Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
Shell Key Preserve
About
County
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…
Location
Shell Key Preserve is located in Florida
Coordinates
27.663516 N
82.741454 W
Access
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Fires
RangerPack it (everything you'd need) in and pack it (all of your trash!) out
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. One of the easiest island paddles out there - just a little over a mile. Pick a spot on the beach and you're good to go (in the green area…
- (7) View All
LegendYears later it’s still one of my favorite places to camp in Florida..:
One of my favorite places to camp in Florida, hands-down. You can only get to this camping spot by water. Must reserve, no pets & no alcohol.
We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds & other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat.
Amazing views.
Campfires not…
- (11) View All
TravelerGreat primitive camping spot!
Shell key is a favorite local spot for my boyfriend and I. The greatest thing about camping here is that it's super cheap, secluded, and so beautiful. Sunsets are to die for. Tons of edible flora, and fishing of course. Plus, shell key is one of the very few places you are allowed to have a fire on…
- (6) View All
Location
Shell Key Preserve is located in Florida
Coordinates
27.663516 N
82.741454 W