Best Dispersed Camping near Sarasota, FL
Dispersed camping near Sarasota, Florida centers primarily on water-accessible locations, with Shell Key Preserve offering primitive island camping opportunities. This preserve requires free permits and can only be reached by boat, kayak, or canoe. Peace River Banks Backcountry provides another dispersed option with riverside camping along the Peace River between Zolpho Springs and Gardner. Both locations maintain minimal development and operate under leave-no-trace principles, preserving their natural character.
Access to these dispersed sites requires watercraft, with Shell Key Preserve located approximately one mile offshore. Campers must bring all necessary supplies including drinking water and portable toilets, as no facilities exist on site. Shell Key prohibits pets and alcohol, while Peace River Banks permits pets. Both locations allow campfires, though Shell Key restricts fires during summer sea turtle nesting season. All trash and waste must be packed out from these primitive areas, as neither location provides garbage collection or sanitation facilities.
These primitive camping areas feature distinctive coastal and riverside environments. Shell Key Preserve includes white sand beaches with views of both the Gulf of Mexico and Intracoastal Waterway. "You can only get to this camping spot by water. We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds and other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat," notes one camper. The island lacks designated sites, requiring careful placement among vegetation. Peace River Banks provides a more traditional Florida backcountry experience with riverside camping. According to a reviewer, it offers "excellent backcountry camping between Zolpho Springs and Gardner" with no designated sites. Both locations provide solitude despite Shell Key experiencing daytime boat traffic from nearby Fort DeSoto that "clears out and feels super remote by evening."
