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Best Dispersed Camping near St. Petersburg, FL

9 Reviews

The coastal region surrounding St. Petersburg, Florida features distinctive island camping opportunities, with several boat-accessible preserves offering primitive camping experiences. Shell Key Preserve and Anclote Key Preserve State Park stand out as highly-rated destinations where campers can experience undeveloped barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico. These preserves require water transportation, typically by kayak, paddleboard, or motorboat, and offer no permanent facilities. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area, located farther inland, provides a contrasting experience with drive-in and walk-in access for both tent and RV camping.

Permit requirements and strict leave-no-trace practices define the camping experience near St. Petersburg. Shell Key Preserve requires free camping permits from Pinellas County, while Anclote Key Preserve State Park mandates advance online reservations. As one camper noted, "Everything you bring on the island must be taken off with you." Summer brings intense heat, humidity, and mosquitoes, with several reviewers recommending substantial bug protection. Seasonal restrictions also apply, with campfires prohibited on Shell Key during sea turtle nesting season. Weather conditions can affect accessibility, particularly for paddlers, as tides and currents may determine whether camping is permitted on certain days.

Wildlife viewing opportunities rank highly among camper experiences in the area. "We saw stingrays, a baby turtle, many different birds and other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat," reported one Shell Key visitor. Anclote Key Preserve State Park encompasses over 11,000 acres with more than 40 bird species documented. Campers consistently mention the privacy that comes after day visitors depart, with one noting, "By about 4pm we basically had the island to ourselves." The primitive nature of these sites requires thorough preparation, as one reviewer advised, "Bring everything you need to eat and drink and remember to pack it back out." Most island sites become quiet after sunset, though Shell Key's proximity to Fort DeSoto means some daytime boat noise before evening tranquility sets in.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near St. Petersburg, Florida (4)

    1. Shell Key Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 453-6900

    "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 if you don't have a good pad and a tarp to protect"

    "Shell Key is one of the larger uninhabited islands off of the west coast of Florida near St. Petersburg."

    2. St. Pete rest area (north)

    Be the first to review!
    Tierra Verde, FL
    9 miles

    3. Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Holiday, FL
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 638-4447

    "Anclote Key is an awesome spot for primitive camping — but you can only get there by water access!"

    "There four islands that combined make up the state park- There is a nice primitive camping area on the island not far from the lighthouse."

    4. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    3 Reviews
    Zephyrhills, FL
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 796-7211

    "Just take your trash with you, leave no trace, and it was an enjoyable and free experience!"

    "Large open area with great shade trees, no water, privy. Easy pull through for RV. Tent spots. Fire rings. Harley-Davidson approved . Golden Coral buffet in town."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near St. Petersburg, FL

23 Photos of 4 St. Petersburg Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near St. Petersburg, FL

9 Reviews of 4 St. Petersburg Campgrounds

  • Alyssa D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2020

    Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

    Only accessible by water!

    Anclote Key is an awesome spot for primitive camping — but you can only get there by water access! Depending on the weather and the tides/current, the may shut down camping, or you may want to go by boat (not paddle/kayak). Make sure to have everything you need, too, especially bug spray — the mosquitos (among other bugs) are insane during the summer.

    Must make reservation online for camping permit.

  • SukiDookie ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    Very quiet and peaceful

    We were the only ones there for the weekend, probably because of the summer heat. However, it was nice and free. There is a porta-potty, but I didn’t check it out, so I’m not sure about the cleanliness. The grounds were nicely maintained, though. I do wish the fire rings weren’t so damaged, and the lack of trash cans was surprising. Just take your trash with you, leave no trace, and it was an enjoyable and free experience!

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2019

    Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

    Best Primitive Island Camping for Bird Lovers

    Anclote Key Review There is only 1 way to get to Anclote Key and that is by boat. Whether you take the few hours and kayak the 3 miles over from Tarpon or motor in from one of the many docks in the area that is the only way you can get here.

    “Ferry services do not drop visitors off for overnight camping. You must have your own transportation to stay overnight. Dogs are allowed only on North Anclote Bar.” 

    This seldom used camping area is wonderful after the sun sets and day visitors leave the island. 

    There four islands that combined make up the state park- There is a nice primitive camping area on the island not far from the lighthouse. Once you arrive take time to explore each area- Anclote Key, North Anclote Bar, South Anclote Bar and Three Rooker Island. There are over 11,000 acres full of migrating and native shorebirds and other creatures that have made their way to the island. Last count of bird species I believe was over 40! The 1887 lighthouse stands as a historical reminder on the southern end of the island. Occasionally tours can be made available by contacting the onsite ranger. 

    Spend your day swimming and sunbathing at the beach or kayaking around the island. If you arrived by motor boat try a bit of flats fishing but stay in designated areas and remember most area around the island in NO WAKE. Fire up the grill but make sure you leave no charcoal or burned wood pieces on the beach! EVERYTHING- and they mean everything you bring on the island must be taken off with you! There are no bathroom facilities and all human waste must be buried well and paper take in trash.. 

    Enjoy a night of primitive camping under the stars without a sound except insects and lapping waves on the beach. There are no provisions offered on the island, so be prepared to bring your own water and supplies. Make sure all food is secured (we anchored our boat with provisions on board a bit off shore and swam in to no risk raccoons getting into gear as it was a calm night with clear weather). Usually it is quite windy so plan ahead.

    A Florida Saltwater Fishing license is required to fish. 

    Reservations MUST be made in advance and the island does close during bad weather not allowing visitors to stay overnight.

  • Kaitlin B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 25, 2021

    Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

    Primitive camping on a "private" island

    We kayaked out from Anclote river park and stayed two nights on the island. There are no amenities so we packed everything we would need in the kayak. During the day there were quite a few boats on the island but by about 4pm we basically had the island to ourselves. Beautiful sunset and sunrises with crystal clear water.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 11, 2024

    Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    Primitive, easy pull through sites

    Large open area with great shade trees, no water, privy. Easy pull through for RV. Tent spots. Fire rings. Harley-Davidson approved . Golden Coral buffet in town.

  • Dan X.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 5, 2021

    Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

    An island to yourself!

    As others have noted, boat access only, primitive put-your-tent-wherever type camping. BYO everything, and please bring it all back.

    No skeeters in October.

  • mandy P.
    Dec. 1, 2021

    Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

    Serene and Natural

    Short boat ride out to what felt like a secluded island, back when florida was all natural. We had the whole place to ourselves. Camping is definitely pack in pack out. It's worth every minute to see the sun rise and set in the same day, and the stars at night were endless

  • Nina O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 15, 2025

    Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    Nice and quite

    Didn‘t find the Main Camping area. Parked in one of the side roads. Didn’t run into anyone eventhough permit page indicated Booked out.

Guide to St. Petersburg

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near St. Petersburg, Florida, where nature meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, these spots offer a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts.

Shell Key Preserve for dispersed campers

  • Access to Shell Key Preserve is exclusively by boat, making it a secluded paradise for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Wildlife Watching while free camping near St. Petersburg

  • At Shell Key Preserve, campers can spot a variety of wildlife, including sting rays and baby turtles, just moments after arriving.

Stunning Sunsets at Anclote Key Preserve State Park

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. Petersburg, FL?

Shell Key Preserve offers free dispersed camping, but requires a free permit from Pinellas County. This uninhabited island is only accessible by water, requiring you to paddle or boat to reach it. You'll need to be entirely self-sufficient as this is a preserve with no facilities. Choose your camping spot on the beach within designated areas. The preserve features natural surroundings with wildlife viewing opportunities including stingrays and various bird species. Remember that campfires are not permitted and you must pack out all trash.

Are there any free RV parking or boondocking spots in St. Petersburg?

Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area offers free camping with good options for RVs, featuring large open areas with shade trees and easy pull-through access. While about an hour from St. Petersburg, it provides a quiet experience with basic amenities including porta-potties and fire rings. The grounds are well-maintained, though some fire rings may be damaged. This area often has low occupancy, especially during summer months, giving you plenty of space. There's no water available on-site, so be sure to bring all supplies you'll need for your stay. Perfect for self-contained RVs prepared for boondocking.

What primitive camping options are available in the St. Petersburg area?

Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground offers excellent primitive camping on an island about 3 miles offshore. Only accessible by boat or kayak, this location provides a truly remote experience with beautiful sunsets and sunrises. The island has no amenities, so bring everything you need including drinking water, food, and bug spray. By late afternoon, day visitors leave and campers have the island largely to themselves. The park may close camping during adverse weather conditions, so check before planning your trip. Be prepared for a true primitive experience with no facilities.

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