Primitive camping near Crystal River, Florida offers remote outdoor experiences in Florida's freshwater springs region. These sites provide direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and proximity to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, home to hundreds of manatees during winter months. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can occasionally drop below 40°F.
What to do
Kayak to secluded islands: At Anclote Key Preserve State Park, visitors must travel by water. As one visitor notes, "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."
Wildlife watching: Anclote Key features diverse bird populations across its four islands. "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!" reports one camper.
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing opportunities. A camper at Anclote Key commented, "It's worth every minute to see the sun rise and set in the same day, and the stars at night were endless."
What campers like
Solitude after day visitors leave: Overnight campers at Anclote Key Preserve State Park appreciate the quiet evenings. "During the day there were quite a few boats on the island but by about 4pm we basically had the island to ourselves," shares one reviewer.
Natural, undeveloped setting: Many campers value the undisturbed environment. One visitor described Anclote Key as "Short boat ride out to what felt like a secluded island, back when florida was all natural. We had the whole place to ourselves."
Clear water access: The pristine waters around primitive sites draw swimmers and water enthusiasts. A camper mentioned the "crystal clear water" at Anclote Key while another noted the "beautiful sunset and sunrises" visible from shoreline camping spots.
What you should know
Access challenges: Reaching Trout Lake Primitive Sites requires navigating narrow paths. One camper warns, "Very narrow trails but really easy access, you will leave with some new pinstripes."
Weather considerations: Rain can make primitive sites difficult to access. A Trout Lake camper reported, "It rained all night and morning. I knew I couldn't drive out or take the risk. I spent the second night."
Seasonal bug activity: Insect populations vary by season. One Anclote Key visitor advised, "Make sure to have everything you need, too, especially bug spray — the mosquitos (among other bugs) are insane during the summer," while another noted "No skeeters in October."
Tips for camping with families
Bring sufficient supplies: When camping at Lake Mary Tent Camping, remember there are no amenities. Pack all necessary water, food, and gear for the duration of your stay.
Consider vehicle requirements: Many primitive sites near Crystal River have challenging access roads. At Trout Lake, a camper reported the access road as "two-track about 1/4 mile through woods — very narrow tree clearance. 4WD recommended."
Plan for no connectivity: Cell service is typically limited or nonexistent. A Trout Lake visitor mentioned "Poor cell service even with booster" so prepare entertainment options that don't require internet access.
Tips from RVers
Assess clearance carefully: Larger vehicles may struggle with narrow access roads to primitive sites. A camper attempting to reach Trout Lake Primitive Sites with a Promaster van reported they "Just barely scraped a FWD Promaster through the trees, into a pullout just before sand started."
Consider sand challenges: Sandy terrain can create mobility issues for non-4WD vehicles. A visitor to Trout Lake described "going through a very soft sandy spot" where they feared getting stuck in a standard passenger car.
Scout ahead when possible: First-time visitors should consider scouting sites before committing to camping with large vehicles. One camper described uncertainty about whether they were on the right path: "I wasn't sure I was driving my Chevy Malibu through the forest because it was so overgrown."
