The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Gulfport, FL

9 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Gulfport, Florida is primarily accessible by boat, with Shell Key Preserve and Anclote Key Preserve State Park offering primitive island camping experiences. Shell Key Preserve requires a free permit and is reached by paddling just over a mile from the Pinellas Byway before the DeSoto bridge. The preserve enforces strict pack-in, pack-out rules with no facilities available. Campfires are permitted except during sea turtle nesting season in summer months.

Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground, located about 3 miles offshore, offers more amenities including picnic tables, toilets, and trash collection while remaining primitive. The island features a historical lighthouse and abundant wildlife with over 40 bird species. A review noted, "By about 4pm we basically had the island to ourselves." For mainland options, Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area provides free primitive camping with pull-through sites suitable for tents and RVs, though it's located further from Gulfport. This off-grid camping area includes fire rings but limited facilities, with a camper mentioning, "There is a porta-potty, but I didn't check it out, so I'm not sure about the cleanliness."

Map showing campgrounds near Gulfport, FloridaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Gulfport, Florida (4)

    1. Shell Key Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    6 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."

    2. St. Pete rest area (north)

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

    3. Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Holiday, FL
    33 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."

    4. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    3 Reviews
    Zephyrhills, FL
    50 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-4 of 4 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Gulfport Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Gulfport, FL

23 Photos of 4 Gulfport Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gulfport, FL

9 Reviews of 4 Gulfport 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 Gulfport

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Gulfport, Florida, where nature meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, these spots offer a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Gulfport

  • Enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding to reach the serene Shell Key Preserve, where you can explore the pristine beaches and spot local wildlife like stingrays and turtles.

Secluded Beaches for Dispersed Campers

Wildlife Watching Opportunities for Dispersed Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

Keep Exploring