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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mulberry, Florida, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With several well-reviewed spots to choose from, you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors without the crowds.

Dispersed campers should check out Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

Top activities while free camping near Mulberry

  • Enjoy canoeing and kayaking at the Peace River Banks Backcountry, where the river provides a beautiful backdrop for water activities and exploration.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Mulberry, Florida

  • When visiting Shell Key Preserve, remember to pack everything you need, as this primitive site requires you to bring in all supplies and pack out your trash.

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 4.7-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.