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Best Dispersed Camping near Clearwater Beach, FL

9 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Clearwater Beach, Florida concentrates primarily on boat-accessible islands with primitive facilities. Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground and Shell Key Preserve offer remote camping experiences that require water transportation. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area provides the only drive-in or walk-in dispersed camping option in the region, located approximately 60 miles northeast of Clearwater Beach. These primitive sites require campers to bring all necessary supplies and follow strict pack-in/pack-out protocols.

Access to island camping sites requires appropriate watercraft. Anclote Key is approximately 3 miles offshore and accessible only by boat, kayak, or other personal watercraft. Shell Key similarly requires paddling or boating about one mile from mainland launch points. Neither island offers drinking water, showers, or permanent restroom facilities. Upper Hillsborough features basic amenities including fire rings and pull-through sites suitable for RVs. A review noted, "Large open area with great shade trees, no water, privy. Easy pull through for RV." Camping permits are required for island locations, though they are typically free.

These coastal dispersed camping areas provide unique opportunities for isolation and natural experiences not commonly found in Florida. Island campsites offer remarkable sunset views, wildlife encounters, and temporary solitude once day visitors depart. According to visitor feedback, "Once you arrive take time to explore each area... Spend your day swimming and sunbathing at the beach or kayaking around the island." Weather conditions significantly impact camping viability, with strong winds and seasonal mosquitoes presenting challenges. Another camper mentioned, "We had the whole place to ourselves. Camping is definitely pack in pack out." Both island preserves enforce strict environmental regulations to protect sensitive ecosystems, with limitations on fires during turtle nesting season and requirements to remove all waste.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Clearwater Beach, Florida (4)

    1. Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Holiday, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 638-4447

    "Anclote Key is an awesome spot for primitive camping — but you can only get there by water access!"

    "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."

    2. Shell Key Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 453-6900

    "specifically cleared sites) so you do need to be mindful that there are lots of plants, shrubs, sticks and stones which can make being in a tent pretty rough if you don't have a good pad and a tarp to protect"

    "Shell Key is one of the larger uninhabited islands off of the west coast of Florida near St. Petersburg."

    3. St. Pete rest area (north)

    Be the first to review!
    Tierra Verde, FL
    24 miles

    4. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    3 Reviews
    Zephyrhills, FL
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 796-7211

    "Just take your trash with you, leave no trace, and it was an enjoyable and free experience!"

    "Large open area with great shade trees, no water, privy. Easy pull through for RV. Tent spots. Fire rings. Harley-Davidson approved . Golden Coral buffet in town."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Clearwater Beach, FL

23 Photos of 4 Clearwater Beach Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Clearwater Beach, FL

9 Reviews of 4 Clearwater Beach Campgrounds

  • Alyssa D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2020

    Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

    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.

  • SukiDookie ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    Very quiet and peaceful

    We were the only ones there for the weekend, probably because of the summer heat. However, it was nice and free. There is a porta-potty, but I didn’t check it out, so I’m not sure about the cleanliness. The grounds were nicely maintained, though. I do wish the fire rings weren’t so damaged, and the lack of trash cans was surprising. Just take your trash with you, leave no trace, and it was an enjoyable and free experience!

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2019

    Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

    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.

  • Kaitlin B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 25, 2021

    Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

    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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 11, 2024

    Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    Primitive, easy pull through sites

    Large open area with great shade trees, no water, privy. Easy pull through for RV. Tent spots. Fire rings. Harley-Davidson approved . Golden Coral buffet in town.

  • Dan X.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 5, 2021

    Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

    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.

  • mandy P.
    Dec. 1, 2021

    Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

    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

  • Nina O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 15, 2025

    Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    Nice and quite

    Didn‘t find the Main Camping area. Parked in one of the side roads. Didn’t run into anyone eventhough permit page indicated Booked out.

Guide to Clearwater Beach

Discover the thrill of dispersed camping near Clearwater Beach, Florida, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Enjoy the freedom of setting up camp in stunning locations that offer unique experiences and breathtaking views.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Clearwater Beach

  • Explore the pristine beaches and wildlife at Shell Key Preserve, where you can paddle in and enjoy a secluded spot surrounded by nature.
  • Experience fishing and shell collecting at Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground, a perfect getaway for those looking to connect with the ocean.
  • Enjoy stunning sunsets and the chance to see diverse wildlife, including stingrays and turtles, at Shell Key Preserve.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Clearwater Beach, Florida

Unique Attractions for Dispersed Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping allowed on Clearwater Beach in Florida?

Free camping is not permitted on Clearwater Beach itself. However, nearby Shell Key Preserve offers free dispersed camping with a required permit that costs nothing. You must obtain this permit from Pinellas County before your visit. Shell Key is only accessible by water, requiring you to paddle or boat to the island and bring all necessary supplies. The preserve follows strict leave-no-trace principles, with regulations prohibiting pets and alcohol. For budget-conscious campers seeking free options near Clearwater, this water-access preserve provides a legitimate no-cost alternative while following all local regulations.

Is beach camping permitted at Clearwater Beach, FL?

Beach camping is not permitted on Clearwater Beach itself, but excellent beach camping options exist nearby. The closest legitimate beach camping experience can be found at Shell Key Preserve and Anclote Key Preserve State Park. Both are island preserves offering beautiful beach camping in a primitive setting. These areas require water transportation to access, and visitors must bring all supplies. Shell Key requires a free permit from Pinellas County, while Anclote Key operates on a first-come basis. Both preserves have specific regulations to protect the natural environment, including proper waste disposal and restrictions on fires (beach fires are not permitted at Shell Key).

Where can I find dispersed camping spots near Clearwater Beach, Florida?

Near Clearwater Beach, several dispersed camping options exist for adventurous campers. Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground offers primitive dispersed camping on a beautiful island accessible only by boat or kayak (approximately 3 miles from shore). The park operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no facilities, so pack everything you need, especially water and bug spray. For inland options, Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area provides free dispersed camping with basic amenities including porta-potties and fire rings. This area features spacious sites under shade trees suitable for both tents and RVs.

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