Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Tierra Verde? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Tierra Verde campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Located off the St. Petersburg coast, near the mouth of Florida’s Tampa Bay, the tiny islands that make up Fort De Soto County Park have a long and storied history. More than 1,000 years ago, the islands were home to the Tocobaga peoples, who sustained themselves on local plants and seafood. In the 1500s, Spanish conquistadors began exploring Florida’s barrier islands and mainland, among them, Hernando de Soto. From the Civil War in the 1860s until the conclusion of World War II in the 1940s, the islands were used as military emplacements, first as a Union blockade, then as coastal defensive batteries. The islands finally became a state park in 1963 as an effort to preserve their long history, and provide a recreation area for locals and visitors. The park was designated America’s Top Beach in 2009, and sees more than 2.7 million annual visitors.
Fort DeSoto County Park reservations offer 238 sites for tent and RV campers. It is located on the St. Christopher and St. Jean Keys, approximately 10 miles southwest of St. Petersburg. The campground is mostly wooded, and divided up into three areas: Area 1 for tents, vans, and small campers, and Areas 2 and 3 for larger RVs. All sites are equipped with electrical and water hookups, picnic tables and cooking grills. Comfort stations with restrooms, showers and laundry facilities are located in each area; a dump station is located near Area 2. The campground also features a small store, dayroom, two playgrounds, and Wifi service; bike and kayak rentals are available. Dogs are permitted in Area 2 and the designated dog park only. Alcoholic beverages and gas-powered generators are not permitted in the park. Reservations are recommended, and can be made up to six months in advance; seven months for locals. Campsite rates are $36–$42/night.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy on a visit to Fort DeSoto County Park, including visiting Fort DeSoto. Located on the southernmost point of Mullet Key, the historic military emplacement is open to the public for self-guided tours. Explore officers’ quarters, the bakery, the hospital and various other facilities. Look out across the Gulf of Mexico for the lighthouse, constructed in 1858, on neighboring Egmont Key. The park also features more than 7 miles of sparkling, white sand beaches, including East Beach and North Beach, for sunning and swimming. These can be reached via a paved, multi-use path from the campground. There are also boat launches, a fishing pier and a snack bar. As part of the Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge, bird watchers can scan for some of the more than 300 species of resident and migratory birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, woodpeckers, and raptors.
A 236-site family camping area with facilities including picnic tables, grills, water, electricity, washers, dryers, sanitary disposal stations, modern restrooms, showers, play areas, and a campground store. Special camp sites for camping with pets.
$38 - $48 / night
Welcome to St. Petersburg Madeira Beach KOA Holiday!
Take a look around St. Petersburg KOA with our virtual tour.
Camp minutes from the Gulf Coast's sugar white beaches, bordered by the lush mangrove-lined bayou and Pinellas Trail. Offering spacious Deluxe Patio RV sites, secluded back-in RV sites and full hookup, 50amp, pull through sites. No RV? No problem! Leave the packing to us and stay in one of our Deluxe Cabins. Deluxe Cabins allow you to enjoy all the amenities of home with private bath, patio with a grill, fresh linens and many with a fully stocked kitchen.
Participate in the campground's endless activities all year round! Summer campers love our outdoor movies, themed weekends and fishing right from the dock. Active snowbirds stay busy during the winter months with a wide array of classes, including water aerobics, yoga, quilting and painting.
Campground amenities include: TWO hot tubs(our newest edition is a private area just for adults!), a crystal clear outdoor pool, sandy volleyball court, pet-friendly play area, shuffleboard and more. Rent a kayak and paddle the peaceful Long Bayou inland waterway; alive with herons, egrets, dolphins and other wildlife. If you are looking for some healthy fun, jog, walk, or bike the popular 38-mile Pinellas County Fitness Trail. Come and visit us in paradise!
Little Manatee River State Park Campground, near Wimauma, FL, is a solid spot for those looking to enjoy nature without straying too far from civilization. This place has got it all: electric hookups, drinking water, and clean restrooms and showers. You can even bring your pets along, which is always a plus.
The campground is pretty spacious and offers a good mix of partial shade and open areas. Some sites are paved, making them big rig friendly. If you’re into hiking, biking, or just walking around, there are plenty of trails to explore. And for those who like to stay connected, the campground has reservable sites, so you can plan your trip without any last-minute surprises.
Visitors have mentioned the friendly staff and the clean facilities, which include new washers and dryers. The bathhouse is also a highlight, being new and well-maintained. If you’re into wildlife, you might spot turtles, rabbits, and deer during your stay.
One thing to keep in mind is that the camp office closes at 5 PM, so plan ahead if you need ice or firewood. The park itself is pretty quiet, being a couple of miles from the main road, which adds to the peaceful atmosphere.
Overall, Little Manatee River State Park Campground offers a great mix of convenience and natural beauty, making it a fantastic choice for a relaxing getaway.
$5 - $60 / night
Welcome to E.G. Simmons Regional Park, nestled near Ruskin, FL. This spot is a favorite for those looking to enjoy some time by the water with their furry friends. The park is known for its excellent water access, making it a prime location for kayaking and fishing. You might even spot some manatees and dolphins while you're out on the water.
The campground offers a range of accommodations, including tent and RV sites, and even some glamping options. It's a pet-friendly place, so feel free to bring your dog along for the adventure. The park is equipped with essential amenities like drinking water, electric hookups, showers, and toilets. There's also a sanitary dump and sewer hookups for RVs.
One thing to keep in mind is the local wildlife. Raccoons are quite common here, and they can be pretty bold, so make sure to secure your food and trash. The no-see-ums can also be a nuisance, so packing some bug repellent is a good idea.
For those who enjoy a bit of fishing, the park has several fishing docks and is close to a boat ramp. The sunsets here are stunning, especially when viewed from the beach or out on the water. If you're into kayaking, the channels offer great views of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and the Skyway Bridge.
The park is generally clean and well-maintained, with friendly staff and rangers ready to help. It's a peaceful spot, perfect for a quiet getaway or a family trip. Just be prepared for some traffic if you're heading into the city, and maybe check out the local sushi place while you're here. Enjoy your stay at E.G. Simmons Regional Park!
$24 / night
A 60-site camping area is within walking distance of the beach and fishing areas. Water and 30-amp electricity are available at every site. A dump station is located at the entrance of the campground.
Camps are near picnic tables, playground, swimming area and beach. A boat ramp and launching dock provide access to the lake. Well-behaved pets are welcome at the campground. Maximum RV length = 65 ft.
$10 - $25 / night
Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this Hillsborough River State Park Camping offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water.
Except for occasional reenactments, the cannon and guns are now silent at Fort Foster. No longer do Seminole Indians have to fight to keep a foothold in Florida, and soldiers no longer guard a strategic river crossing. The reconstructed fort and its surroundings are now part of Hillsborough River State Park.
Besides a living history lesson, visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA accessible swimming pool.
Tucked away, only a short distance from the bustling city of Tampa, camping is a popular activity at Hillsborough River State Park.
$25 / night
Welcome to Oscar Scherer State Park Campground, a fantastic spot near Osprey, Florida. This place is a solid choice for anyone looking to camp year-round. The campground is smack dab in the middle of some of Florida's best beaches and trails, making it a prime location for both relaxation and adventure.
The campground offers a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. You’ll find amenities like clean restrooms, hot showers, and electric hookups. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. There’s also a market on-site for any last-minute supplies you might need.
Visitors have praised the cleanliness of the facilities and the helpfulness of the staff. The sites are generally private and well-maintained, with plenty of space to spread out. Some sites are close to a creek, which adds a nice touch of nature to your stay. Just be aware that shade can be a bit limited in some areas.
For activities, you’ve got plenty of options. There are several trails right from the campground for hiking and biking, and a swimming pond if you want to cool off. Kayaking is also a popular activity here. If you’re into wildlife, keep an eye out for gators and various bird species.
The location is unbeatable. You’re just a short drive from Venice and Sarasota, with beaches only about 10 minutes away. Whether you want to stay put and enjoy the park or explore the surrounding area, Oscar Scherer State Park Campground is a great base for your adventures.
The Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River is a private, small, family business in operation since 1978. We offer RV and tent camping, group camping area, and cabin rentals, in a rustic setting under many oak trees on six acres on the banks of the Little Manatee River adjacent to the Little Manatee River State Park. We are also a full service canoe and kayak outfitter.
$24 - $109 / night
The park features three campgrounds with 90 campsites. Each site is equipped with 50-amp electrical service, water, a fire ring and picnic table. The sites in Palmetto Ridge also have sewer hook-ups. A dump station is located near Old Prairie Campground. Laundry facilities are available to all campers in Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds. All campsites are located within 40 yards of restroom facilities with hot showers.
NOTE: Non-Potable Water
Effective May 11, 2023: Drinking water is temporarily unavailable at Myakka River State Park. Please remember to bring your own water. Bottled water is also available at no cost at the ranger station from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Sites in Old Prairie and Big Flats are dirt-based. The sites in Palmetto Ridge are gravel-based, except for four ADA paved sites adjoining restrooms. Old Prairie and Big Flats do not have vegetation buffers.
The Big Flats Campground is located near the Upper Myakka Lake, Myakka Outpost, a fishing deck and Wi-Fi.
Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds are located near the State Road 72 park entrance, the Myakka River, the campfire circle, a small playground and Myakka Friends Gift Shop. Well-behaved pets are welcome in these three campgrounds, up to four per site.
There are six primitive campgrounds (Mossy Hammock, Bee Island, Honore, Panther Point, Oak Grove and Prairie) located along the hiking trails for backpackers. These rustic settings provide campers with a fire pit and post to hang items. Each campground has three campsites, and a maximum of four people may be on each site. Only Bee Island, Oak Grove and Prairie have water pumps. Water at these sites is not potable; it requires boiling/chemical treatment. Other sites do not have water; you must bring your own. The terrain is primarily prairie, and dehydration is possible even on the coolest days.
Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s largest parks with 37,000 acres of its own. Home to the officially designated “Wild and Scenic” Myakka River, this state park is the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers who are looking to get closer to the natural, diverse Florida wildlife.
Choose from one of over 80 campsites while Myakka State Park camping and get ready to explore!
Bring your kayak and make your way through a variety of waterways where you can spot american alligators, snook, ospreys, and countless species of birds.
Embark on one of many hiking trails to explore more of the unique environments found within Myakka River State Park. Trek to the highlands to get a look at Florida’s traditional wetlands where marshes, cypress dome trees, and grazing birds will welcome you. Go even deeper to reach the diverse array of grasses, wildflowers, and vines that grow freely in the park’s protected dry prairies. Don’t forget to bring your camera with you! Short shrubs in the dry prairies allow visitors to see for miles in any direction.
You’ll also want to bring the camera atop the Canopy Walkway at Myakka River. Just a short walk from the main road, this suspension bridge provides a panoramic view of the entire park from a unique vantage point above the tree canopy. Every camper can find what they’re looking for at this Florida park.
$5 - $77 / night
Welcome to Turtle Beach Campground, a charming spot near Sarasota, FL, that offers a slice of paradise just steps from the beach. This place is a gem for anyone looking to unwind with the sound of waves and the beauty of the Gulf right at your doorstep.
The campground is open year-round and boasts a variety of amenities to make your stay comfortable. You'll find electric and sewer hookups, drinking water, showers, and toilets. Plus, there's a sanitary dump station for RVs. One of the standout features here is the easy beach access—you're literally just a few steps away from the sand. Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves and ending your day with a stunning sunset over the Gulf.
Visitors have raved about the cleanliness of the campground and the friendly staff. There's a nice picnic area with grills, perfect for a family cookout. If you're into hammock camping, you'll find plenty of trees spaced just right for a relaxing night under the stars. And for those with kids, there's a playground to keep the little ones entertained.
The local area offers plenty to do as well. Some campers mentioned taking a short drive to Caspersen Beach for some shark tooth hunting, while others enjoyed the free trolley to Siesta Key Village for a sweet treat. The campground also hosts special events, like an amazing Halloween family weekend with crafts, s'mores, and live music.
Whether you're in a tent or an RV, Turtle Beach Campground provides a cozy, scenic spot to enjoy the natural beauty of Florida's Gulf Coast. Just remember, spots are limited, so it's a good idea to make a reservation in advance. Happy camping!
$120 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Tierra Verde, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tierra Verde, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 132 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Tierra Verde, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 101 tent camping locations near Tierra Verde, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
