Best Dispersed Camping near Lee, FL

Dispersed camping near Lee, Florida centers primarily on water-accessible preserves and management areas. Shell Key Preserve, Anclote Key Preserve State Park, and Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area provide primitive camping opportunities with minimal facilities. These areas require campers to be self-sufficient, as most locations lack basic amenities such as drinking water, showers, or permanent restroom facilities. Shell Key and Anclote Key are only accessible by boat, kayak, or paddleboard, creating a more remote camping experience.

Access to these dispersed camping areas varies significantly. Shell Key and Anclote Key Preserves require water transportation, with paddling distances ranging from one to three miles depending on launch points. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area features drive-in and walk-in access with pull-through sites suitable for RVs and tent camping. Most sites require advance permits, though they are typically free. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all trash, as these areas operate under strict leave-no-trace principles. During summer months, fire restrictions may apply due to sea turtle nesting season.

The primitive nature of these sites appeals to campers seeking seclusion and natural surroundings. The island preserves offer unique opportunities to experience Florida's coastal environment without crowds. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, with numerous bird species, dolphins, and marine life commonly spotted. "We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds and other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat," noted one camper at Shell Key. At Anclote Key, visitors appreciate the isolation after day visitors depart. "By about 4pm we basically had the island to ourselves. Beautiful sunset and sunrises with crystal clear water," reported a kayaker who stayed for two nights. Upper Hillsborough provides a more accessible option with "large open area with great shade trees" for those seeking primitive camping without water transportation.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lee, Florida (4)

    1. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    3 Reviews
    Zephyrhills, FL
    17 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."

    2. Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Holiday, FL
    36 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."

    3. Shell Key Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    38 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lee, FL

9 Reviews of 4 Lee 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.
    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 Lee

Dispersed camping near Lee, Florida offers primitive camping experiences at several water management areas and coastal preserves. Winter months bring milder temperatures, typically ranging from 50-70°F, making it an ideal season for overnight stays. These locations require minimal preparation beyond standard camping gear, with access ranging from drive-in forest locations to boat-in island sites requiring nautical navigation skills.

What to do

Explore marine wildlife: During morning hours at Shell Key Preserve, visitors can observe various aquatic species in their natural habitat. "We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds and other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat," notes one camper about the immediate wildlife viewing opportunities.

Beach combing: The islands offer excellent opportunities for collecting shells, particularly during low tide after storms. "One of my favorite places to camp in Florida, hands-down," reports a Shell Key visitor, highlighting the shell collecting possibilities along its shores.

Night stargazing: With minimal light pollution, these preserves offer exceptional stargazing. At Anclote Key Preserve State Park, campers report stunning astronomical views. "The stars at night were endless," according to a visitor who spent time observing the night sky from the island.

What campers like

Complete seclusion: Many campers value the isolation once day visitors depart. "Short boat ride out to what felt like a secluded island, back when florida was all natural. We had the whole place to ourselves," reports one Anclote Key camper, highlighting the privacy these locations offer.

Pristine beaches: The untouched coastline provides a natural Florida experience. At Shell Key Preserve, campers appreciate "white sands, abundant wildlife, crazy beautiful sunsets all while pitching your tent among the seagrass in one of the designated camping spots."

Dual water access: Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area provides freshwater access while coastal preserves offer both Gulf and Intercoastal waterway environments. "On the west coast of the island is the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, while only footsteps away is the lush waters of the Intercoastal waterway," notes a Shell Key visitor describing the unique geography.

What you should know

Complete self-sufficiency required: These areas demand thorough preparation with no amenities available. "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," reports a kayaker who visited Anclote Key.

Permits and regulations: Free camping near Lee, Florida typically requires permits, though they're generally free. For Shell Key, "you do have to get the permit," reminds one camper who paddled to the island.

Seasonal restrictions: Summer brings additional regulations at coastal sites. "Campfires not permitted in summer months due to sea turtle nesting," notes a Shell Key visitor, highlighting important seasonal considerations.

Weather preparedness: Florida's coastal weather can change quickly. "Depending on the weather and the tides/current, they may shut down camping, or you may want to go by boat (not paddle/kayak)," advises an Anclote Key visitor regarding potential weather challenges.

Tips for camping with families

Choose accessible locations: For families with young children, some sites offer easier access than others. "We 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," noted a visitor to Upper Hillsborough, suggesting flexibility in finding suitable spots.

Pack extra water: With no potable water sources at any of these free camping sites near Lee, families should calculate at least 1 gallon per person per day, plus extra for cleaning and cooking.

Plan transportation carefully: When visiting boat-in sites with children, consider paddling distances. "We kayaked out from Anclote river park and stayed two nights on the island," reports one camper, demonstrating the paddling commitment required for reaching some locations.

Tips from RVers

Look for pull-through options: At St. Pete rest area (north), RVers find accessible dispersed camping with adequate space for larger vehicles when traveling through the area.

Seek shaded locations: Florida heat can make RV camping uncomfortable without natural shade. Upper Hillsborough offers "large open area with great shade trees, no water, privy. Easy pull through for RV," according to one visitor who appreciated the natural temperature control.

Prepare for primitive conditions: Even RV-accessible sites lack hookups. "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," reports a summer visitor to Upper Hillsborough, highlighting both the solitude and basic conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lee, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lee, FL is Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lee, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Lee, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.