Dispersed camping near Land O' Lakes, Florida requires preparation for the subtropical climate where summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The area sits in the west-central part of the state amid a network of lakes, springs, and coastal marshlands at elevations typically under 100 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures dip to 50-70°F daytime, making December through March generally more comfortable for primitive camping conditions.
What to do
Paddle the preserves: Visitors to Shell Key Preserve can access the island with a short paddle. "Park off the Pinellas Byway before you get to the DeSoto bridge, paddle between Summer Resort Key and Sister Key and you're there. One of the easiest island paddles out there - just a little over a mile," notes camper Dan X.
Wildlife observation: The coastal preserves offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "We paddled from Ft Desoto (one on kayak, other on paddleboard) with all of our gear roped on. Once you get to the island, it is 100% primitive as it's a preserve. Absolutely amazing with stunning views," reports Alyssa D.
Night sky viewing: Without light pollution, island campsites provide exceptional stargazing. At Anclote Key Preserve State Park, one camper describes "the stars at night were endless" and highlights the opportunity to "see the sun rise and set in the same day" from the same location.
What campers like
Complete seclusion: Island preserves become private after day visitors depart. "During the day there were quite a few boats on the island but by about 4pm we basically had the island to ourselves," notes Kaitlin B. about Anclote Key Preserve. Another camper adds, "We had the whole place to ourselves. Camping is definitely pack in pack out."
Natural immersion: The coastal preserves maintain a wild, undeveloped character. "Short boat ride out to what felt like a secluded island, back when Florida was all natural," describes Mandy P. Shell Key offers similar appeal: "Tons of edible flora, and fishing of course. Plus, shell key is one of the very few places you are allowed to have a fire on the beach in FL," according to Alacyn B.
Off-season tranquility: At Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area, summer heat reduces crowds. "We were the only ones there for the weekend, probably because of the summer heat. However, it was nice and free," reports SukiDookie.
What you should know
Pack-in, pack-out requirements: All primitive sites demand rigorous adherence to leave-no-trace principles. "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," advises a camper at Upper Hillsborough.
Permit requirements: Free permits are required for Shell Key camping. Dan X. advises, "Get your permit online. Pick a spot on the beach and you're good to go (in the green area public use area)." For Anclote Key, "Reservations MUST be made in advance and the island does close during bad weather not allowing visitors to stay overnight."
Access challenges: Water-access-only sites require careful planning. "Depending on the weather and the tides/current, they 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," warns Alyssa D.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection considerations: Finding comfortable terrain on primitive islands takes planning. Elliott B. notes about Shell Key, "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 your tent. You can find some sandy spots tucked into the vegetation every so often along the 'beach', but you won't fit a large tent in these areas."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The preserves offer exceptional nature experiences for children. "We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds and other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat," reports one Shell Key visitor.
Seasonal planning: Consider weather and wildlife patterns. "Campfires not permitted in summer months due to sea turtle nesting," notes a Shell Key camper, while another mentions, "No skeeters in October" at Anclote Key, making fall potentially more comfortable for family camping.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through accessibility: Upper Hillsborough offers RV-friendly sites without hookups. "Large open area with great shade trees, no water, privy. Easy pull through for RV. Tent spots. Fire rings," reports Scott O. The campground maintains primitive conditions but provides adequate space for larger vehicles.
Limited options: Most dispersed camping in the area focuses on primitive tent camping. Water-access-only sites at coastal preserves are unsuitable for RVs, while mainland options like Upper Hillsborough provide basic accommodations with "no water, privy" but enough space for vehicles to maneuver through the "large open area."
