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Dispersed camping near Wimauma, Florida primarily includes island-based primitive sites accessible only by water. Shell Key Preserve allows primitive camping on its uninhabited barrier island in designated areas with required free permits. This preserve features white sand beaches and natural surroundings but has strict leave-no-trace requirements. Other water-access only options include Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground, where campers can set up tents after arriving by private boat or kayak. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area permits free primitive camping with drive-in access, while Peace River Banks provides opportunities for boat-in camping along natural riverbanks.
Water transportation is essential for most dispersed camping in this region. Shell Key and Anclote Key preserves require kayaks, canoes, or motorboats to reach camping areas, with paddling distances ranging from one to three miles depending on launch points. Sites lack amenities such as drinking water, showers, or permanent restroom facilities. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area features primitive pull-through sites accessible by vehicle with basic fire rings but minimal other facilities. Campers must pack out all trash at all locations, and portable toilets are required at Shell Key. Camping permits, though free, are mandatory at several sites.
These coastal and inland primitive camping options provide distinctly natural Florida experiences with varying levels of seclusion. Both Shell Key and Anclote Key offer opportunities to camp on essentially private islands once day visitors depart. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, with numerous bird species, marine life, and native flora. Campers at Upper Hillsborough note the "large open area with great shade trees" and peaceful environment, while Peace River provides "excellent backcountry camping" in what one visitor described as "Old Florida Wilderness." Shell Key visitors should be prepared for rough sleeping conditions as "there are no specifically cleared sites" and you must be "mindful that there are lots of plants, shrubs, sticks and stones which can make being in a tent pretty rough."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Excellent backcountry camping between Zolpho Springs and Gardner. More camping down to Arcadia."
LegendAnclote 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.
TravelerWe 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!
LegendAnclote 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.
GuideLarge 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.
GuideWe 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.
GuideThe 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.
TravelerState maintained park with dispersed sites including picnic tables and fire rings!
RangerAs 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.
TravelerShort 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
Dispersed camping near Wimauma, Florida requires preparation for Florida's humid subtropical climate with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through September. Most rustic camping sites in this region lack shade structures and developed facilities. Winter months (November-March) provide more comfortable camping conditions with temperatures between 50-75°F and significantly less rainfall.
Fossil hunting: The Peace River Banks Backcountry provides exceptional opportunities for prehistoric fossil hunting during low water periods. "The Peace River runs north to south. Excellent backcountry camping between Zolpho Springs and Gardner. More camping down to Arcadia," notes visitor Bob S., who recommends canoeing or kayaking as the preferred transportation method.
Stargazing: Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground offers remarkable night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "Enjoy a night of primitive camping under the stars without a sound except insects and lapping waves on the beach," writes camper Jeanene A. The island's isolation creates ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
Bird watching: Shell Key Preserve hosts numerous shorebird species and migratory birds. "We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds and other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat," reports Alyssa D. Spring and fall migrations provide peak bird watching opportunities.
Island solitude: Many campers appreciate how boat-access sites become nearly private after day visitors depart. "During the day there were quite a few boats on the island but by about 4pm we basically had the island to ourselves," writes Kaitlin B. about her kayak trip to Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground.
Natural beaches: The undeveloped shorelines provide authentic coastal experiences. "Short boat ride out to what felt like a secluded island, back when florida was all natural. We had the whole place to ourselves," writes Mandy P., noting the "sunrise and sunset in the same day, and the stars at night were endless."
Affordable escape: Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area offers free primitive camping with basic amenities. "It was nice and free. There is a porta-potty, but I didn't check it out," reports SukiDookie, adding that "the grounds were nicely maintained."
Required equipment: Portable toilets are mandatory at multiple sites. "You must carry in/out everything as there are no bathroom facilities available and all campers must bring a port-a-potty," explains Steve S. about camping at Shell Key Preserve.
Weather considerations: Weather conditions can dramatically affect your trip, particularly for water-access sites. "Depending on the weather and the tides/current, they may shut down camping, or you may want to go by boat (not paddle/kayak)," advises Alyssa D. regarding Anclote Key.
Surface challenges: Tent placement requires careful site selection. "Nice open area for camping although there are no specifically cleared sites," explains Nina O. about Upper Hillsborough, suggesting campers "be mindful that there are lots of plants, shrubs, sticks and stones."
Kayak distances: Assess children's paddling abilities before attempting water crossings. "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," advises Dan X. about accessing Shell Key Preserve.
Insect protection: Summer camping requires thorough bug preparation. "Make sure to have everything you need, too, especially bug spray - the mosquitos (among other bugs) are insane during the summer," warns Alyssa D., though she notes "No skeeters in October" when visiting later in the year.
Food storage: Secure food supplies from wildlife, especially at primitive sites. Scott O. recommends at Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area: "Large open area with great shade trees, no water, privy. Easy pull through for RV. Tent spots. Fire rings."
Limited RV options: Most rustic camping near Wimauma requires boat access, but Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area accommodates small to medium RVs. "Easy pull through for RV. Tent spots. Fire rings. Harley-Davidson approved. Golden Coral buffet in town," notes Scott O.
Pack-out requirements: RVers must plan for complete waste management. "The lack of trash cans was surprising. Just take your trash with you, leave no trace, and it was an enjoyable and free experience," advises SukiDookie after camping at Upper Hillsborough.
Isolation preparation: Cell service can be unreliable at most dispersed sites. "We were the only ones there for the weekend, probably because of the summer heat," reports SukiDookie, highlighting the potential isolation at these primitive camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Wimauma, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wimauma, FL is Shell Key Preserve with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Wimauma, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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