Shell Mound Campground offers affordable primitive camping options just outside Cedar Key, Florida. Located on the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge shoreline, campsites sit approximately 28 feet above sea level on a prehistoric shell midden. Fishing opportunities draw many visitors to this rustic location where sites cost between $10-25 depending on hookup options.
What to do
Wildlife photography at dawn and dusk: Head to Shell Mound Campground's boardwalk and pier for prime viewing. "Short hiking trails just to the south through the salt marshes and amazing archaeological mounds and history in walking distance. This is the best of Florida. At night, grab dinner and drinks in cedar key and come back to your camp site next your fire. Sleep good listening to crickets, owls, and other critters," notes one Shell Mound Campground visitor.
Canoe or kayak natural springs: Explore the clear waters at Ichetucknee Springs Campground. "Ichetucknee Springs is not accessible directly from the campgrounds but both the North & south entrances are only a short drive away," shares a camper who found the nearby springs ideal for paddling.
Manatee viewing excursions: Book winter wildlife tours from Nature's Resort marina. "A local tour guide picked us up right at the marina to go swim with the manatees (Manatee Tours and More with Captain Anna... excellent)," reports a reviewer who enjoyed the convenient access to guided experiences.
What campers like
Large, private tent sites: Ichetucknee Springs Campground offers spacious accommodations for tent glamping. "We couldn't see the site well since it was dark, but it was clearly huge. We had no issue setting up our 12 man and 4 man tents with plenty of space to spare. When we woke up in the morning, we realized that we could have easily slept 50 people or more at our site," explains one visitor impressed by the generous camping areas.
Clean bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms. "Bathrooms are clean. Always friendly campers," notes a Shell Mound visitor who appreciated the sanitary conditions despite the rustic setting.
On-site recreation options: Glamping in Cedar Key offers entertainment beyond just nature. "The rec hall with OLD arcade games (this is a good thing), pool, foosball and air hockey. They have a jukebox with some country and rock choices to get your bones moving," writes an Ichetucknee Springs camper who enjoyed the indoor entertainment options.
What you should know
Bug preparation is essential: Florida camping requires insect defense strategies. "BUGS! The place is full of bugs and mosquitoes especially in the afternoon, night and dawn, so don't forget to bring your repellent, make a fire to scare away insects, bring firewood, citronella candles or mosquitos coil, fan etc..." warns a Manatee Springs State Park Campground visitor.
Limited shopping access: Cedar Key is relatively remote. "Located in the middle of nowhere- Dollar General is four miles away and Walmart is 11 miles (doesn't seem far but on all back roads, it takes a while). Closest highway (75) is 45 miles away & I-90 is an hour," explains an Otter Springs camper who found supplies required planning ahead.
Cell service varies widely: Connectivity is inconsistent throughout the area. "Zero WiFi or Zero cell service (1 tiny bar but not enough to do a basic internet search)," notes one camper at Otter Springs, while others report adequate coverage at different locations.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming hole access: Mutual Mine Campground offers natural water recreation. "It has a beautiful couple of lakes, crystal clear water. I regretted not bring a pole to fish! I definitely need to get back over there for another night or two," shares a camper who enjoyed the swimming options during hot weather.
Farm animals for kids: Ichetucknee Springs Campground features unique animal interactions. "There are so many adorable animals roaming around, my favorite was Daisy the pig (who acts more like a dog)," writes a visitor who appreciated the kid-friendly animal encounters at this glamping destination near Cedar Key.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer play equipment. "It was a Family weekend for the books! Would absolutely recommend this campground, the watering hole helped us stay cool and the camp host was very informative and friendly," explains a Mutual Mine visitor who found the combination of amenities perfect for children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for big rigs: Choose Crystal Isles RV Resort for larger vehicles. "Some RV sites are a challenge to get into, some are larger. They prioritize based on the size of your rig mostly," explains a visitor who found the staff accommodating to various RV sizes at this upscale glamping facility.
Levelness considerations: Check site conditions before setup. "Sites were paved and pretty level," shares a Cedar Key RV Resort visitor who appreciated the stable parking surfaces that minimized setup time.
Utility placement varies: Pay attention to hookup locations. "The electric box and water is in the very front of the site," notes an Ichetucknee Springs camper who found some challenges with utility access that required longer cords and hoses.
