Best Dispersed Camping near Safety Harbor, FL
Dispersed camping near Safety Harbor, Florida primarily consists of boat-accessible island preserves. Anclote Key Preserve State Park and Shell Key Preserve offer primitive camping on uninhabited barrier islands. Both require water transportation as they are only accessible by boat, kayak, or paddleboard. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area provides the only drive-in option, located approximately 30 miles northeast of Safety Harbor with primitive sites suitable for tents and RVs.
Permits are mandatory for all camping locations. Shell Key requires a free permit from Pinellas County, while Anclote Key requires advance reservations through the state park system. According to reviews, "Reservations MUST be made in advance and the island does close during bad weather not allowing visitors to stay overnight." Upper Hillsborough sites are reservable but limited in number.
These preserves maintain strict leave-no-trace policies. All supplies must be packed in and out, including drinking water and waste. Several campers noted the challenging terrain at Shell Key, where "there are no 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." A good sleeping pad and ground tarp are essential. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with Shell Key prohibiting campfires during sea turtle nesting months.
Wildlife viewing opportunities abound at these sites. The Anclote Key preserve encompasses 11,000 acres with over 40 bird species. Shell Key visitors regularly report seeing stingrays, turtles, and dolphins. Summer camping requires adequate bug protection, particularly at Anclote Key where mosquitoes can be numerous. October through April generally offers the most comfortable camping conditions with fewer insects and milder temperatures.
