Best Dispersed Camping near Homosassa, FL
Dispersed camping near Homosassa, Florida includes two notable primitive options in the wider region. Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground provides boat-in primitive camping on an undeveloped barrier island approximately 40 miles northwest of Homosassa. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area offers primitive camping about 60 miles northeast of Homosassa with drive-in and walk-in access options. Both locations support the wilderness camping experience with minimal infrastructure and require campers to be self-sufficient.
Access to Anclote Key requires personal watercraft as no ferry services transport overnight campers to the island. Kayakers face a challenging 3-mile paddle from the mainland, while those with motorboats have easier access but must anchor offshore. The Upper Hillsborough site features pull-through sites accessible by standard vehicles with no special clearance requirements. Neither location provides drinking water, and both operate on a strict pack-in, pack-out basis for all supplies and waste. Camping permits must be secured through online reservation systems before arrival at Anclote Key.
The isolated nature of these primitive sites creates unique wilderness experiences not typically found in developed campgrounds. Anclote Key offers complete seclusion after day visitors depart, with exceptional stargazing opportunities and abundant shorebird viewing. "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," noted one visitor. Upper Hillsborough provides shaded camping under a tree canopy in a quiet environment. A camper reported, "The grounds were nicely maintained. 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."
