Top Free Dispersed Camping near Nokomis, FL

Want to go dispersed camping near Nokomis? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Nokomis, FL (2)

    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Key Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Key Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Key Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Key Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Key Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Key Preserve

    1. Shell Key Preserve

    7 Reviews
    47 Photos
    181 Saves
    Tierra Verde, Florida

    Overnight Camping the South Public Use Area Only Primitive camping is allowed only on the South Public Use area of Shell Key.

    Camping Permits Camping Permits are required for any overnight activity on Shell Key. Permits can be obtained for free from the county.

    Leave No Trace We are required to remove absolutely all trace of our camp – including food, refuse and anything that came with us on our boat.

    Campfires You must remove all trace of your campfire before you leave. This means removing (not burying) all the charred wood from the fire. Remember that you are not at a permanent campsite. You are in a nature preserve and are required to leave no trace at all.

    Portable Toilets Required The county requires all campers to bring a portable toilet for overnight activities. A simple DIY toilet can be made with a 5 gallon bucket, a trash bag and some sand. Place the trash bag in the bucket as a liner, put in a scoop of sand and use the toilet. When done, put another scoop of sand on top. Some people even bring some scented cat litter to use instead of sand.

    No Pets or Alcohol It doesn’t seem fair to leave the member of the family that would perhaps get the most joy out of island wilderness camping. However, pets are completely banned from the entire preserve including all of the aquatic boundaries. Read more about the pet ban. Alcohol is also forbidden within the preserve boundaries.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    Camper-submitted photo from Peace River Banks Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Peace River Banks Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Peace River Banks Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Peace River Banks Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Peace River Banks Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Peace River Banks Backcountry

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Nokomis

1 Reviews of 2 Nokomis Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Peace River Banks Backcountry
    February 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.



Guide to Nokomis

Camping near Nokomis, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Kayaking and Fishing: Enjoy the water at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The location of this campground is right in the middle of at least 4 different beaches," making it perfect for water activities.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Myakka River State Park, you can spot alligators, deer, and various birds. A camper shared, "It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."
  • Biking and Hiking: Trails abound at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "The hiking trails were fun, saw a lot of wildlife."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Manatee State Park Campground said, "The bathhouses were always clean in the AM and early PM."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Little Manatee River State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are large, private, and nicely surrounded by woods."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Fort De Soto Campground remarked, "Staff at the front desk, store and grounds were friendly and attentive."

What you should know

  • Bugs in Summer: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Fort De Soto Campground warned, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy, particularly on weekends. A visitor at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground noted, "Weekends are busy, like people walking through your site at all hours."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A camper at Peace River Campground mentioned, "If you are a traditional camper stay away. This place is mainly for trucks and ATVs."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA has a "KampK9," a fenced dog park area, which is great for families with pets.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Turtle Beach Campground enjoyed, "We took a 30-minute drive to Caspersen Beach for some shark tooth hunting."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A camper at Lake Manatee State Park Campground suggested, "Pine firewood available for $5 a bundle."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA noted, "Nice, friendly campground. It has all of the amenities you would ever want."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. A visitor at Myakka River State Park mentioned, "Site was spacious and the park even had smiling gators."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Peace River Campground advised, "Bring earplugs... it’s noisy up until 10pm."

Camping around Nokomis, Florida, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Nokomis, FL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Nokomis, FL is Shell Key Preserve with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.