Best Dispersed Camping near Mulberry, FL

The central Florida landscape around Mulberry features several primitive camping options within an hour's drive, primarily focused on water-based recreation and natural preserves. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area offers free primitive camping with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, suitable for both tent campers and RVs with easy pull-through sites. Within driving distance, Shell Key Preserve provides boat-in camping on an uninhabited barrier island, while Peace River Banks Backcountry offers riverside primitive camping accessible primarily by canoe or kayak. These dispersed camping areas provide alternatives to developed campgrounds in the region.

Permits and regulations vary significantly across these natural areas. Upper Hillsborough requires reservations despite its primitive nature, though some visitors report finding available sites even when the reservation system shows full capacity. Shell Key Preserve demands free camping permits from Pinellas County and strict adherence to leave-no-trace principles. As one camper noted, "You need to get a free camping permit and this is a leave no trace site which means leave nothing." Water access sites like Shell Key and Peace River require visitors to bring all supplies and pack out all waste. Summer camping restrictions may apply during sea turtle nesting season, with campfires prohibited during these periods.

Wildlife viewing represents a significant draw for campers in these areas. Shell Key visitors frequently report seeing stingrays, turtles, and diverse bird species. According to one camper, "We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds and other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat." Peace River offers classic "Old Florida" wilderness experiences with opportunities for fishing and paddling. Campers should prepare for variable weather conditions, particularly heat and afternoon storms during summer months. Most primitive sites lack facilities like running water, restrooms, or trash collection. Shell Key can become crowded during peak times, with one visitor noting, "It is pretty popular so if you aren't into crowds or making new friends, you may want to stay at home."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Mulberry, Florida (4)

    1. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    3 Reviews
    Zephyrhills, FL
    25 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. Shell Key Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    49 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."

    3. Peace River Banks Backcountry

    1 Review
    Arcadia, FL
    40 miles

    "Excellent backcountry camping between Zolpho Springs and Gardner. More camping down to Arcadia."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Mulberry, FL

11 Photos of 4 Mulberry Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mulberry, FL

4 Reviews of 4 Mulberry Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • 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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 12, 2021

    Peace River Banks Backcountry

    Old Florida Wilderness Camping

    The Peace River runs north to south. Excellent backcountry camping between Zolpho Springs and Gardner. More camping down to Arcadia. Canoeing and kayaking are preferred mode of transportation but I’ve seen others use Jon boats and airboats. Camping permitted on West Bank. No designated sites.

  • 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 Mulberry

Primitive camping near Mulberry, Florida offers alternatives to developed campsites across central Florida's wetland-rich terrain. These locations typically have minimal facilities and require more self-sufficiency from visitors. Summer temperatures average 90°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while winter months provide milder camping conditions with temperatures ranging from 50-70°F.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area provides access to freshwater fishing spots where visitors can catch local species. According to one camper, "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."

Paddling expeditions: Peace River Banks Backcountry offers excellent canoeing and kayaking routes through natural Florida wilderness. "The Peace River runs north to south. Excellent backcountry camping between Zolpho Springs and Gardner. More camping down to Arcadia. Canoeing and kayaking are preferred mode of transportation but I've seen others use Jon boats and airboats," notes one experienced visitor.

Wildlife observation: Look for native Florida wildlife throughout these natural areas, particularly during morning and evening hours. Primitive sites often provide better opportunities to view undisturbed habitats. Bring binoculars and reference guides to identify local bird species, reptiles, and mammals.

What campers like

Island camping: Shell Key Preserve provides a true island camping experience accessible only by water. A regular visitor shared, "Shell Key is one of the larger uninhabited islands off of the west coast of Florida near St. Petersburg. It is managed by the county, and all campers wishing to stay must get a (free) camping permit from Pinellas county."

Solitude: Many primitive sites offer more seclusion than developed campgrounds. One Upper Hillsborough camper noted, "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."

Beach access: Some locations provide opportunities to camp near water with beach access. A Shell Key visitor explained, "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. Overall, a little difficult to 'camp' here and is only accessible via boat, canoe, kayak."

What you should know

Water access requirements: Some primitive sites are only accessible by water transportation. As one Shell Key camper advised, "Get your permit online. 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."

Supply needs: Plan to bring all necessary supplies including drinking water, food, and waste disposal equipment. "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 your tent," warns one Shell Key visitor.

Reservation discrepancies: Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area sometimes has availability despite showing as full online. "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," reports one summer camper.

Tips for camping with families

Pack appropriate gear: Ensure you have adequate sun protection and insect repellent for all family members. Shell Key visitors recommend "We paddled from Ft Desoto (one on kayak, other on paddleboard) with all of our gear roped on. Once you get to the island, is is 100% primitive as it's a preserve."

Distance considerations: Some primitive sites require significant paddling or hiking to access. Consider children's abilities when planning. For paddling to Shell Key, one camper notes it's "just a little over a mile. Pick a spot on the beach and you're good to go."

Educational opportunities: Shell Key Preserve offers educational encounters with coastal ecosystems. "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," explains a regular visitor.

Tips from RVers

Site access limitations: Most primitive camping areas near Mulberry have limited RV access. Upper Hillsborough offers "Easy pull through for RV" sites according to one visitor, making it one of the few primitive options suitable for recreational vehicles.

Amenity planning: RVers should prepare for no-hookup camping at primitive sites. "The lack of trash cans was surprising. Just take your trash with you, leave no trace, and it was an enjoyable and free experience!" notes one Upper Hillsborough camper.

Seasonal considerations: Summer heat may make primitive camping challenging in RVs without air conditioning. Consider visiting during cooler months for more comfortable conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mulberry, 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 Mulberry, FL?

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