Located within the boundaries of the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, Shired Island Park comprises just over 3 acres owned and operated by Dixie County. The Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge covers 53,000 acres in Levy and Dixie Counties, and is described elsewere on this website.


Home to one of the few white sand beaches on Florida's Nature Coast, Shired Island is a long way from civilization - located about 19 miles south of Cross City at the end of State highway 357. If you come, be sure to bring all your supplies with you. For such a remote location, Shired Island Park offers a host of features for explorers interested in outdoor activities.

The Shired Island Campground offers 12 hookup spots for RV'ers, with or without electricity. Tent campers are also welcome. All camping spots are first-come first-served. No reservations are accepted. Each evening an employee of the parks department comes by to collect the camping fee.

Fishermen without boats can take advantage of the fishing pier near the south end of the beach or a seawall near the boat ramp area. The single lane boat ramp, along with dock space is provided for motorboaters. Needless to say, kayakers can launch from the boat ramp or along the beach. Shired Island is a camping stop along the Florida Circumnavigational Saltware Paddling Trail.

In addition to the recreational opportunities at Shired Island Park, there is also a short trail to a 7,000 year old archaeological site. And shell collectors will enjoy a walk out to the island point where millions of sun-bleached shells can be found.

The remote location of Shired Island Park makes it an ideal destination for star gazers in search of a dark night sky. But beware ... many locals use this as a getaway party spot on good-weather weekends.Activities & Facilities

Short hiking trailsLong hiking trailsMountain bike trailsSwimmingOpen gulf kayakingMotor boatingTent campingRV sitesFishing

• Dixie County tourism website
• Dixie County Chamber of Commerce web page for Shired Island