Best Dispersed Camping near St. Petersburg, FL
Campers looking for dispersed camping near St. Petersburg, Florida have limited but workable options for more primitive stays. The St. Petersburg City Park Campground includes some undeveloped areas where you can camp away from the main facilities. These basic sites don't have water or other amenities, so you'll need to haul in everything you need. Most of the state parks around St. Petersburg allow backcountry camping with proper permits, though you'll need to set up at least 100 feet from any water. The standard 14-day stay limit applies to all dispersed sites in the area. Many of the access roads to these remote spots get pretty rough, and you'll definitely want a vehicle with decent clearance after rain. Since there aren't trash cans or bathrooms, plan to pack out everything you bring in. Fire bans are common throughout the year, especially during dry seasons, so check with rangers before planning to cook over a fire. Local wildlife like raccoons will get into your food if you're not careful about storage. The St. Petersburg Recreation Area has several wild camping zones with the same basic rules and limitations. Knowing these requirements beforehand helps avoid problems with rangers and keeps these areas open for future use.
