Best Dispersed Camping near St. Petersburg, FL
Dispersed camping near St. Petersburg, Florida centers primarily on boat-accessible island preserves. Shell Key Preserve and Anclote Key Preserve State Park offer primitive camping experiences on uninhabited barrier islands. Both locations require free permits obtained in advance. Shell Key, managed by Pinellas County, sits between the Gulf of Mexico and Intracoastal Waterway, providing approximately 2 miles of natural shoreline. Anclote Key spans four islands with over 11,000 acres of protected habitat. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area offers the only drive-in dispersed camping option in the region.
These primitive sites demand thorough preparation. No drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities exist on the islands. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste, including human waste at Shell Key where portable toilets are required. According to reviews, finding suitable tent sites can be challenging as Elliott B. notes: "There are no specifically cleared sites, so you need to be mindful of plants, shrubs, sticks and stones which can make being in a tent pretty rough." Several campers recommend bringing tarps to protect tents and good sleeping pads.
Weather considerations significantly impact island camping experiences. Summer brings intense mosquito activity, particularly at Anclote Key. Campfires are prohibited on Shell Key during sea turtle nesting season. Strong winds frequently affect the islands, requiring secure anchoring of boats and camping equipment. The islands close during severe weather conditions. Despite daytime boat traffic, campers report the islands become remarkably peaceful after 4pm. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound with numerous shorebird species, dolphins, stingrays, and sea turtles frequently observed. Fishing is permitted with a valid Florida Saltwater Fishing license.
