Dispersed camping near Tierra Verde, Florida requires planning and water transportation skills due to the isolated marine locations. The area sits within the Gulf Coast barrier island system where access to camping sites depends entirely on personal watercraft. During winter months, water temperatures can drop to 65°F while average daytime temperatures remain in the 70s, creating comfortable camping conditions with fewer insects than summer months.
What to do
Shoreline fishing opportunities: Shell Key Preserve provides excellent fishing along both the Gulf and Intercoastal sides of the island. According to a visitor at Shell Key Preserve, "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."
Kayak island exploration: Paddlers can easily access Shell Key from Fort DeSoto Park. As one camper described, "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."
Lighthouse tours: The 1887 lighthouse on Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground offers historical interest. A visitor notes, "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."
What campers like
Isolation after day visitors leave: The campgrounds become notably quieter in evenings. One Anclote Key camper shared, "This seldom used camping area is wonderful after the sun sets and day visitors leave the island."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights offer exceptional celestial viewing without light pollution. A camper at Anclote Key mentioned, "Enjoy a night of primitive camping under the stars without a sound except insects and lapping waves on the beach. It's worth every minute to see the sun rise and set in the same day, and the stars at night were endless."
Dolphin and marine wildlife viewing: The areas around Shell Key Preserve offer regular marine mammal sightings. "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," according to one visitor.
What you should know
Camping closures during inclement weather: Access depends entirely on water conditions. According to one Anclote Key camper, "Reservations MUST be made in advance and the island does close during bad weather not allowing visitors to stay overnight."
Insect preparation critical: Summer months bring intense insect activity requiring substantial protection. A visitor to Anclote Key advised, "Make sure to have everything you need, too, especially bug spray — the mosquitos (among other bugs) are insane during the summer."
Transportation limitations: Ferry services typically do not accommodate overnight campers. As noted at Anclote Key, "Ferry services do not drop visitors off for overnight camping. You must have your own transportation to stay overnight."
Tent placement challenges: Vegetation and terrain can complicate setting up camp. A Shell Key visitor explained, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Pack entertainment for midday heat: During summer afternoons, shade is limited and temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Consider water toys and games that work on sand.
Bring portable shade structures: Limited natural shade means creating your own. At Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground, one camper noted, "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."
Plan for secure food storage: Wildlife can access camp provisions. One camper shared their solution: "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."
Consider shoulder seasons: Fall provides better camping conditions with fewer insects. One visitor to Anclote Key noted, "No skeeters in October."
Tips from RVers
No direct RV access: These destinations require boat transportation and primitive camping only. Motor boats can transport more gear than kayaks, but islands themselves have no vehicle facilities.
Consider marina parking: Several marinas near Shell Key offer overnight parking while camping on the islands. One Shell Key camper explained, "The key is right across from South Beach at DeSoto so you're bound to hear some loud music from motor boats during the day, but it clears out and feels super remote by evening."
