Comments on: Shell Key Camping Permits

By: Jack Coletti

Jack Coletti — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 22:59:48 +0000

In reply to Sonia. I believe the only shuttle that takes campers to Shell Key is the Shell Key Ferry. You don't need a boat to get a camping permit. This is "wilderness camping", so there are no specific camp sites, shelters or water sources. The Ferry will take you to the south end of the island and you can set up camp anywhere you like. I recommend staying close to the shore to avoid the worst of the sandspurs. Call the folks at Shell Key Ferry to get details about transporting gear. I don't this there are any reasonable restrictions. If camping in the heat, prioritize shade, bug spray and airflow at night.

By: Sonia

Sonia — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 22:42:08 +0000

Will the ferry take you to the camping site? I’m planning to book the ferry and camp for 2nights with the kids. I am just trying to understand the logistics of drop-off and pick-up from the island, using the ferry as the transportation to get to the island and camp. Or is camping permitted to those who own or arrive in their own boats? I was thinking booking day one in the morning and retur to the fery on day 3 in the afternoon with the camping gear. Oh, also, how many compartments or bags can we bring on the ferry?

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:41:16 +0000

In reply to Monica Eisenman. You will definitely not be alone kn shell key especially on weekends. There is a shell key shuttle that will take you and your gear over and back for $50 round trip.

By: April

April — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 17:24:04 +0000

Hi Jack! Coming down to Florida for a short trip and was thinking about camping on Shell Island with my husband and her 17 year-old son. I realize that you have to have a boat of some sort to get to Shell Island and that you need a permit camp there. We do have a couple of hard side kayaks, but I’m not sure we can travel with them. Do you think inflatable kayaks would be appropriate for this situation? We have several of those and could easily carry them with us on our long trip.

By: aliyah hurt

aliyah hurt — Thu, 15 May 2025 13:48:17 +0000

Hello, I am trying to camp on shell key in the upcoming weeks but the system is down for permits. Is there no other way to obtain a permit?

By: Jack Coletti

Jack Coletti — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 12:30:17 +0000

In reply to Monica Eisenman. 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!

By: Monica Eisenman

Monica Eisenman — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 10:11:13 +0000

Howdy Jack,
I am planning my 50th birthday and want to spend 2 weeks alone camping out on this island. What is the best way to get myself and limited amount of gear there? I would prefer to be in isolation, as much as possible, do you know of a local captain for hire that can get me to the primitive area without having to lug my gear since i’m doing this adventure solo? Mainly I’m considering the weight of water for 2 weeks supply. Or, if you know if a different location for primitive camping where the chances of me seeing another human is rare. Thanks!!

By: Jack Coletti

Jack Coletti — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 13:34:16 +0000

In reply to Jamie.

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!

By: Jamie

Jamie — Sat, 15 Apr 2023 00:04:06 +0000

Hello,

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!

By: Jack Coletti

Jack Coletti — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 16:14:51 +0000

In reply to Mitzi Hylton.

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!