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 (236)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

    140 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

    15 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

    9 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

    65 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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Recent Reviews near Apollo Beach, FL

1021 Reviews of 236 Apollo Beach Campgrounds


  • Amanda W.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins Auburndale

    So fun! Huge sites!!

    Margaritaville is so clean & spacious!! The store has so much great stuff and there is always entertainment. They even have a big farmers market on Sundays with tons of vendors. There are two big pools (the back one is quiet) with bars, yummy drinks and good food. They are pet friendly & have dog poo stations along the roads. Very close to a long biking trail & there’s a gas station near the entrance. Beautifully landscaped & friendly staff.

  • SukiDookie ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    Very quiet and peaceful

    We were the only ones there for the weekend, probably because of the summer heat. However, it was nice and free. There is a porta-potty, but I didn’t check it out, so I’m not sure about the cleanliness. The grounds were nicely maintained, though. I do wish the fire rings weren’t so damaged, and the lack of trash cans was surprising. Just take your trash with you, leave no trace, and it was an enjoyable and free experience!

  • N
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Sundance Lakes RV Resort

    They don't care about their residents!

    I lived in this park full-time for 2½ years when Hurricane Helene submerged it under 3½ feet of water. The damage left the park without power for months, forcing us to move out and causing tremendous expenses. During that time, the park made no effort to assist or support the residents in any way. 

    When I applied for FEMA assistance, I was told I needed a simple letter from the park confirming the extended power outage. They refused to provide it, even though it would have cost them nothing and could have helped residents like me recover some of our losses. 

    Instead of showing compassion or accountability, they chose to do nothing. The staff at this park are unprofessional, unhelpful, and unwilling to take responsibility. It was a deeply disappointing experience, and I would never recommend living here.

  • Julia Marie H.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Encore Vacation Village

    Mosquitoes beware

    This is a mosquito heaven!!! Being bug spray or candles! You will see a large amount of bugs in your area…. They used to spray. But now they don’t… with a pond down the street there is No end in site for air borne bug issues.

  • Jackie S.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Gulfbreeze RV Park

    Great little cozy park

    Everyone here treats you like family here

  • C
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Bay Bayou RV Resort

    Excellent clean campground

    Excellent clean campground with great service.

  • Bunkwanaringümü D.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Lake Rogers Park

    No longer for Camping

    This site no longer permits camping from my experience. I did camp there one night and nobody said anything but upon camping the second night I was told it’s no longer a public campground. Other than that it was a beautiful place.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    LeLynn RV Resort

    Lakefront RV Pitstop Stone's Throw From I4

    Located just 45 minutes SW of the Magical Kingdom conveniently resting just a stone’s throw from I4, LeLynn RV Resort is a spacious, pet-friendly property that is definitely more geared for the RV driving or 5th wheel toting crowd. Surrounded by lakes in every direction – Little Lake Agnes sits directly west of the property, with its bigger sister Lake Agnes just further northwest, Lake Tennessee to the southwest, Lake Juliana to the south and Lake Mattie to the southeast, while Lake Helene can be found to the north and a smaller unnamed lake due east a smidge.  If you were surrounded by any more water, you'd be starring opposite Kevin Costner in 'Waterworld!'

    While LeLynn RV Resort will accommodate you for about as long as you’d like, this place impressed upon me more of a layover than an actual destination. The community that we discovered here was incredibly friendly and inviting, but nearly everyone we met was enroute to some other, better place in the great Sunshine state ... and quite a few folks look like they have no business moving from this place any time soon. This RV depot somewhat lives up to its name as a resort as it does offer an inground pool that is lake facing (again, not that challenging to do here in Central Florida) along with decent (not excellent) restrooms & shower facilities, laundry-O-mat, boat ramp, metered LP gas, dump station, shuffleboard and horseshoes along with WiFi and cable TV options. If you desire kayaking, canoeing or fishing, you need only access the nearest lake of your choosing. There’s 220 sites with FHU’s offering 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) IMHO the best sites are those that are lakefront on the property’s northwestern most perimeter; (2) While the parking accommodations are concrete pads that will provide a nice level plain for the stay along with a solid accompanying patio, there’s virtually no trees and hence shade anywhere on the property, so while that might not matter for a single night, if staying longer, you’ll likely want to bring your own shade with you; (3) Should you need to load up on supplies while on your trip, just due south of LeLynn RV Resort is a Publix that will cater to all of your grocery needs; and (4) While you’ll feel like you’re out in the boondocks in these parts (and trust me, you are), there’s a number of great little eateries like The Back Porch, Frescos Southern Kitchen, Purple Pit Stop, Polk City BBQ Co., Savage Tacos and Old Man Frank’s to choose from.

    Happy Camping!

  • April L.
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Oak Ridge Primitive Campground

    Nice

    It's nice quiet clean close to Publix and gas station, trails are not really maintained but great for horses. Camping is ok I guess .


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 236 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 140 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.