjoy the sandy shores and beautiful sunsets at nearby beaches. Campers love the access to the Gulf Coast's stunning beaches, making it easy to spend the day soaking up the sun.
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campgrounds, like Myakka River State Park, offer opportunities to see alligators, deer, and a variety of birds. One visitor mentioned, "It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."
  • Kayaking and Fishing: Rent a kayak or fish in the local rivers. One camper noted, "The park even had smiling gators," highlighting the fun of being close to nature.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Hillsborough River State Park said, "Restrooms and showers across from site and very clean."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park mentioned, "The staff were very helpful."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. One reviewer at Lake Manatee State Park said, "The sites are large, private, and nicely surrounded by woods."

What you should know

  • Bugs Can Be a Problem: Some campers have reported issues with bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Fort De Soto Campground said, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have markets or stores nearby. A visitor at Cayo Costa State Park noted, "There are literally thousands of them," referring to the lack of nearby services.
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or activities. A camper at Peace River Campground mentioned, "You also get quite a lot of noise from the divided highway."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA has a heated outdoor pool and bike rentals, making it a hit with families.
  • Plan for Outdoor Fun: Bring bikes or kayaks for family adventures. One family enjoyed, "The campground area is huge with a separate area for those campers with dogs and kid-friendly."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save trips to the store. A camper at Oscar Scherer State Park appreciated the "clean bathrooms and plenty of them throughout the campground."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Hillsborough River State Park mentioned, "The roads in the campground are a little narrow."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A camper at Lake Manatee State Park noted, "The sites are large, private, and nicely surrounded by woods."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Florida can be hot and humid, so bring fans or air conditioning units if possible. A camper at Gulf Beach Campground loved that "the bathroom/showers has an AC!!"

Camping around Bradenton Beach, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be prepared for the local wildlife and weather, and you'll have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bradenton Beach, FL?

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