By:
Submission
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 required to remove absolutely all trace of our camp – including food, refuse and anything that came with us on our boat.
Campfires
You must remove all trace of your campfire before you leave. This means removing (not burying) all the charred wood from the fire. Remember that you are not at a permanent campsite. You are in a nature preserve and are required to leave no trace at all.
Portable Toilets Required
The county requires all campers to bring a portable toilet for overnight activities. A simple DIY toilet can be made with a 5 gallon bucket, a trash bag and some sand. Place the trash bag in the bucket as a liner, put in a scoop of sand and use the toilet. When done, put another scoop of sand on top. Some people even bring some scented cat litter to use instead of sand.
No Pets or Alcohol
It doesn’t seem fair to leave the member of the family that would perhaps get the most joy out of island wilderness camping. However, pets are completely banned from the entire preserve including all of the aquatic boundaries. Read more about the pet ban. Alcohol is also forbidden within the preserve boundaries.
I really enjoyed this. The crew was interesting and friendly, the island was beautiful, and the price was right. Just a great way to spend a few hours in nature. I highly recommend.
A very beautiful place to go to you can only get to This Cove is a boat We did have to swim ashore off the boat but was very nice beach. Been here a few times most times there's only 2 or 3 people there A very beautiful place to spend the day with your family and friends No restaurants no restrooms no docking.
Got a ride over on the Shell Key Shuttle ($25 per adult and they give you a bag for shells). The preserve is just an island with nothing on it. Bring snacks and drinks and any gear you may want. We found the surge, current, swells to be better towards the gulf side, away from the harbor. We saw plenty of fish, all varieties of shells, turtle nests, and more. The boats don’t really mind the no wake zone so be ready for their wake to move you.
This was a great time and we will go back.
If you’re looking to relax and enjoy your vacation with the family or with friends this is a must visit! My boys absolutely loved this part of our vacation! Pack snacks, drinks, umbrella and beach chairs! We took the fairy over to the island. We had Robyn & the shell king. Can’t remember his real name. They were awesome! He made necklaces out of shells at the end. They do have umbrellas, goggles, & snacks if you need them for a small fee.
This preserve is a must see in my opinion, with its glass clear water and striking white sands. However the only way is by water, and i would recommend going by kayak. Get Up and Go kayaking is an excellent company with clear kayaks and a tour for $60 per person to shell key and back. The trip is easy for beginners and those who have never been in a kayak and our guide, Bria, was amazing as she was helpful and very instructful.
