Centipede Bay

Centipede bay is located between Hernando Beach and Bayport. There are several islands around the bay which have high dry ground for camping. They vary in convenience, privacy, beach access, etc. You can't get more private than some of these islands. The island shown here is big enough to spend a good part of the day hiking it. It is part of a cluster of 3 islands I call Moe, Larry, and Joe (this is Moe)

Cedar Point (the only oficially named island) is probably the easiest to reach, and for that reason is also the most popular of these islands. Figure on this island being filled with textile campers during weekends. Often on weekdays the island is useful for naturist camping, but don't necessarily count on it. At other than high tide, this island actually has beaches. Dolphins often swim around this island.

The buildings on the horizon to the left is the town of Hernando Beach.

"Joe" (left) and "Larry" (right)

The Gazetteer shows marsh surrounding the bay, but much of this is actually islands. The pine trees are a good indication of which islands are high enough to camp. If Cedar Point is occupied, explore these other islands. One of them on the East side of the bay is reachable at any but the lowest tides, but some of the others require you to be within a couple of hours of high tide. Casual boaters do not visit these islands often for just that reason.

This campsite is on Moe. This site is fairly open, yet at the same time offers excellent privacy due to the black needlerush grass growing around the island. This site is located at the west end of the island. You have to get there at high tide, and you're stuck there at low tide.

This is the same island as above (Moe), the picture was taken standing near the tent and looking South (that's Centipede Bay in the Background). Ham Radio is one of my hobbies and I often combine it with camping. This campsite offers good sunset views, but no swimming unless you hike to the far end of the island to Mojo creek.

I call this Mojo Creek. It is a tidal stream running between Moe and Joe. There is a campsite on the East end of Moe (to the left in this picture). There is also a campsite at the far (North) end of Joe (to the right, but out of the picture). Both of these sites are tidebound. You need a canoe or very shallow draft boat to get in and out.

Both Moe and Joe offer excellent seclusion. I have spent a week at a time on these islands without any visitors.

Most of the marinas around Hernando Beach have tide charts, and these are handy for planning your arrival and departures from these "tide bound" islands. The tidal streams in this area sometimes dry up completely at low tide and can provide some interesting hiking if you don't mind muddy feet. (Old sneakers or water shoes are recommended due to sharp shell fragments, etc.)

The public boat ramp in Hernando Beach is well patrolled and is probably the safest place to park in the area. If you plan to camp 3 or more days, it is best to arrange to park inside the fenced area at one of the marinas. The local police may have your car towed if you don't let them know you will be there more than 3 days.