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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.
Guide
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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Sarasota, Florida, where nature meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, these spots offer a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Sarasota, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sarasota, FL is Shell Key Preserve with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
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