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."