Shired Island Campground

shired island fl, shired island campground, shired island campground florida

For Floridians who embrace the wilder side of nature and understand the resilience of our coastal landscapes, Shired Island Campground offers a unique, albeit currently challenging, opportunity to connect with the Gulf Coast. Located in Dixie County, this campground provides a raw and untamed camping experience within the beautiful Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge. It's a place that speaks to the adventurous spirit, where the focus is less on modern conveniences and more on the natural environment and the tranquility of a remote coastal setting.

Recent hurricanes have significantly impacted Shired Island Campground, and it's important for prospective campers to be fully aware of the current conditions. While it may not be on the priority list for immediate post-hurricane cleanup and many facilities were washed away or heavily damaged, it remains a "pretty place to visit." This campground is for those who are prepared for a rustic experience, bringing their own provisions and embracing the beauty of a landscape still in recovery. It offers a glimpse into the raw power of nature and the enduring charm of Florida's untouched coast.

Shired Island operates on a first-come, first-served basis, reinforcing its laid-back, less structured appeal. For local campers who appreciate quiet beaches, excellent fishing opportunities, and a truly authentic outdoor adventure, Shired Island Campground, even in its current state, can provide a memorable escape from the everyday, reminding us of Florida's enduring natural allure.

Shired Island Campground is located in Dixie County, Florida, at an address given simply as "Florida, USA." More precise details place it about 19 miles south of Cross City, specifically accessible via State Highway 357. This location positions it squarely within the boundaries of the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, offering a deep immersion into a protected natural environment on Florida's Nature Coast.

The campground is known for being "a long way from civilization," which contributes to its remote and tranquil atmosphere. While this offers a desirable escape from the bustling world, it also means campers should come prepared with all necessary supplies, as "there are no nearby stores or tackle shops." Access involves reaching Shired Island, which is bounded by Shired Creek and Johnson Creek, and connected to the mainland by a short bridge over Shired Creek.

Despite its remote feel, Shired Island features a public boat ramp and dock space, allowing for motorboaters and kayakers to easily launch into the Gulf and surrounding waterways. It's also a designated camping stop along the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, highlighting its role in broader coastal exploration. The remoteness also makes it "an ideal destination for star gazers in search of a dark night sky," further emphasizing its unique natural accessibility.

Based on current information and recent reviews, the services offered at Shired Island Campground are significantly impacted by hurricane damage. Campers should anticipate a very primitive experience:

• Limited or No Functioning Facilities: Reviews explicitly state, "All the camping facilities are washed away." This means traditional amenities like fully functional restrooms and showers should not be expected. One review notes "only one restroom" may be available, but its condition or functionality is not guaranteed.
• Damaged Hookups: There are "remnants of charcoal grills, and electrical hookups," indicating that these services are likely non-functional or severely compromised. Campers should assume no electricity or water hookups are reliably available at sites.
• No Trash Cans: Visitors have reported "no trash cans," meaning a strict pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy is in effect for all waste.
• No Running Water: It's explicitly stated for the general area that "at the moment there is no running water," reinforcing the need for campers to bring their own water.
• Primitive Camping: The current state effectively means primitive camping is the only option, where campers must be fully self-sufficient.
• First-Come, First-Served: The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are accepted. An employee of the parks department typically comes by to collect the camping fee ($20/night for RVs, $10/night for tents, or $20 if hooked up to electricity, though electrical hookups are damaged).

Despite the current challenges, Shired Island Campground retains several unique and compelling natural features:

• Beautiful Natural Setting: The campground offers a "pretty place to visit" with a "laid-back atmosphere and stunning beach views" on Florida's Nature Coast.
• Quiet Beach: It's highlighted as a "quiet beach" that's "a great place to enjoy the day" and camp, offering a serene escape.
• Large Driftwood: Visitors can enjoy "large driftwood" on the beach, which can be an interesting sight for exploration.
• Excellent Shore Fishing: For anglers, the "ample sea wall provides plenty of shore-fishing opportunities," and there's also a fishing pier (though it was destroyed by a hurricane, remnants might remain, or an older pier might still be accessible).
• Boat Ramp and Dock Access: The public boat ramp and dock space allow access to the Gulf and surrounding waterways for motorboating and kayaking.
• Archaeological Site: A short trail leads to a "7,000 year-old archaeology site," offering a unique historical and cultural point of interest.
• Shell Collecting: The island point is noted as a place where "millions of sun-bleached shells can be found," making it ideal for shell collectors.
• Stargazing: The remote location and dark night sky make it an "ideal destination for star gazers in search of a dark night sky."
• Proximity to Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge: Being within this refuge offers extensive opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and exploring natural habitats.
• Resilient Landscape: The opportunity to see a landscape still recovering from hurricanes showcases the power of nature and Florida's enduring beauty.

Address: Florida, USA (More specifically, 21354 SE Co Road 349, Old Town, FL 32680 or County Road 357, Suwannee, FL, 32692, as listed on some sites, within Dixie County, Florida).

Phone: (352) 498-0009

Mobile Phone: +1 352-498-0009

Given the reported damage, it is highly advisable to call ahead and inquire about current conditions, accessibility, and available (or non-available) services before planning a trip.

For Floridians, Shired Island Campground offers a unique and authentic, albeit rugged, coastal camping experience right here in their home state. While recent hurricanes have significantly impacted its facilities, the campground's fundamental appeal as a "pretty place to visit" with a "quiet beach" remains. This makes it particularly suitable for local adventurers who are well-versed in primitive camping and appreciate the raw beauty of Florida's resilient natural landscapes.

Locals who cherish genuine outdoor experiences, where self-sufficiency is key and nature takes center stage, will find Shired Island appealing. It provides a rare opportunity for peaceful beach camping, excellent shore fishing, and direct access to the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge for exploration. For Floridians with boats or kayaks, the public boat ramp allows for immediate access to the Gulf, opening up a world of coastal recreation.

Furthermore, visiting Shired Island in its current state offers a unique perspective on Florida's natural resilience and the ongoing recovery efforts. It's a testament to the enduring beauty of our wild places, even when they're challenged. For those who prioritize a secluded setting, abundant wildlife, and dark skies for stargazing over modern amenities, Shired Island Campground provides an unparalleled local escape, inviting Floridians to experience the true, untamed spirit of their home state's Gulf Coast.

Shired Island Campground

Florida, USA