Hi Monica,

Congrats on 50 laps around the Sun 🙂 I don’t know any captains for that small a private charter, but I believe the Island Ferry will take you out to the island for camping. If you are local, you could always treat yourself to a swell new kayak for your birthday 😉

As for the best spot for privacy, I like the Gulf side of the South Public Use area. There are far fewer people on that corner of the island compared to the Bunces Pass (south) side. Lucky for you, this time of year sees far fewer visitors to the island, so you should have no problem finding solitude. You can set up either near the gulf side or the bay side. The Gulf side gets a nice breeze. There are occasionally people strolling down the beach, but the tall dunes start right at the edge of the beach and will hide your camp from view of passers by.

I know of no other primitive camping areas in this corner of the state. There are a few nice forests – like the Ocala National Forest in North Central Florida.

For a 2 week trip, I recommend carrying a small handheld vhf radio just in case your cell phone dies or you get poor reception. I’ve never had a problem getting a good signal but I always have a VHF on my boat so I can communicate directly with boaters, fishermen & law enforcement in the immediate area.

Here’s wishing you good luck and a Happy Birthday!

Hi Jamie,

I believe you can just put in your phone number for that field in the registration form. I haven’t seen any official statement to that effect, but I believe that’s what most people do.

Hope this helps!

My husband and I are planning to kayak out for a night of camping. How would I register if I do t have a vessel number?

Thanks!

Hi Mitzi,

There are a few scattered trees and some upland mangroves – so there’s enough shade for survival. That said, I always bring a shade canopy of some kind – or at least a big umbrella.

Hope this helps!

Hi Phil,

I think they will have a blast with memories to last a lifetime. We started camping with our daughter on Shell Key when she was only 6 months old and she always had a wonderful time. Just bring plenty of good bedding, comfort food and some firewood for ambiance. A shade canopy would be good too – even in January. With 3 boys, it wouldn’t hurt to bring a well stocked first aid kit 😉

Hope this helps!

Phil

Hi Renee,

There are no individual campsites on Shell Key. You can basically camp anywhere in the south pubic use area. One permit covers 6 people. There is no place to check in – and in all likelihood, no one will ask to see your permit. On rare occasions (busy holidays) there may be law enforcement on the island, but most of the time you are on the honor system. Remember also that there are no facilities on the island – no bathrooms or buildings of any kind. So be prepared for wilderness style camping. You will also need to bring a toilet of some kind and to pack out all your waste (including human waste).

Hope this helps!