Best Campgrounds near Apollo Beach, FL

Apollo Beach camping options include Little Manatee River State Park Campground, where you'll find a quiet setting and good river access for kayaking and fishing. Each campsite comes with a picnic table and fire ring, making it easy to cook and eat outdoors. Hillsborough River State Park Campground is nearby too, with plenty of hiking trails through dense Florida vegetation. You'll have access to clean bathrooms and hot showers here. Dogs are welcome at both parks if you want to bring your pet along. The best camping weather is from November through April when it's not so hot and sticky. Summer camping is possible but can get pretty uncomfortable with the heat and humidity. Some campsites have more trees and feel more private than others, so check site photos when booking. Make your reservations well ahead of time, especially during winter months when northern visitors flock to Florida. You can find groceries and camping supplies in the surrounding area without having to drive too far. These parks work well whether you want to relax or stay active during your trip. Always check the park websites for any temporary closures before you head out.

Best Camping Sites Near Apollo Beach, Florida (235)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

    139 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 582-2100

    $38 - $48 / night

    "As an camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries. 

    I will start by saying that this campground is south of St."

    "Nice walking/bicycle path around the edge. Bike paths also throughout the park. Sites 1-8 or so have direct beach access, but swimming is not allowed. Mangroves surround the rest of the peninsula."

    2. Little Manatee River State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 671-5005

    $22 / night

    "A lot of walking trails for people and horses. A surprise was the amphitheater. Washers and dryers are located outside the bathrooms. Friendly hosts and other campers. Would came again."

    "This campsite is right outside of Little Manatee River State Park. I even missed the entrance and went to Little Manatee because I missed the turn."

    3. E.G. Simmons Regional Park

    19 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 671-7655

    $24 / night

    "Nearly every campsite is right on the water - easy in and out for kayaks, large boat ramp and many picnic pavilions."

    "Close to the boatramp. Raccoons can be annoying. Has picnic pavilions and several fishing docks"

    4. Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River

    16 Reviews
    Wimauma, FL
    7 miles
    Website

    $24 - $109 / night

    "It’s also located right off the highway, so you get all the noise. All day and all night.

    Now, for canoe and kayak trips, I guess it’s a good spot. There’s a lot of folk that come just for that."

    "The place is tucked in and has a great vibe."

    5. MacDill AFB FamCamp

    8 Reviews
    Gibsonton, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 840-6919

    "Close to a small beach and marina with a restaurant walking distance. Several dog parks but muddy/dirt. Laundry available for fee. Bath houses clean and large.

    Good amenities on base."

    "The tent area is large and almost 100% shaded , The white sand beach is steps away and had the most amazing sunsets ."

    6. Alafia River State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Lithia, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 433-0287

    $22 / night

    "Widely known in Florida for the mountain bike trails. Not much else to do in the area, but very nice space to chill out. The night sky is far enough away that you can really take in the stars."

    "For Florida this is a great campsite especially for me because it's so close overall a great place for any activity"

    7. Lithia Springs Conservation Park

    12 Reviews
    Durant, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 744-5572

    $24 / night

    "Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."

    "Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."

    8. Lake Manatee State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Parrish, FL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 741-3028

    $22 / night

    "Was bordered by the camp road and the bike/walking path so often noisy with no sense of privacy. Bad mosquitoes, but to be expected."

    "If you’re looking for a place to camp on the west coast of Florida that is quiet and has campsites that give you privacy, Lake Manatee State Park is a great choice."

    9. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    64 Reviews
    Thonotosassa, FL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 987-6771

    $24 / night

    "Then exit 7 to Highway 301 north about 10 miles to the campground. The way in which the state park and campground are set up is easy too."

    "This was my first time at a campground in Florida! I was surrounded by beautiful wildlife (alligators, birds, and even a wild boar). The hiking trails were perfect for a beginner or a regular hiker."

    10. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

    26 Reviews
    Bay Pines, FL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 392-2233

    "Petersburg/Madeira Beach KOA Holiday, and I’m excited to share my positive review! I’ve hosted friends in their Deluxe Cabins before, and they were thoroughly impressed."

    "It has all of the amenities you would ever want and is so close to Florida beaches. Pool, hot tub, store, workout room, fishing and kayaking and lots more to do right in the park."

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Showing results 1-10 of 235 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Apollo Beach, FL

1012 Reviews of 235 Apollo Beach Campgrounds



Guide to Apollo Beach

Camping near Apollo Beach, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different preferences.

What to do

  • Explore Nature: Visit Fort De Soto Campground for its stunning beaches and wildlife. One camper mentioned, "I love coming here when I am in St. Pete! They have a dog beach too!"
  • Kayaking and Fishing: At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, you can rent kayaks and enjoy fishing. A visitor shared, "You can rent kayaks or canoes to take a trip down a wonderfully peaceful river."
  • Wildlife Watching: Myakka River State Park is great for spotting alligators and various bird species. One reviewer noted, "It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms were clean and plenty of them throughout the campground."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Blue Spring State Park Campground remarked, "The individual campsites give off a vibe of privacy, intimacy, and solitude."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Hillsborough River State Park Campground noted, "The rangers were amazing and patrolled the campground on a regular basis."

What you should know

  • Bugs: Some campgrounds can have a bug problem, especially in warmer months. A camper at Fort De Soto Campground warned, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground mentioned, "The actual campground needs some love. It’s too packed together."
  • Noise Levels: Some areas can be noisy, especially near highways or during busy weekends. A reviewer at Peace River Campground said, "This isn’t a quiet nature getaway; it’s a two-stroking music blasting party spot."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers plenty of activities, with one camper stating, "There are so many sites and yes there are people around but there’s serious vegetation between all the sites that you have plenty of privacy."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Rainbow Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "The hikes are fun and the water is just gorgeous."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can help avoid unnecessary trips to the store. A visitor at Lake Manatee State Park Campground suggested, "The sites are large, private, and nicely surrounded by woods."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Colt Creek State Park Campground noted, "Spacious and open sites that are very big rig friendly."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need them, check for campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground mentioned, "Most campsites have electric and good water hookups."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A visitor at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground said, "The roads in the campground are a little narrow so maneuvering a larger rig might take some time."

Camping around Apollo Beach, Florida, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Apollo Beach, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Apollo Beach, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 235 campgrounds and RV parks near Apollo Beach, FL and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Apollo Beach, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Apollo Beach, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 139 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Apollo Beach, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Apollo Beach, FL.

What parks are near Apollo Beach, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Apollo Beach, FL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.