Top Free Dispersed Camping near Venice, FL

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Venice? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Venice. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Venice, FL (2)

    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Key Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Key Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Key Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Key Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Key Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Key Preserve

    1. Shell Key Preserve

    7 Reviews
    47 Photos
    182 Saves
    Tierra Verde, Florida

    Overnight Camping the South Public Use Area Only Primitive camping is allowed only on the South Public Use area of Shell Key.

    Camping Permits Camping Permits are required for any overnight activity on Shell Key. Permits can be obtained for free from the county.

    Leave No Trace We are required to remove absolutely all trace of our camp – including food, refuse and anything that came with us on our boat.

    Campfires You must remove all trace of your campfire before you leave. This means removing (not burying) all the charred wood from the fire. Remember that you are not at a permanent campsite. You are in a nature preserve and are required to leave no trace at all.

    Portable Toilets Required The county requires all campers to bring a portable toilet for overnight activities. A simple DIY toilet can be made with a 5 gallon bucket, a trash bag and some sand. Place the trash bag in the bucket as a liner, put in a scoop of sand and use the toilet. When done, put another scoop of sand on top. Some people even bring some scented cat litter to use instead of sand.

    No Pets or Alcohol It doesn’t seem fair to leave the member of the family that would perhaps get the most joy out of island wilderness camping. However, pets are completely banned from the entire preserve including all of the aquatic boundaries. Read more about the pet ban. Alcohol is also forbidden within the preserve boundaries.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    Camper-submitted photo from Peace River Banks Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Peace River Banks Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Peace River Banks Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Peace River Banks Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Peace River Banks Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Peace River Banks Backcountry

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Venice

1 Reviews of 2 Venice Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Peace River Banks Backcountry
    February 12, 2021

    Peace River Banks Backcountry

    Old Florida Wilderness Camping

    The Peace River runs north to south. Excellent backcountry camping between Zolpho Springs and Gardner. More camping down to Arcadia. Canoeing and kayaking are preferred mode of transportation but I’ve seen others use Jon boats and airboats. Camping permitted on West Bank. No designated sites.



Guide to Venice

Camping near Venice, FL, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the beaches: Enjoy the sun and surf at nearby beaches. Campers love the access to beautiful shorelines, with one reviewer saying, "This is an all-around winner. On the beach with shells, sunsets, waves and all that the beach has to offer" at Turtle Beach Campground.
  • Wildlife watching: Many parks, like Myakka River State Park, are great for spotting alligators, deer, and various bird species. One visitor noted, "It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."
  • Hiking and biking: Trails abound in the area. A camper at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground mentioned, "The hiking trails were fun, saw a lot of wildlife."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground said, "Restrooms/showers were clean and staff were very helpful."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One reviewer at Lake Manatee State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are large, private, and nicely surrounded by woods."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. A camper at Fort De Soto Campground noted, "Staff at the front desk, store and grounds were friendly and attentive."

What you should know:

  • Bugs can be a problem: Some campers have reported issues with insects. One camper at Fort De Soto Campground said, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
  • Crowded during peak times: Popular campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground mentioned, "Weekends are busy, like people walking through your site at all hours."
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or markets nearby. A camper at Lake Manatee State Park Campground noted, "It does not have full hookups."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly parks: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One family at Koreshan State Park Campground enjoyed the "kids playground" and fishing spots.
  • Plan for activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for family fun. A camper at St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA mentioned, "They have bike and kayak rentals."
  • Pack snacks and meals: Having food on hand can save time and money. A visitor at Turtle Beach Campground appreciated the "nice laundry, great bathrooms, tons of rinsing and washing opportunities."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Lake Manatee State Park Campground said, "The campsites are spacious and mostly nicely separated from neighbors."
  • Be aware of noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or activities. A camper at Peace River Campground advised, "Bring earplugs... you also get quite a lot of noise from the divided highway."
  • Look for full hookups: If you need them, check ahead. A visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground has everything you need."

Camping near Venice, FL, has something for everyone. Whether you're tent camping or RVing, you'll find spots that suit your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Venice, FL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Venice, FL is Shell Key Preserve with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.