Hit the Road and Discover Florida’s Scallop Season
If your wanderlust is as endless as the roads you travel, it’s time to chart your course for a unique adventure on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Calling all seafood enthusiasts! If your wanderlust is as endless as the roads you travel, it’s time to chart your course for a unique adventure on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Welcome to Florida Scallop Season, an annual event that turns the warm waters of the Sunshine State into an underwater easter egg hunt. From the unspoiled nature of St. Joseph Bay to the natural beauty of Homosassa and Crystal River, the coast comes alive with seasoned anglers and eager tourists alike, donning snorkels and mesh bags, ready to take the plunge in search of the famed bay scallops. Ready to start planning your Florida Scallop Season getaway? From the best RV-friendly scalloping sites to insider tips on harvesting and preparing your catch, we’ve got you covered. The Florida Scallop Season is truly an RVing experience you won’t want to miss.
What is the Florida Scallop Season?
Scallop season draws both visitors and locals alike to the shallow waters of Florida’s coastal bays in search of the famous bay scallops that nestle in the native seagrass beds of the warm coastal waters. Bay scallops are small and camouflage with the seagrass so the best way to spot these critters is to look for their bright blue eyes. But spotting them is only half the challenge. They often try to swim away when they’re disturbed which makes scalloping an exciting chase. Once you return to shore with your bounty, you can either prepare the scallops yourself or take them to one of many local restaurants that offer to cook them up for you!
Scallop season is a fun, family-friendly activity that not only provides a tasty treat, but it’s also an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful coastal waters of Florida.
How to Prepare for Scallop Season
If you’re planning to make your way to Florida for this fun-filled season, here are a few steps to take to get ready for your adventure:
Check the season dates and rules
The first step in planning your scalloping trip is to check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission(FWC) for details on the bay scallop season dates. The Gulf Coast consists of several different scalloping regions, each with their own season start and end dates which are affected by factors like water quality and scallop population health, so they may change from year to year. You should also refer to the FWC website to familiarize yourself with the scalloping season’s rules and regulations like daily bag limits and how to protect the scallops’ fragile ecosystem.
Get your license
Most people over the age of 16 will need to get a Florida saltwater fishing license to legally harvest scallops. This can usually be done online on the FWC website or at retail locations throughout the state.
Plan your stay
The Gulf Coast can get quite busy during scallop season so be sure to book your stay early at one of these nearby RV parks:
Trails End RV Park | Floral City, Florida: Located alongside the Withlacoochee River, Trails End RV Park offers spacious RV sites, tent camping, and unique tree tent rentals just 12 miles from I-75. Campers can enjoy complimentary access to kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats, while amenities like covered docks, boat slips, and a boat ramp cater to boating enthusiasts. Shaded by oak trees, the park's serene atmosphere provides an ideal setting for a tranquil retreat, complemented by its central location in Floral City, perfect for exploring Citrus County's blend of charm and modern convenience.
Champions Run Ocala | Ocala, Florida: In the heart of Ocala, Marion County, Champions Run Ocala boasts over 400 spacious RV sites to choose from. The resort's expansive 12,000-square-foot clubhouse offers a myriad of amenities, from a commercial kitchen to a full-service tiki bar, ensuring campers are well catered to during their stay. Beyond the resort's borders, Ocala's diverse outdoor activities, including ziplining and fishing, invite visitors to immerse themselves in the area’s allure.
Sunshine Village | Webster, Florida: Sunshine Village offers over 60 RV sites for campers seeking a vibrant community nestled in Central Florida's countryside. Positioned between Tampa and Orlando, it provides a variety of accommodation options for seasonal escape, or year-round living. With an array of outdoor and indoor activities nearby, including hiking, biking, historic site visits, and shopping, campers can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle amidst the natural beauty of the region.
Idlewild Lodge and RV Park | Lake Panasoffkee, Florida: Along the tranquil shores of Lake Panasoffkee, Idlewild Lodge & RV Park offers a unique blend of serenity and entertainment on its 3-acre property. With RV sites and cabins, campers can take in the lush Floridian landscape while enjoying premium amenities such as pontoon boat rentals, kayaks, and poolside cabanas. For those craving adventure, Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures provides thrilling excursions into the heart of Lake Pan's forest, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all visitors.
Ho Hum RV Park | Carrabelle, Florida: Welcome to Ho-Hum RV Park, offering a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle. Experience the simple pleasures of gravel pathways, a 1/2 mile natural walking beach, and a 250 ft. fishing pier overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Located between Highway 98 and the Gulf, it's a nature lover's haven, where relaxation meets adventure in Lanark Village, just four miles east of Carrabelle.
Port Saint Joe RV Resort | Port St. Joe, Florida: Located on the scenic shores of Port Saint Joe, Florida, Port Saint Joe RV Resort offers 76 spacious RV sites with bay views, inviting travelers to embrace the tranquility of the Gulf Coast. With easy access to fishing, snorkeling, and beaches, guests can immerse themselves in outdoor exploration, while modern amenities like full hook-ups and a swimming pool ensure fun at every turn. Nearby attractions include Cape San Blas, known for pristine beaches and eco-friendly adventures, promising an unforgettable escape filled with relaxation or adventure.
Thousand Palms Resort | Lake Panasoffkee, Florida: Discover Thousand Palms Resort, located in the heart of Lake Panasoffkee, Florida, offering RV sites for your convenience. Thousand Palms offers a diverse array of activities, from airboat rides through the wetlands to world-class wildlife viewing and thrilling ziplining adventures. With amenities ranging from a sparkling pool to a community fire pit, Thousand Palms ensures a memorable vacation experience for every traveler.
Ocala Sun RV Resort | Ocala, Florida: Nestled in the heart of central Florida, Ocala Sun RV Resort beckons with its spacious full hook-up RV sites and top-notch resort amenities. Situated amidst the allure of Marion County, campers are spoiled with a plethora of attractions, from the rolling pastures of thoroughbred horse country to the sun-kissed shores of both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Whether lounging by the outdoor pool, enjoying a round of golf nearby, or simply unwinding in the clubhouse, campers find themselves enveloped in the quintessential Florida experience.
Wild Frontier RV Resort | Ocala, Florida: Wild Frontier RV Park offers a variety of RV sites within the tranquil escape of the woods, serving as a hidden gem for anglers and waterfront recreation enthusiasts. The newly renovated clubhouse, adorned with a striking red roof, serves as the heart of the park, providing access to modern bathhouses and a heated pool furnished with new amenities. With a vibrant calendar of activities including street golf, bingo, and movie nights, campers can relish in the community spirit while enjoying the convenience of inclusive amenities such as electricity, water, and Wi-Fi.
Time to gear up
Equip yourself with essential gear including a mask, snorkel, and fins, essential for exploring the vibrant underwater world in search of succulent scallops. To harvest these treasures from the lush seagrass beds, bring along a mesh bag or dip net. If you're opting for a guided tour, gear rentals are usually available. However, it's wise to confirm with your tour guide in advance to ensure you're fully equipped for the day's exploration.
Safety first
Before embarking on a scalloping adventure, it's wise to hone your snorkeling skills. Practicing beforehand can build confidence and ensure a smoother experience. Remember to pack a dive flag for visibility while in the water, particularly in areas frequented by boaters. Essential supplies like sunscreen, water, and a first aid kit are must-haves for any aquatic excursion.
Don’t forget the kitchen equipment
After bringing in your bounty of scallops, the next step is crucial: preparing them for a delicious meal. Equip yourself with essential tools like a butter knife and access to clean water. Having a repertoire of favorite recipes at the ready ensures you can swiftly transition from catch to cuisine, especially after a day spent amidst the waves. And naturally, a generous pat of butter never goes unnoticed! With a touch of preparation, scallop season in Florida promises not only a gratifying adventure but also a delectable feast for all to enjoy.
Best Spots to Scallop Along the Gulf Coast
Gulf county zone
Gulf County, situated in Florida's charming panhandle, boasts a reputation as a scalloping hotspot, particularly around the azure waters of St. Joseph Bay. Renowned for its pristine beauty and abundant scallop populations, St. Joseph Bay stands out as a top destination along the Gulf Coast. Adjacent treasures such as St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Eagle Harbor, Cape San Blas, and Black's Island add to the area's appeal, providing plenty of opportunities for unforgettable scalloping excursions amidst breathtaking natural scenery.
Franklin to NW Taylor County zone
From Franklin to the Northwestern region of Taylor County lies a prime zone, boasting ample stretches of coastline ripe for scallop harvesting. Here, adventurers can explore numerous locales perfect for bagging their limit. For those seeking convenience and expertise, charters are plentiful, ready to guide you to the finest scallop hunting grounds. From the scenic shores of St. George Island to the rich waters of Apalachicola Bay, from the charming environs of Steinhatchee to the tranquil beauty of Keaton Beach, this zone promises a scallop-seeking expedition like no other.
Fenholloway to Suwannee River zone
Explore the diverse marine ecosystems within the Fenholloway to Suwannee River zone, which offer an array of habitats ranging from winding rivers to expansive estuaries and offshore waters. These environments create optimal conditions for scallop populations to thrive, making it a haven for scalloping enthusiasts. When you visit this region, be sure to venture to charming destinations such as Horseshoe Beach, Suwannee, or Pepperfish Keys along Dixie County's picturesque coastline. These locations are renowned for offering some of the finest scalloping experiences in the area. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters as you scour the seabed for these delectable treasures, creating unforgettable memories amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Gulf Coast.
Levy County, Citrus County, and Hernando Counties
Crystal River, nestled just north of Tampa Bay, stands as a premier scalloping haven in Florida. Here, eager adventurers can embark on tours guided by local boat operators who await their arrival with enthusiasm. Venture a bit further to discover the hidden gem of Homosassa Bay, boasting flourishing scallop populations and a serene atmosphere with fewer crowds. For those seeking an even more off-the-beaten-path experience, explore the charming locales of Hernando Beach, Cedar Key, and Yankeetown, where the allure of scalloping meets the tranquility of untouched coastal landscapes.
Pasco County zone
The Pasco County scalloping zone stands out for its thriving scallop populations, particularly renowned for their abundance near the Anclote River mouth, around the picturesque Anclote Key, and amidst the pristine waters surrounding Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park. This newer scalloping area offers enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while enjoying the exhilarating pursuit of scallop harvesting.
How to Prepare Scallops
Once you’ve hit your daily bag limit, it’s time to head back to camp and cook up your catch. Here’s a quick “how-to”:
Clean your scallops
First, you need to clean your scallops. You can do this by holding it flat in your hand with the hinge side facing you. Insert a scallop or butter knife between the shells at the hinge and cut through the muscle that keeps the shell closed. Open the shell and scoop out that delicious bay scallop meat before you rinse it well and separate the white meat from the rest of the scallop.
Rinse and dry
After separating the meat, rinse the scallops again to remove any sand or grit, and then gently dry them with a paper towel.
Cook your scallops
The simplest method for cooking scallops is to pan-sear them in butter. To do this, heat the pan over medium-high and add your butter and scallop meat. Cook the scallops for about 2 minutes on each side or until you see that delectable golden crust and an opaque middle.
Serve
Serve your scallops with a fresh squeeze of lemon. Bon Appetit!
Start Planning With Spot2Nite
Discover the effortless convenience of securing your perfect campground with Spot2Nite's user-friendly platform, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the exhilarating experiences awaiting you along Florida's captivating Gulf Coast shores.
