Best Dispersed Camping near St. Petersburg, FL
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.
