Best Dispersed Camping near Tarpon Springs, FL

Dispersed camping near Tarpon Springs, Florida primarily consists of boat-accessible primitive islands, with Anclote Key Preserve State Park and Shell Key Preserve being the main options. Both preserves require water transportation as they are only accessible by boat, kayak, or other watercraft. The Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area, located inland, provides the only drive-in dispersed camping option in the region, offering primitive sites with no developed facilities.

Water access determines camping feasibility for most sites near Tarpon Springs. Anclote Key is approximately 3 miles offshore and requires either personal watercraft or boat transportation, as ferry services do not accommodate overnight camping. Shell Key Preserve similarly requires paddling or boating to reach designated camping areas. All sites operate on strict pack-in, pack-out principles with no trash collection, potable water, or permanent restroom facilities available. A free camping permit is required for Shell Key, while reservations must be made in advance for Anclote Key.

These island preserves offer rare opportunities for primitive coastal camping on undeveloped Florida shorelines. The experience varies significantly from typical inland dispersed camping, with tidal considerations and weather conditions determining accessibility. Campers encounter diverse wildlife, particularly shorebirds, with over 40 species documented at Anclote Key alone. The primitive nature of these sites demands thorough preparation. "Once you decide to stay, you will be amazed by the white sands, abundant wildlife, crazy beautiful sunsets all while pitching your tent among the seagrass in one of the designated camping spots." For those seeking mainland options, the Upper Hillsborough area provides "large open area with great shade trees, no water, privy. Easy pull through for RV. Tent spots. Fire rings."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Tarpon Springs, Florida (4)

    1. Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Holiday, FL
    7 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."

    2. Shell Key Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    33 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."

    3. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    3 Reviews
    Zephyrhills, FL
    39 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 Tarpon Springs, FL

23 Photos of 4 Tarpon Springs Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Tarpon Springs, FL

9 Reviews of 4 Tarpon Springs 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.
    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 Tarpon Springs

Dispersed camping near Tarpon Springs, Florida centers on water-oriented camping opportunities with tidal dynamics and saltwater considerations. The Gulf of Mexico's influence creates significant weather variability throughout the year, with summer temperatures averaging 90°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 50°F. Camping options include both island preserves and limited inland sites, all requiring proper preparation for primitive conditions.

What to do

Dolphin watching: Shell Key Preserve offers excellent opportunities to observe dolphins in their natural habitat. "We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds & other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat," notes Alyssa D. about her Shell Key Preserve experience.

Island exploration: The Anclote Key area contains four distinct islands to discover. "There are four islands that combined make up the state park. Once you arrive take time to explore each area- Anclote Key, North Anclote Bar, South Anclote Bar and Three Rooker Island," suggests Jeanene A. from her visit to Anclote Key Preserve State Park.

Fishing: Saltwater fishing opportunities abound around the offshore islands. "You can enjoy most water activities as well as what nature has to offer from bird and dolphin watching to fishing and hiking the almost 2 mile long island," reports Steve S. about Shell Key Preserve.

What campers like

Seclusion after day visitors leave: The islands transform after the day crowds depart. "During the day there were quite a few boats on the island but by about 4pm we basically had the island to ourselves," shares Kaitlin B. about her Anclote Key Preserve State Park camping trip.

Accessibility for paddlers: Shell Key provides relatively easy access for those with kayaks or paddleboards. "Park off the Pinellas Byway before you get to the DeSoto bridge, paddle between Summer Resort Key and Sister Key and you're there. One of the easiest island paddles out there - just a little over a mile," explains Dan X. about accessing Shell Key.

Night sky viewing: The absence of light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. "Short boat ride out to what felt like a secluded island, back when florida was all natural. We had the whole place to ourselves. It's worth every minute to see the sun rise and set in the same day, and the stars at night were endless," reports mandy P. about Anclote Key.

What you should know

Complete self-sufficiency required: Island camping requires bringing everything needed. "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," explains Kaitlin B. from Anclote Key Preserve State Park.

Permit requirements: Free permits must be obtained for camping. "Get your permit online. Park off the Pinellas Byway before you get to the DeSoto bridge, paddle between Summer Resort Key and Sister Key and you're there," advises Dan X. about Shell Key Preserve.

Seasonal considerations: Summer brings intense heat and insects, while fall offers more comfortable conditions. "Make sure to have everything you need, too, especially bug spray — the mosquitos (among other bugs) are insane during the summer," warns Alyssa D., while Dan X. notes "No skeeters in October" at Anclote Key.

Tips for camping with families

Tent placement planning: Finding suitable tent locations requires assessment. "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 your tent," advises Elliott B. about Shell Key Preserve.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe diverse coastal species. "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," notes Jeanene A. about Anclote Key.

Camping gear considerations: Bring appropriate gear for beach camping conditions. "You can find some sandy spots tucked into the vegetation every so often along the beach, but you won't fit a large tent in these areas," warns Elliott B. about Shell Key.

Tips from RVers

Mainland RV options: For those with recreational vehicles, the Upper Hillsborough area offers accessible sites. "Large open area with great shade trees, no water, privy. Easy pull through for RV. Tent spots. Fire rings," describes Scott O. about Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area.

Site availability fluctuations: Check permit systems as actual occupancy may differ from online status. "Didn't run into anyone eventhough permit page indicated Booked out," reports Nina O. about her experience at Upper Hillsborough.

Waste management: No trash facilities exist at free camping sites near Tarpon Springs. "The lack of trash cans was surprising. Just take your trash with you, leave no trace," advises SukiDookie about their Upper Hillsborough experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Tarpon Springs, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Tarpon Springs, FL is Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground with a 5-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Tarpon Springs, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Tarpon Springs, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.