Shired Island Campground, near Old Town, Florida, is a unique spot that offers a laid-back atmosphere with stunning beach views. It’s a first-come, first-served location where you can pitch a tent or park your RV, making it a flexible choice for campers looking to unwind by the water.

The campground features picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Visitors have noted the fantastic beach sites, which provide a great backdrop for activities like fishing or simply soaking up the sun. One camper mentioned, “Amazing beach view with just about everything you need,” highlighting the natural beauty that surrounds you here.

While amenities are limited, there are some power options and a bathhouse available. Just keep in mind that the water has a sulfuric quality, and the bathrooms might not always be spotless. If you're up for a little adventure, this campground is also a prime spot for stargazing, especially during meteor showers, as one reviewer pointed out, “There is a deck in the water you can walk out to and watch the stars.”

With its rustic charm and proximity to nature, Shired Island Campground is a great choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Just remember to bring your own drinking water and firewood, and you’ll be set for a memorable camping experience.

Owned and operated by Dixie County. No reservations; sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Part of the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, the Shired Island Boat Ramp & Trail provide access to the Gulf, shoreline fishing, and a short trail to a 7,000 year-old archaeology site. You'll want to bring your camera. For anglers without vessels, the ample sea wall provides plenty of shore-fishing opportunities. There are no nearby stores or tackle shops, so come prepared. 12 hookup spots $20/night for an rv, $10/night for a tent but $20 if hooked up to electricity.

Shired Island Campground

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I love the views of this place. There many activities available near this location. I went on a weekend trip to watch the meteors. There is deck in the water you can walk out to and watch the stars or fish.

This is a perfect place to see meteor showers

Shired Island Campground is a beautiful place to stay. It is first come first serve, and cost $10 a day to stay, with a maximum of 14 days. It has limited amenities. There are some power options, a few pavilions grills, and there is a bath and shower house, but the water is very sulfuric, and the bathrooms are not always very clean.

Beautiful Location 

Dogs allowed on one side only. Lots of no see ums in evening. Bathrooms are rough and showers unusable due sulfur content. But beach sites are fantastic 

Ok for a night

Amazing beach view with just about everything you need. Kinda tucked away but if you can read a map and have a smart phone you’ll be fine 🤘🏻 must stay more then one night! Lots to do!

What a GEM!

Closed due to storm damage from hurricane unknown when it will reopen

Awesome place to camp but it's closed due to storm damage

Closed 

It is too bad that they allow people to bring their airboats. Airboats have zero utility out here unless you want to run on land and water like a swamp. Shired Island is not a swamp, it's a wildlife refuge. Since they have no rules against airboats, the loudness of the machines gives visitors noise pollution where they might otherwise enjoy the sounds of the sea and the waves hitting the shore. If the airboats are there, everything natural is drowned out and, meanwhile, they feel as though they can run up on the land and ruin the habitat on the wildlife refuge. Airboats should definitely be made illegal at this location. Terrible.

Airboat Apocalypse 

I love this place its one of my favorite places to camp on a beach. I guess they have closed it cause there are big rocks blocking the access to the beach

Photos of Shired Island Campground

Real photos from real campers