Free Camping on the Water in Florida | Special Onsite Report

Free camping on the water in Florida may be had. In this video, I provide an onsite special report on a purportedly free camping area on the water in Florida. I have visited hundreds of free camping locations throughout the United States. One of our viewers inquired about this purportedly free camping area. This video documents what I found during my January 2023 onsite visit.
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[@PeteReynolds-wz5wu]

I actually stayed there a couple of times during the 17/18 winter, it was posted then but not strictly enforced unless they felt cause, such as excessive amounts of trash and such. But if you're actually behaving yourself, they'll let it slide, stop and chat a bit if they see you out by your rig. The north end is more of a beach type setting, you can bounce back and fourth between the 2, as long as they see you moving they're pretty relaxed with you about staying. Both piers, once you pay to get on it's good for 24 hours, so after you leave for the night, you can go back earlier than the time you paid the day before and get on for free and then stay as late as you want. But as far as camping, the north end of the sky way is a much better spot, more shade if you have a small rig. It just sees a lot more activity due to beach access and on the other side of I-275 used to be a place that rented guided horse rides out the edge of the bay under the bridge and over along the beach.

[@1951Roy]

Thanks for the update, like the Keys people will take it to the limit. Then get mad when the police tell them to move. Roy from Florida.

[@ruabadkitty]

So it is true there is no boondocking down at the Keys. I am from Fl. Is there any boondocking on the other keys? I don't care about Key West. I just want to try snorkeling down there for a day or 2. I am in an Astro Van. I live in St. Petersburg. I have been hesitant because I do not want to drive all the way out of the keys in the middle of the night if I don't have to.

[@authortommcauliffe3692]

Thank you

[@funzeevanzee]

Thanks for sharing

[@kristieandersonDunedinFl]

Hi. I've been in this area all my life. We have fished and swam all night but never knew of camping. Thank you sir

[@jos1062]

I'm a local also and have an rv. You can't overnight there anymore. Years ago you could get away with it sometimes but people have really trashed it up and like so many other places, ruined it for others. You can stay during daylight hrs.

[@Dr.SalvatoreVinciguerra]

Excellent video. I've always wondered about this area myself. I find the West Coast of Florida to not be so RV Friendly when it comes to the design of the roads and exits. Thanks for sharing this spot with us. Have a great day!

[@genievaangelica6244]

Thanks we are camping in Florida too love your videos

[@LivingOurDreamNow]

Your kind words are much appreciated! Lou

[@user-nh6bu5kj8p]

I also saw a video saying this was a free camping area. Thank you for clarifying this. And yes people leaving trash and a mess is not only disgusting it also makes things harder on the ones that enjoy and respect nature. Stay happy and safe travels.

[@LivingOurDreamNow]

You bet! Lou

[@concreteguyjd]

"Right of Way" widths vary from state to state. In Ohio, I believe it's 15' from edge of shoulder. We saw lots of campers last January in the same place.

[@maryhodges5904]

I'm a viewer of your channel also from WV who now lives in Rotonda, FL and love seeing you guys find affordable camping. We look to do the same for about 6 months out of the year. We're heading out west in May or June. Hope to meet you on the road someday. Safe travels!

[@LivingOurDreamNow]

Follow our travels on Facebook. You’ll find our most current information there. Lou

[@lifehunter6426]

If people would pack it in, pack it out, there probably wouldn't be an issue with camping

[@southerngirlyall6497]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@LivingOurDreamNow]

Glad it was helpful! Lou

[@gracek9207]

I think the critical issue is trash that would end up in the ocean. As a tampa bay resident my heart aches when people abuse our beautiful shores and beaches. Please be responsible while enjoying the outdoors and keep our land and ocean clean.

[@melodygrandinetti5016]

Your so right, pack in pack out please

[@traveler320ak7]

Great video. I just crossed over the skyway a few weeks back and noticed this “camping spot” and wondered if it was a campground.

[@johannadelbusto7987]

Mind blown Lou! I live in Florida and I'm always yearning to go to TX to camp on the beach... That's why we can't have nice things...😤 Not hard to keep it clean.

[@donnadee9857]

I can confirm this but FHP will make you leave based on those right of way signs. They are storing construction materials there so a portion is now blocked off. Mostly holiday weekends it's allowed.

[@ruabadkitty]

I live 5 miles from there and usually go down there to take my dog swimming or I go fishing on the pier. People have trashed the southern area so bad that they don't let people camp there. Every once in a while you will get a nice cop that doesn't say anything, although that is rare now. I have been there fishing during the evening when the police come and make everyone leave they don't even knock now they just get on their loudspeaker. In that case, you can always go to the rest area. North Side rest area they will come by in the afternoons and tell you that you can't stay another night because you were there the night before. They are new rest areas, and they don't want a bunch of people staying. People can bring campers in at the South end during the day, but it is best to have a 2nd plan. The garbage you see is nothing compared to how it is most of the time. I have spent the night there, but I fish at night, and I am in a van they have seen me there before since I am a local. I also take my van on the fishing pier for a small fee $4 per vehicle, plus $4 per adult, you can fish 24 hrs. Likewise, I do that in the summer because there is a great breeze and no skeeters. You can't take a camper on the pier, but people can take van's. No dogs allowed either. It's a shame people have trashed the south end so bad. I have met a lot of nice people there. On the north side don't try to bring a big rig in there. People in cars get stuck in that sugar sand plus it is a small circle turn around at the end. My friend brings her class B down there, but I would not take anything bigger plus there are deep holes that fill with water as the tide goes in and out to maneuver around. They also close that gate at dusk. Unfortunately, I don't see it getting any better in the near future. They still pile up the trash. A lot of the trash is from people fishing, it isn't all campers this time. The North side rest area has new covered picnic tables, potable water and it is on the water if people want to hang out there for the day. Just remember, to avoid paying the toll each time you go over the bridge, people need to take the exit ramp to each end's rest areas and drive under the bridge to the opposite side ramp. If you miss the exit you have to pay the toll again. If you 2 ever get back to this area give me a yell, You can pull your camper in front of my house in the grass area or use my driveway which would be easier to unhook to go exploring. My neighbors don't care either. They see my friends come by in buses and campers for a day or so. I am Rae Lynn on your Facebook group. I live in Gulfport which is an artsy small town right on the bottom tip of St Petersburg by Bocca Ciega Bay. My town used to let people stay in the lot by the Civic center until people started taking advantage of it also. Then about 8 months ago some lady left her 3 young kids in her camper until 4am while she went out partying on one of the sailboats anchored in the bay. That was when they started cracking down.

[@LivingOurDreamNow]

Nancy Rae - I can’t thank you enough for this lovely detailed comment that will help a lot of people understand just what is going on at this location. Next time through - I’ll make a note and maybe we can have you over to the campsite or grab a bite to eat somewhere. Lou

[@anthsallwonky]

it can be hit or miss if you'll be run out of this spot or not. The trash is a huge problem there and that's why it's monitored more often than not. Before the pandemic it was a cool spot to hangout for an afternoon or even at night. Alot has changed in Tampa Bay over the last few years.

[@LivingOurDreamNow]

Thank you for adding this supplemental information for our viewers. Much appreciated! Lou

[@stefanieburlingame5944]

agree. I received the knock and was told to leave around 2:30am when I tried to stay. Everyone there that night was chased off. I think it's just luck of the draw as to whether you can stay or not.

[@spiritwindvue8038]

If campers came to clean up and make a positive difference, it would be quite another story and they would be more than welcome. However it has been our experience That people are so nasty. My son traveled out west with me a couple of years. We Boondocked all the way up from Southern California to southern Oregon. We had to go in and clean out every campsite where we were. We left it much cleaner than we found it. In fact we left it spotless

[@ruabadkitty]

I am a local and I used to bring a large black trash bag and clean up what I could. The next day it was the same way and sometimes worse. It was a hopeless case for 1 person. Most of the trash was from people fishing but I have a cargo rack, so my van didn't stink up. The wind always blows there and lots of the trash ended up in the water. Things have not changed either.

[@spiritwindvue8038]

@@ruabadkitty It’s just sickening how they do. But, God willing, I’ll continue to clean up when I can what I can with your arm at a campsite or a day site. Hopefully that will make a difference, at least it does with me at the time. Prayers for your journey! Oh, by the way I used to live in Saint Pete

[@lisar9314]

That's why land owners don't allow people on there property they leave so much garbage behind it's crazy 😧 then the fact that people are sue happy these days do not help neither just keep good people from access to good Alice thief a spot cleaner than what I found it, it's our duty to take care of earth I have grandkids that need this earth to live on too it doesn't end with me people need to stop and think about the future of there families.

[@tamarastacey9399]

When I stayed there, I noticed it wasn't the overnighters that le😢ft the trash everywhere

[@gregghershberger7968]

Thanks. Saw some previous videos about this site from last year where people almost fought because of rudeness. One guy was camped and someone pulled up right in front of his camper between him and the water running a generator and wouldn't move.

[@LivingOurDreamNow]

Thank you for adding this context here. Lou

[@mrfusioneng]

Yes we live near by, there is no overnight parking. However we do go to ft Desoto with our class A and spend the day sometimes, ( impossible to get reservations at the ft desoto campground, ( same with every other campground in the region btw, ( all booked solid, a year in advance)). Kinda sucks.

[@CeruleanSky1111]

FL native and the changes in the last 3-5 yrs are mind numbing. Even the "sticks" aren't the sticks anymore. Anything near either coast is mostly developed now. 😢

[@adriannurse1502]

We drove by there once, but we didn't stop.

[@LiteSkinLatinPoetic]

Unless its posted or a state law than they can NOT run you out of anywhere does not matter youre duration of time my fellow americans!!!

[@money2mia]

yeah....don't be one of "those guys"....i totally agree to pack it in and pack it out or don't pack anything disposable at all...

[@jasperdunord1702]

Thanks for informing us once again Lou!! Can you just spend the day and not be bothered by police? Cheers and stay safe.

[@LivingOurDreamNow]

Day use appears to be acceptable. There is a garage can at this location which implies day use is acceptable. It really is a gray area and that is why I leave it up to the viewer to decide for themselves.

[@sean2148]

How hard is it to not trash a place? Apparently it’s next to impossible for some. I’ll never understand

[@popatop75]

i feel if there's a trash can i can use it ... pack it in and pack it out for places that don't have trash cans thank you for the video good job

[@rickverble2607]

Can I ask a question why do they have trash cans? What is trash cans Matt for?

[@donnadee9857]

As far as garbage, there has been barrels for such but they don't get emptied nearly enough.

[@LivingOurDreamNow]

Piling garbage around a single trash can is not cool. Especially, if it is not bagged. It is unsightly and detracts from the landscape. I’m always amazed by people that don’t understand the concept of pack it in, pack it out. Lou

[@ruabadkitty]

You are right on that.

[@terib3625]

I think you can park for day. I tried overnite there last March & got a knock about 10:30pm

[@LivingOurDreamNow]

Thanks for this supplemental information. Lou

[@poiryra]

I go through there from time to time and have always wondered because I always see campers but now I'm let down. Thought it was going to be a possibility at one point.

[@simon6703]

In the fishing area, you can “overnight fish” and it is $4.00 I believe. Probably more appropriate for van sized RVs though.

[@garrycomeno2731]

This is not an overnight camping area. Talked with a state offer and he said that if the officer doesn't want anyone there it's up to their discretion as to make them move. Yes you can be cited for being in a right of way.

[@Arlene_witha_y]

A lot of the free campgrounds have no water or electricity at the site. I dunno if i could rough it like that, especially car/ tent camping.

[@quantumquestions5849]

It looks like the people are putting the trash where it belongs and the state workers are not properly taking it up or not getting it in a timely manner.

[@johnnyrambles]

Up until last January overnight parking "camping" at the South Skyway and many years ago overnighting around the North approach used to be a non-issue. Unfortunately people ruined it! About 15-20 years ago they cracked down on the North side due to huge rave like parties that started to attract 100's of people and just last January they cracked down on the South end due to people overstaying their welcome by basically living there tossing litter and even human waste. One can still "get away with it" sometimes, but be prepared to be woken up by the cops in the middle of the night. For those in vans or car camping you can pay $8 and get a 24 hour pass for the Skyway Pier. I've stayed there many, many times overnight and never had an issue and there are many people fishing there all night. You can't take an RV or trailer there anymore (Since they closed the 2nd span), but sometimes the toll worker will allow pickup campers.

[@funzeevanzee]

Where or who do you pay? after you get there or online ahead of time?

[@johnnyrambles]

@@funzeevanzee When you arrive. There's a toll booth on both piers that is staffed 24/7. They'll ask if you're fishing or just sight seeing. Tell them fishing as it's a few dollars more, but gives you a 24 hour time window. There are bathrooms and a small bait shop on the pier.

[@LivingOurDreamNow]

This is awesome contextual information. Thank you for sharing it here! Much appreciated. Lou

[@funzeevanzee]

@@johnnyrambles Awesome. Thank you so much.

[@ruabadkitty]

I am a local and that is what I do. They let me on the pier in my Astro Van. No dogs allowed either.

[@rexking3698]

We pulled in a year ago and within minutes a police offer pulled in and told us we could not camp there.

[@scottmcguire9618]

I fish here. I see FHP push people out every time. It’s clearly sign posted.

[@Kmax3000]

9:48 - abuse it, you loose it!

[@LivingOurDreamNow]

No arument here. I just shake my head sometimes. Lou

[@deborahg4599]

No camping there. State police came when I was there. He was very nice but said no camping there. Day time is fine. Fishing too.

[@mindhax_]

Can you pop a tent there?

[@LivingOurDreamNow]

In the day time for sure! 👍 Lou

[@Data-Top10]

No parking right of way simply means they don't want people parking in a way that impedes the traffic on the road. Looking up the definition of this shows it is really meant as a warning for people not to park on the side of the road potentially blocking traffic. It has nothing to do with camping.

[@12packnight81]

Where can you Tent camp on the beach in this area?

[@ruabadkitty]

I am a local. I don't know of any place to camp right on the beach. They have cracked down on everything. You can camp at Fort De Soto Park Campground. It is hard to get a spot and to me, it is expensive being it is just me paying the whole bill. You can't camp right on the water, but there are available sites on the water. It is not the actual beach, but the inlet is right there if you know where to look. There is not much camping in Pinellas County. I drive 35 miles to the closest boondocking place on South West Water Mgmt District.

[@spiritwindvue8038]

Have you all run into any issues with encountering Does from the border influx?

[@LivingOurDreamNow]

We have no issues.

[@spiritwindvue8038]

@@LivingOurDreamNow good to hear, I am a solo traveler

[@lex.cordis]

So... what's the verdict of this video? Can you camp here or not?

[@LivingOurDreamNow]

I leave it up to the viewer. I present the information -- you decide. Lou

[@lex.cordis]

@@LivingOurDreamNow Fair enough. Thanks.

[@onemannews]

And all that trash the workers are picking up is probably the biggest reason camping isn't allowed there. People are disgusting

[@ruabadkitty]

I go down there a lot since I am a local. Believe it or not most of the trash are from day use and people fishing. I have never seen a camper putting their trash next to any of the overflowed trash cans. I have seen lots of the trash being piled up from people spending the day and also fishing. Nobody wants to haul beer cans or smelly fish stuff back in their vehicles. Have a great day!

[@expressivepets1]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣Well...not really an official campsite. Too funny.

[@LivingOurDreamNow]

This is the video one of my viewers cited within their inquiry to me related to this location: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZS0XoiwnNGljpo

[@nexttrekkingadventure]

Interesting- Thank you for sharing

[@expressivepets1]

Not a criticism...I spent NY's Eve at that location. Locals used to camp out all the time. I am amazed at just how entrenched you are able to get into the local "camping-trends." Mad skills.

[@chrisvaldez3483]

I live not too far from there and you can not camp there

[@walteragentplummer7031]

Looks like you showed folks violating laws in Florida, not free camping! Lol

[@LivingOurDreamNow]

You be the judge. This is the video one of my viewers cited within their inquiry to me related to this location: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZS0XoiwnNGljpo

[@ruabadkitty]

Actually he didn't. You can get by with it depending on what officer is on duty or if you fish at night. Also, this big crack down happened after they left the area. The County built new rest areas and are tired of cleaning up trash. I am a local. It used to be a great place to overnight. If you try it, It is a good idea to have plan 2.