5 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Camping options around Apollo Beach, Florida range from waterfront sites with kayak access to forested campgrounds with full hookups. Within a 20-mile radius, several established campgrounds serve visitors seeking Gulf Coast recreation, including E.G. Simmons Regional Park in Ruskin and Fort De Soto Campground in Saint Petersburg. Most campgrounds accommodate tents and RVs, while Little Manatee River State Park, Canoe Outpost, and Alafia River State Park also offer cabin accommodations. The region includes both county-managed parks and state recreation areas, with varying levels of development and proximity to Tampa Bay waters.
Access to campgrounds typically requires no special vehicle clearance, with most sites featuring paved roads suitable for RVs and passenger vehicles. Weather significantly impacts camping comfort, with hot, humid conditions prevailing much of the year. No-see-ums and mosquitoes present consistent challenges, particularly at dusk and dawn near water. Many waterfront campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than reservation systems, including E.G. Simmons Park, which has a 14-day maximum stay limit. Hillsborough and Pinellas county parks maintain separate regulations from state-managed facilities. According to one visitor, "The no-see-ums could have carried us away but nothing you can do about that! Nice size lots on most sites."
Water access represents the primary attraction for many campers visiting the Apollo Beach region. Tampa Bay and its associated waterways provide opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with several campgrounds offering direct water access from individual sites. Campgrounds near mangrove areas allow exploration of coastal ecosystems where visitors frequently report manatee and dolphin sightings. While waterfront sites receive higher ratings overall, they typically offer less shade and privacy than inland locations. A camper noted: "We had site #65 on the water with water and electric hookup. This is a nice campground with a beach, little island you can wade to, and we always see Manatees there with lots of great areas to Kayak or paddle board." Site spacing varies considerably between facilities, with some private RV resorts described as having very tight spacing compared to more generous layouts at county and state parks.
"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."
from $38 - $48 / 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."
Available next weekend
from $22 / 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"
from $24 / 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."
from $24 - $109 / night
"PX and commissary near the security gate. Campground check-in quick and efficient. Pick your site from what's available. $26/night with full hook-ups. Right on the Gulf, beautiful beach."
"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."
"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"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 / night
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
from $24 / night
"Lithia Springs Conservation Park is a hidden gem for camping in Florida. The campground is clean, well-maintained, and tucked away in a peaceful natural setting."
"Canoe and Kyak launch is easily accessible to enjoy the calm waters of the Alafia River. Restrooms and showers were clean and plentiful around the grounds. We will definitely be back."
"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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 / night
GuideNice state park in a great location for visiting the area. Bathhouse near my site could use an update and newer bathhouse could use a good shower stall wash. I camp in a Travato Van so maneuvering in the campground was easy for me but larger rigs might struggle.
GuideThe bayou site are excellent. Reasonably level, nice patios, and a bit of a view. The staff are nice and helpful. They seem to have a section for those of us who are not snowbirds.
LegendOn my never-ending pursuit of finding the most perfect campground on earth ... I may have just landed it! Fort DeSoto State Park Campground, which rests at the southernmost edge of Pinellas County, reached by crossing a series of causeways from St. Petersburg until the land simply runs out and the Gulf of Mexico (as my friend John Cougar Mellencamp recently point out - not Gulf of ‘Merika) takes over. First impressions are pure Florida magic with palm-lined roads, sweeping water views of translucent aqua blue shimmering in the sun all accompanied by a salty breeze that makes you feel like vacation has officially begun. The campground itself is spread across a low-lying coastal landscape with mangroves, dunes and open skies punctuated by cotton candy clouds, and despite its popularity, this tri-loop campground haven manages to feel relaxed and unhurried if you pick your timing right.
This archipelago is shaped like a boomerang with 3 distinct campground loops – each with its own vibe, layout, amenities and overall character (more on this later) – leaving one with the impression that Fort DeSoto is both incredibly spacious as well as incredibly well-organized, offering a mix of waterfront and interior sites with paved pads, picnic tables, stand-up grills and access to modern bathhouses that are generally clean and well maintained. Many sites offer electric and water hookups, with a dump station available for RV travelers. Navigation through the one-way loops is straightforward, pets are welcome and the overall layout feels intentionally designed to handle high traffic without feeling chaotic. While there’s but just a modest playground on-site, there are much more amenities for the kids on North Beach, but throughout the campground area, the sheer amount of open space, bike paths, beach side access to inlets that will allow you to make the most out of being this close to the Gulf more than compensates for families.
What truly sets Fort DeSoto apart is everything just outside your campsite. Miles of white sand beaches wrap around the park, including North Beach which is frequently ranked among the best beaches in the country (note: not county ... country). Kayaking trails wind through calm mangrove tunnels, fishing piers stretch into Tampa Bay, and biking loops circle the entire park. History lovers can explore the restored fort and military ruins, while birders will find plenty to admire along the shoreline. For supplies, you’re about 15 minutes from Tierra Verde Market, Publix and a Walmart Supercenter on Pinellas Bayway as well as a handful of casual eateries like Billy’s Stone Crab and Sea Hags if cooking feels optional.
Trying to find out which 1 of the 3 loops might be best for you? I’ll try to break this down. First, of all, my brother and I stayed in Area #1, so let me begin there, not only because numerically that’s where we should begin, but also because I’m the most familiar with this loop, which consists of sites numbered #1-85. If you’re looking not just for ocean views with Gulf access – because like me, you’ve brought a kayak / canoe – then Area #1 for this solo reason is why you want to book here. And while it’s true that you likely could access water in Area #2, you’ll have to go the long way around to access the Gulf. Back to Area #1, I found this simple, single loop offering sites excellent in size, with TONS of shade (no need to bring your shelter to blot out the sun, although not a bad idea to have it handy in case of rain) and decent length long ‘driveways’ with which to pull in and set up camp, whether you’re packing tents (like me) or pulling in with your RV or sprinter van. Seriously, the scenery alone here in Area #1(at least sites #1-34) cannot be beaten with direct views of the Gulf, which you can access in less than 20 paces from where you’ve pitched your tent or parked for the night.
Each site is equipped with electric and water and for RVs needing sewage, there’s a spot as you exit prior to arriving at the ranger station that will accommodate you. The restroom and shower facilities in Area#1 are the best that I’ve ever seen in the state of Florida (which is saying something as I’ve camped in more than 100 spots here in the Sunshine state) – and wonder if this is because CG Hosts (versus FL state employees) are charged with keeping the CG clean?! – with very hot water (sometimes TOO hot) and lots of pressure would be an accurate description. Area #2 IMHO is somewhat cramped, very RV populated, with sites that are fairly crowded, yet heavily shaded with amenities that are similar to Area #1, albeit slightly more outdated; however, if you come with pets in tow, this is the ONLY area that will welcome you here at Fort DeSoto CG. Lastly, Area #3 has AMAZING water views, but given the seawall that surrounds this portion of the island, you won’t be able to actually access the water unless you dock your boat somehow to the wall and don’t mind jumping up 4-6 feet down to access your vessel. I found the sites here to be fine, although like Area #2, somewhat crowded, but yet still offering very good shade with restroom and shower facilities to be on par with the rest of the park. The best sites over here would be those from #197– 233 that look northernly towards the Gulf offering nothing short of AMAZING sunsets on the water.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Waterfront sites in Loop 2 and Loop 3 are the most coveted for sunset views and breezes, but they book fast; (2) Bring bikes as this park is tailor-made for cruising on two wheels with flat, scenic loops in and around the campground area, but the best biking will be had once heading out past the ranger station to explore the larger areas of the island, where East Beach is worth a glide by (especially to watch the kite surfers where wind is at its strongest), but it’s North Beach that will have you stopping for a longer spell; (3) Kayaking through the mangroves on a calm morning is a must, especially for wildlife sightings; however, our absolute favorite moment of the entire trip was crossing the strong currents of shipping lanes to make it all the way to Shell Key, which apart from a few pensioners getting sunburnt in their beach chairs and an errant fishing boat or two, we had the entire island to ourselves … EASTER EGG: I’m a fairly solid kayaker and love oaring and with these strong currents, it IS manageable to cross, but you’ll want to plan on at least 1 hour of non-stop, albeit scenic oaring to make it to Shell Key; (4) Afternoon storms roll through quickly in summer, so plan beach time early and camp dinners later; (5) North Beach on the northernmost edge tends to be quieter and more family-friendly than the busier east-facing beaches near the fort; (6) If you’re visiting during peak season, weekday stays are noticeably calmer than weekends; and (7) When heading to the restroom facilities you will come across what is likely the largest sign I have ever seen in any campground WARNING YOU OF RACCOONS and, trust me, you want to HEED THIS SIGN as these black-eyed bandits are EVERYWHERE and not afraid to come right up to your tent and look in or right up to you sitting next to your campfire while looking for something to eat or steal, so be incredibly careful and PACK UP EVERYTHING whenever it’s not being used EVEN IN DAYLIGHT HOURS.
In sum, I absolutely loved this campground and will now be comparing every single one I visit to Fort DeSoto Campground.
Happy Camping!
ScoutHaven't been camping here. Based on the photos, it looks like it is a beautiful place. Looks like somewhere to have a fun, crazy, spontaneous camp experience. I prefer natural nature. Cutting the trails, fire wood, catching dinner, fighting mosquitoes without harsh chemicals. Preserving the world. Maybe make a reservation. Leave the dogs with a sitter and not have a care in the world.
ScoutShowers and bathrooms are closed
ScoutQuiet. Definitely skewed toward equestrian. Sites are well spaced. Outer loop is best. Restroom/showers are very well kept. Not much for kids. Short trails are ok. Cayaking is best option if you're in to that. Relax here, enjoy the peace and have your favorite beverage
ScoutBeautiful 😁
ScoutGreat location
GuideNice little place. Gravel, pull-through sites, clean bathrooms, and friendly staff. Tons to do for the littles!
Camping near Apollo Beach, Florida typically involves contending with seasonal mosquito populations while enjoying direct access to Tampa Bay's marine ecosystems. The area experiences summer temperatures averaging 90°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through September, creating challenging conditions for tent campers without adequate ventilation or rain protection. Sites closest to waterways offer cooler evening breezes but require additional insect management strategies.
Spring swimming: $2 admission at Lithia Springs Conservation Park provides a natural 72-degree swimming experience year-round. "The spring area so nice the sound of the breeze through the trees, just wow!" notes one visitor who appreciated the refreshing waters that maintain constant temperature regardless of season.
Mountain biking on former phosphate mines: Alafia River State Park Campground offers technical trails built on reclaimed mining land with significant elevation changes unusual for Florida. "This park is close to home for me, I come here often for the Mountain Biking and the awesome humans. The facilities are clean and the MTB trails are constantly changing so we are never bored here," explains a regular visitor.
Canoeing through mangrove tunnels: Fort De Soto Campground provides exceptional paddling opportunities with wildlife encounters. "Great park with days worth of activities! The historic fort, scenic beaches, trails for hiking or biking, etc made for a great visit! Tons of wildlife - we saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons oftons of Birds!" reports one camper who explored the waterways.
Equestrian camping options: Horse owners can access dedicated trails and stalls at multiple area parks. "Very nice facilities. Miles of horseback trails to ride. Very nice horse stalls to put horses in overnight. Perfect place for equine vacation!" notes a rider who stayed at Alafia River State Park.
Waterfront camping with wildlife viewing: Sites along Tampa Bay provide natural entertainment. "We were greeted by dolphins, sting rays and manatees," shares a visitor at E.G. Simmons Regional Park who brought an inflatable raft for better wildlife observation.
Military facilities with security: MacDill AFB FamCamp offers restricted access camping with amenities. "I absolutely loved the MacDill FamCamp. It's right by the beach and marina. There's a small dog beach and two dog parks. Laundry facilities are centrally located. Cable is included," explains a military visitor appreciating the secured environment.
Natural springs access: Sites near lithia springs allow for swimming in crystal-clear 72-degree water year-round. "The park ranger loans out yard tools from the office. A pain for the annex, but still free," mentions a long-term visitor about the maintenance expectations at certain facilities.
Winter temperature advantages: December through February offers comfortable camping with highs in the 70s and significantly reduced insect pressure. "While it may be hot in the summer, the winter months are amazing!" notes a camper who experienced Lake Manatee State Park in different seasons.
Insect protection strategies required: No-see-ums pose significant challenges in waterfront locations, particularly at dawn and dusk. "You really cannot stay outside at dusk. Citronella torches, spray, fans, Avon skin so soft...none of these work for the no-see-ums," warns a candid reviewer from E.G. Simmons.
Vehicle access restrictions: Larger RVs must enter MacDill AFB through specific gates. "Make sure you arrive at the base through the gate at the end of Dale Mabry, as it's the only gate campers can come thru. And be sure to go to the far right lane, even if it's got a red X showing the lane is closed," advises a camper who learned the hard way.
First-come camping without reservations: Several county parks operate without reservation systems. "First come (no reservations) with 14 day stay limit. We were in site 55 of the East CG which was right on the water where we launched our kayaks to paddle the canals amongst the Mangroves," explains a visitor describing the check-in process at E.G. Simmons.
Road noise impacts: Some campgrounds experience significant traffic sounds. "CONS: right next to a highway/large road with TONS of traffic noise," reports a visitor to Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River who was disappointed by the constant background noise.
Playground access priorities: Several parks offer modern play equipment with safety features. "There is a playground with good swings and also a sturdy playground that offered plenty of opportunity for my four year old to blow off some steam. The ground is all recycled rubber, which I love as a parent," notes a visitor to Fort De Soto.
Swimming options for children: Natural springs provide safer alternatives to ocean swimming. "Very well kept up groundskeeper. Meeting mike at the gate to the park so so nice. Only waited for a short time to have a spot and enjoy the park," shares a visitor to Lithia Springs who appreciated the staff and swimming areas.
Educational wildlife opportunities: Multiple parks offer kid-friendly nature observation. "We saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons oftons of Birds!" exclaims a visitor to Fort De Soto who found the wildlife watching accessible for all ages.
Shade availability for summer visits: Tree coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. "Campsites were nice. Lots to do. Rapids to look at. Plenty of hiking and biking. Rental canoe staff were amazing. Tons of wildlife," reports a visitor to Hillsborough River State Park who appreciated the activities available for families.
Site spacing considerations: Private RV parks offer different experiences than state parks. "The annex has more space between spots, but no amenities (laundry, etc.); you have to drive to the main side for those. Not a big deal," notes a MacDill AFB visitor comparing the facility's different camping areas.
Seasonal availability challenges: Winter months see highest occupancy rates. "The winter season is October-April and the campground gets extremely full, going over capacity from December to February or March," warns a MacDill visitor about planning ahead for popular months.
Water and electric hookups without sewer: Most state parks provide partial hookups only. "We were in site 55 of the East CG which was right on the water where we launched our kayaks to paddle the canals amongst the Mangroves," explains an RVer who selected a waterfront site at E.G. Simmons despite limited hookups.
Limited shade at some parks: Several campgrounds lack adequate tree cover for summer cooling. "Sites and facilities are nice and clean. Sites were decent size. Good for RVs and tents. However, sites are not shaded at all," cautions a reviewer about Little Manatee River State Park.
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 248 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 148 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.
Keep Exploring
